Spring Lake September 2023

Spring Lake

Also Serving Sea Girt

FRIENDSHIP AND FLOWERS

THE HOLLY CLUB

BIG FUN WITH SMALL BOATS PERFECTLY PAIRED: BEST WINES FOR LOCAL SCALLOPS

Sea Girt’s Guiding Light

As a realtor and local resident I offer all my clients a high level of expertise, knowledge and confidentiality for both buyers and sellers. My years on Wall Street allow me to negotiate confidently on your behalf and my expertise in design, renovation and custom home building will assist in your acquisition of the perfect seaside home for your family. Marie

Photo Credit: MJ Scotto Photography

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One year ago, I launched the "Porches 4 Paws" initiative, driven by my dual passion for real estate and furry friends. As a designated "Pet Friendly REALTOR®," I've had the privilege of working with countless adorable pets, affectionately referred to as "pawstomers." These encounters, coupled with my affinity for front porches, inspired me to make a meaningful difference. This is why for every home I sell, I commit to donating $125.00 to support various animal rescue efforts.

It's become a heartwarming ritual to snap a picture with your pets on your porch when photographing your home. These snapshots capture the essence of what Porches 4 Paws is all about - homes filled with love and compassion for animals in need.

As we commemorate one year of Porches 4 Paws, I'm grateful for the opportunity to blend my profession with my passion and contribute to the well-being of these deserving animals. Here's to more homes, more porches, and more furry friends finding their forever homes in the years to come.

Thank you all for supporting the “Porches 4 Paws" journey. And a special thank you to my "Pawstomers" Louie and Harper pictured above!

Hello, September!

Looking back on the sunsoaked months that just passed, we’re reminded of the experiences that make this season unforgettable. The tapestry of summer in our area includes the invigorating feeling of a dip in the ocean, the thrill of reeling in dinner and the simplicity of walking on the beach with family.

Spring Lake MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher

Brynn Coleman

Group Publisher

Jodi Bruker

Art Director

Sue Park

Copy Editor

Nancy Fass

Writers

Justine Bouton

Judith Jones-Ambrosini

BY MICHELLE WOLFE

With three kids ages 7, 10 and 13, my summer was filled to the brim with lots of beach days, ocean swims, bike rides and evenings at Spring Lake Theatre, watching my daughter perform with her friends. It is truly a gift to experience these special summer moments with them. We went on lots of ice cream and snack bar runs, ate lunch on the balcony and chased low tide throughout the weeks.

As the calendar turns and fall emerges, there’s a shift in the air—a transition back to routines, sports and schedules. But let us not forget the secret treasure that is Local Summer. The quieter beaches, the unhurried dinners at our favorite restaurants and the chance to rediscover the magic of our hometown without the crowds. This is the time to reclaim our beaches and savor the quiet.

I’d like to send out a sincere thank-you to the lifeguards and beach staff who make our oceans safe and keep the beaches pristine. Thanks to all the shopkeepers and restaurant workers who really feel the brunt of the summer crush. When the hustle of the peak season subsides, we’re left with the essence of what makes this place our home.

Warm regards,

Brynn Coleman Publisher

Vincent Dicks

Cynthia A. Murray

Alicia Wagner

Kate Czyzewski

Lead Photographer

Michelle Wolfe

Photographer

Vincent Dicks

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

PHOTOGRAPH

Around Town

BY JUSTINE BOUTON

STARLIGHT Celebration

Join the Spring Lake Theatre community for its 10th annual Starlight Gala on September 15 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The Starlight Gala—sure to be extra special this year as Spring Lake Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary—offers a splendid way to commemorate the conclusion of summer among local residents and friends. The evening will showcase cuisine from various local restaurants, live music performed by the Joe Baracata Band and dancing beneath the stars. Additionally, a silent auction featuring substantial prizes will span the duration of the event. This occasion calls for cocktail attire and is open to those age 21 and older. Reservations can be secured for $150 per person at www.springlaketheatre.com.

SHOP FRESH

On “The Green,” located just north of the Sea Girt Library, Sea Girt’s Farmers & Artisans Market, under the direction of new recreation director Janeen Yodakis, will take place on September 16. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can indulge in locally sourced produce, culinary delights, entertainment and handmade goods. This event is open to the public, and both vendors and attendees can participate without charge.

The extraordinary lifestyle of The Monmouth can be yours in this uniquely customized home. The open floor plan offers over 4200 SF of luxurious living space with Onyx marble flooring in the Foyer and Fireplace surround, a stunning, designer Poggenpohl Kitchen, granite countertops, gleaming hardwood flooring and exquisite cove lighting, millwork and built-ins throughout. This intimate 55+ community boasts a 7,000 square foot clubhouse with outstanding amenities including an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center and an 18 hole putting golf course. The oversized, heated 2 car indoor garage is on the ground level in the secure building. A ‘’manned’’ gatehouse greets visitors. Your new lifestyle will include proximity to amazing beaches, fine dining, local boutique shopping and great golf! Requesting $1,295,000

To learn more or to schedule a private showing contact Michael today.

Around Town

Now That’s

Italian!

The beloved Italian Festival and Art Walk is set to return to Morris Avenue and Third Avenue in Spring Lake. On September 23, from 12 to 5 p.m., the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce will oversee live performances by Julian and Dominique, a presentation by the Spring Lake School of Dance and a later show by Zachary Alexander, known as the “Hoboken Frank Sinatra.” Attendees can relish these performances while enjoying a beer and wine garden, Italian culinary specialties, face painting, a petting zoo, balloon twisting and a variety of vendors.

THE KNIGHTS OF SPRING LAKE

Spring Lake resident Stephen G. Kenny, pictured with his wife, Sheila, celebrates his debut novel, “In the Beginning: The Knights of Spring Lake Series” (published by WestBow Press). This coming-of-age story follows the journey of two boys as they evolve into young men, dedicating themselves to unraveling mysteries while becoming embroiled in a supernatural struggle between good and evil.  The book, set in Spring Lake, is available to purchase on Amazon.

PADDLE FOR A CAUSE

On October 14 at 10 a.m., witches and warlocks will convene for the fourth annual Witches of Spring Lake Paddle for a Cause. This year’s paddleboarding event aims to raise funds for the Friends of Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center, which provides support for a facility designed to minimize the trauma experienced by child victims in a safe environment. Registration for each participant is priced at $35 and can be completed through the Eventbrite website.

WE WELCOME IDEAS for Spring Lake and Sea Girt events and happenings to feature on this page. Please send to hello@springlakemagazine.com

MEET THE AUTHORS

Thunder Road Books presents James Patterson and Mike Lupica in Spring Lake. In celebration of the release of the authors’ new novel, “12 Months to Live,” Basil Iwanyk, owner of Thunder Road Books, will host an evening with the authors at Spring Lake Community House. For $40, attendees will secure a seat to enjoy the discussion and receive a signed copy of this eagerly anticipated novel. The conversation is scheduled for September 25 at 7 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase on the Thunder Road Books website.

Are you interested in learning audition techniques or improving your craft as a triple threat in Theatre Workshop? Do you hope to elevate your talents in various dance disciplines including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Hip Hop? Join the SPRING LAKE THEATRE & DANCE ACADEMY for our 41st year of childrens’ arts education where building confidence and instilling kindness are part of our core values!

300 MADISON AVE, SPRING LAKE 732.449.4530

SPRING LAKE THEATRE & DANCE ACADEMY

Perfectly Paired

BY CYNTHIA A. MURRAY WITH RECIPE BY KRISTIN BLENDINGER

Growing up on the Jersey shore, some of my favorite food memories included local shellfish like “shrimp in-the-rough” and butterdipped hot steamers; fresh corn on the cob from nearby farms; and ripe, juicy tomatoes that tasted like a summer day. So having the chance to pair chef Kristin Blendinger’s local scallops dish with wines that complement their fresh flavor was a nostalgic—and delicious—treat!

PAN SEARED LOCAL SEA SCALLOPS TOPPED WITH JERSEY CORN SALAD

Makes 4 servings. Suggested accompaniment: creamy polenta grits.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 large sea scallops about 1 lb. (patted dry)

• 1 tbsp. avocado oil

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

• Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Season scallops with salt and pepper.

2. Add avocado oil to large skillet on medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other.

3. Sear for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown crust forms on bottom. Turn scallops over and turn heat down to medium low.

4. Add butter to pan and baste scallops with melted butter for 1 minute.

5. Remove scallops and place on serving platter. Reserve melted butter.

CORN SALAD TOPPING

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ears of corn, shucked and cooked

• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, each sliced in half

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

• ¼ cup scallions, sliced

• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut corn off cob

2. In a large bowl, mix corn, tomatoes, basil, scallions, oil, salt and pepper.

3. Top scallops with corn mixture and drizzle with reserved melted butter.

Author Cynthia A. Murray is co-owner of The Bottle Shop, a second-generation wine and spirit merchant in Spring Lake. Kristin Blendinger is a personal chef and catering manager at Ray’s Cafe in Sea Girt. She creates custom menus for events of all sizes. Ray’s Cafe Catering is a full-service operation including event planning and staffing. Contact her at Rayscafecatering@gmail.com. Website: Rayscafenj.com. IG Rayscafenj.

Bring out the best in scallops by serving them with fresh local produce and a dry, crisp European white wine.

Cynthia A. Murray from The Bottle Shop and chef Kristin Blendinger from Ray’s Cafe Catering have teamed up to bring you a delectable Jersey Shore treat.

RECOMMENDED WINES

When selecting a wine to enjoy with local scallops, the best way to go would be to choose a crisp, dry white, with lovely freshness and acidity. For delicate seafood to truly shine, you want your wine to be clean, aromatic and balanced. Here are three amazing whites that would pair well, from France, Greece and Spain.

François Carillon Chassagne-Montrachet

$99.99

An impeccable, classic white to pair with shellfish is a good white Burgundy from France, the birthplace of Chardonnay. The inherent richness and roundness of this noble grape planted in prized limestone soils, along with citrus, pear and subtle vanilla oak notes, make white Burgundy a divine match for Kristin’s creation.

This Chassagne-Montrachet is made by the Carillon family, standard bearers since the 16th century in the Burgundy region. Seductive, deep and long in the mouth, this white would be an incredible showstopper to pair with local scallops.

Lyrarakis ‘Psarades Vineyard’ Dafni $29.99

The second wine that leapt to mind was a clean, salty, summery Greek white from Crete made of the ancient grape variety Dafni, named after the dazzling beauty in Greek mythology, the nymph Daphne, who was turned into a laurel tree when she begged to be saved from Apollo’s advances. Look for green pear, citrus, bay leaf and lemon verbena notes with a smooth texture and mouthwatering finish. According to our friend, Cretan vintner Bart Lyrarakis, wines made from this ancient grape were likely to have been drunk by the Minoans as far back as 3,500 B.C.

Vinos Marinos ‘El Neptuno’ Albariño $19.99

Our third pick is a bright, aromatic, old vine Albariño from Galicia on the north coast of Spain. Scallops are renowned in this province, where these large mollusks are farmed along the Atlantic coast and served right out of the shell with lemon. The Albariño grape has a floral, yellow fruit-driven vibe with underlying marine flavors from the sea and hints of spices. Ultra clean, dry, but not too dry, this Albariño is made from grapes farmed with sustainable and organic methods. It is named for Neptune, the god of the sea.

Holly Club of Sea Girt members, from left: Eileen Ruszala, Diane Raver, Carol Sandford, Jackie Joule and Judith Jones-Ambrosini

Rooted in Community

BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

Consider this compelling mission: The Holly Club of Sea Girt is organized exclusively for charitable purposes to create and cultivate a love of gardens and flowers; to utilize their therapeutic effect; to extend their beauty throughout town; and to promote education through scholarships and programs so that we can become better stewards of the air, water and land.

It all began in 1955. A group of Sea Girt gardeners under the leadership of their first elected president, Mrs. Henry C. Berg, came up with the idea to form a gardening club. Its purpose was to help beautify the town by planting azalea bushes and impatiens throughout the borough. They called themselves the Holly Club. Since those early years, the club has grown and expanded its original mission to include a myriad of creative projects and dedicated services.

What goes on at the Holly Club? Members meet on the first Thursday of the month from September through June. Presentations and workshops are given to cultivate knowledge of the environment and gardens. At the June picnic, scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors on their way to college to study horticulture, environmental sciences or related fields. December is the club’s festive Christmas party/luncheon.

“The earth laughs in flowers.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Holly Club of Sea Girt members have a long history of beautifying, educating and preserving the town they love.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE HOLLY CLUB OF SEA GIRT

Committees at Work

To get an idea of how extensive the club’s activities have become, look no further than some of the organization’s committees. Efforts include:

Sea Girt Lighthouse: In 1981, the Holly Club began to work together with Sea Girt Lighthouse as part of a citizens group dedicated to saving the building from destruction. Today, members create fresh flower arrangements for Sunday tours from April through November, enhancing the live-in feeling of the residence once occupied by the former lighthouse keeper and his family. The club also cares for lighthouse gardens by planting, watering, weeding and pruning. In December, members enjoy decorating the interior of the lighthouse for the Christmas season.

Beautification Committee: This committee chooses and maintains flowers for all to enjoy at beach entrances along the Sea Girt boardwalk in a good example of backyard gardeners practicing their skills. Beyond the boardwalk, four planters grace the library entrance. During fall and winter months, planters are filled with seasonal flowers and greens. This summer, for the first time, seven additional planters complement Washington Boulevard and the post office. All

plants are thanks to generous sponsor donations. The Beautification Committee worked with the borough in planning the 24 hanging baskets that adorn downtown Sea Girt. At Christmastime, it joined the town in financing and decorating lampposts along Washington Boulevard. In 2017, the club created a Centennial Garden and donated it to the town. It is planted in front of Borough Hall for all to enjoy.

Garden Therapy: Before COVID, members visited Preferred Care at Wall on a monthly basis to assist residents with making flower arrangements. Now, due to ongoing COVID concerns, the committee gathers to make floral arrangements and delivers them to the facility for patients to enjoy.

Scholarships: This committee studies applications and awards annual scholarships to qualified high school graduates who plan to study horticulture or environmental sciences.

Fundraisers: A variety of fundraising efforts help achieve the above-mentioned goals. In the past, annual luncheons were the mainstay source of financial support. Other efforts have been the publication of a cookbook by members, recipes and the “Color the Shore” coloring book. This book depicts iconic places

in Sea Girt, Spring Lake and Manasquan along with beach scenes to appeal to both adults and children. Holly Club participation in the Sea Girt Farmers Market and Christmas Market have been creative and successful endeavors providing a cornucopia of food items, books, crafts and community goodwill.

Operation Azaleas: The Azalea Committee is working hard at restoring the beautiful azalea gardens flanking Cornelius Park. They were planted in 1968 in memory of Sea Girt soldiers who lost their lives in Vietnam. This project entails cleaning up and pruning existing azalea beds and establishing new ones. Spearheaded by current president Diane Raver, the committee is a recipient of a grant from the National Gardens Clubs Plant America program for this community-based gardening project.

If you have an interest in gardens, flowers or the environment, check the Holly Club website. The club welcomes new members as they bring new ideas, talent and energy. The Holly Club of Sea Girt is thankful for the generous donations and support from Sea Girt residents.

“Gardening is the purest of human pleasures .”– Francis Bacon

Judith Jones-Ambrosini, a Sea Girt resident for more than 30 years, is involved with the Holly Club Beautification Committee. She is currently writing a collection of short stories.

Since 1955, Holly Club of Sea Girt members like Judith Jones-Ambrosini (left) and Jackie Joule (right) have been brightening the town with beautifully designed planters and baskets. All plants are thanks to generous sponsor donations.

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Guiding Light

For 43 years, the Sea Girt Lighthouse helped keep mariners safe. Now, it’s a much-loved community museum.

BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

The flashing beacon could be seen 15 miles at sea. It was December 10, 1896, when the Sea Girt Lighthouse lantern tower, with its fourthorder Fresnel lens and light, flashed for the first time. It guided mariners through fog and storms. The location in Sea Girt was chosen to illuminate the dark space at midpoint between the Navasink Twin Lights and Barneget lighthouses.

In 1920, Sea Girt Lighthouse was the first land-based station in the world equipped with a radio fog beacon transmitter. (Eventually, the U.S. Lighthouse Service expanded this system along the entire coastline.) Today, the lighthouse is a treasured landmark that has been preserved and restored through the efforts of dedicated volunteers.

“Lighthouses are known as America’s Castles, and they really are. They’re all readily identifiable, and they give us a tangible glimpse into an era of history when nautical travel ruled.”

– Robert S. Varcoe, Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee trustee

A Plum Assignment

It is rumored that the Sea Girt Lighthouse was considered a plum assignment because it was only 42 steps up to the tower while other lighthouses were more than 200 steps. Lighthouse keepers were a colorful bunch. In total there were five keepers, one acting keeper and a young nursing student who filled in for her father for 24 hours. The first keeper, who sported a mane of white hair, wild moustache and long goatee, was a Civil War veteran of the Union Army and sometimes spy. When the second keeper died while on duty, his wife, mother of their four children, took command as acting keeper. The next keeper was an inventor who spent his career up to that point as an engineering officer on lightships.

Keeper William Henry Harrison Lake, affectionately known as “Pappy,” served the longest term as keeper: from 1917 to 1931. During Lake’s time, the beacon was updated to a brighter electric light. “All we had to do was turn a switch and off it started,” Lake told the Coast Star.

Collectively, the keepers won over a dozen commendations.

Fire Aboard the Morro Castle

One stormy September day in 1934, the luxury liner Morro Castle caught fire about a mile off Sea Girt waters. George Thomas, Sea Girt’s last keeper, kept the beacon flashing throughout that fateful day. It helped guide crew and passengers to shore. Six local lifeguards, including retired keeper Pappy Lake’s son Elvin, known as “Toots,” raced in to help. They were unable to get their lifeboat past the powerful breakers, but with strength and determination they were able to rescue 15 people. Today, artifacts from that September day are on display at the lighthouse. (The Lake family is still connected to the Sea Girt Lighthouse: William Mountford, the great-grandson of keeper Pappy Lake and grandson of lifeguard Toots Lake, is a trustee of the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee.)

War, Peace and Coasties

In 1939, with the expectation that the United States was going to war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dissolved the Lighthouse Service. He placed all U.S. lighthouses under Coast Guard command. During World War II, most lights were extinguished so as not to give direction to enemy ships or silhouette Allied ships. The lighthouse’s lens was removed. Coasties arrived to stand watch in the tower and patrol the beach. By late 1944, with victory in sight, beacons were relit. A flashing electric light was installed in the lantern tower. Then, in 1954, before closing the building, a truss tower was constructed on the corner of the property to house the light.

In 1956, the decommissioned lighthouse and property, excluding the truss tower, were put up for sale. It was then that the Borough of Sea Girt purchased the iconic landmark for $11,000.

Sea Girt Lighthouse and towers of the radio fog beacon transmitter with cars of beachgoers parked on the newly paved Beacon Boulevard, circa 1925.

COURTESY SEA GIRT LIGHTHOUSE CITIZENS COMMITTEE

Save Our Lighthouse

By 1981, the historic red brick lighthouse was in shambles from age and overuse. For over two decades, it had functioned as a busy town library, recreational and community center. Over time, the building became dilapidated and was closed. It was then that townspeople acted.

A group of concerned residents formed the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee (SGLCC). They ran an ad in the Coast Star stating that the organization had offered the Borough to “restore the historic building, making it safe, beautiful and useful again—at no cost to taxpayers!”

Mayor Tom Black said all options were under consideration, including selling the property. Pressure mounted. On July 11, the SGLCC hosted “Save Our Lighthouse Day” at the army camp. Over 300 people attended. “Save Our Lighthouse” became

the slogan for the campaign.

SGLCC volunteers knocked on residents’ doors asking for recruits and donations. Eventually, an agreement was reached with the town to lease the lighthouse for $1 a year for 25 years. The SGLCC dutifully managed a full restoration of the building, preserving its history and keeping it open to the public. The $1 per year lease has been extended to 2056.

The pristinely restored building is open 150 days a year to be enjoyed by members and visitors. Docents give tours on Sunday afternoons from April through November. Group tours for students, scouts and others are conducted year-round. A summer art show draws crowds, and a gala lawn reception known as the “Signing of the Lease” party occurs in August. The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey welcomes participants who visit 10 lighthouses and other buildings on the third weekend of October.

THANKS!

A special note of thanks to Sea Girt historian Bill Dunn, author of “Sea Girt Lighthouse, The Community Beacon and Images of America—Sea Girt Lighthouse,” for his generous guidance in fact checking all the information in this article.

Looking Ahead

Jude Meehan, SGLCC president, notes: “Maintaining an over 100-year-old building is an ongoing mission for the trustees. We are always on the lookout for interesting artifacts to add to our collection.” Meehan also mentioned that the trustees are considering bringing back the once popular “Night Climb,” so, stay tuned.

Whether you are a history buff or curious about what’s inside, you’re sure to enjoy a visit to the Sea Girt Lighthouse, whose flashing beacon helped keep countless mariners safe for over a half century.

As trustee Lauren Behre says, “From our house to yours: Come visit, volunteer, donate and spread the joy of the Sea Girt Lighthouse.”

To learn more about the lighthouse, call 732-974-0514 or visit www.seagirtlighthouse.com.

Judith Jones-Ambrosini is a Sea Girt resident. She wrote the Coast Star’s “Shore Palate” column for 10 years and loves learning about local history.

Small Boats, Big Fun

BY VINCENT DICKS

If you walk around Divine Park in Spring Lake in warm weather, several kayaks and canoes sit in the shadows, but the most consistent boats out on the water are at the southern end of the lake. Up to four times a week, model sailing yachts race one another around a series of buoys, taking advantage of the prevailing southeasterly sea breezes.

Observers quickly realize that these craft are controlled at the shoreline by skippers seated under the trees with radio controls. The wind dictates the speed of the craft, but good timing allows the skipper at the controls to move the rudder and the sail to maneuver the craft around the buoys and to tack against the wind. A countdown clock warns racers of their limited time to get into position before the next race.

The Marbleheaders of Spring Lake is a club with around 30 members. The club started sailing in 1992, reviving a sport that had peaked in the early 1940s.

Pond yachts were popular as toys in the 1890s and were kept on a string or as free racers. Skippers would chase them around the pond. A competitive sport developed, often with father-son teams. Their model yachts were placed in the water and chased by a rowboat to manually shift their yacht’s direction. There were many classes of yacht and great variation in size and shape.

Popular for generations, model sailing continues to attract fans—and evoke nautical nostalgia.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY VINCENT DICKS. VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPH BY MARRIOTT C. MORRIS VIA LIBRARY COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA

A film negative showing Marriott C. Morris’s sons Elliston Perot Morris and Marriott Canby Morris Jr. as boys wading in Wreck Pond in 1907.

Marbleheaders of Spring Lake members (clockwise from top left): Mike Campbell, Skip Hall and Jerry Franko.

An Evolving Pastime

The sport really gelled in the 1930s. In fact, it was in 1930 at Redd’s Pond in Marblehead, Mass., that a club commodore, Roy Clough, proposed a new class of larger boats that settled on 50 inches on deck and 800 square inches of sail. This new M-class, or Marblehead, boat was just large enough to fit in cars of the day, and its popularity soared with enthusiasts, and thousands of kids all over America built their own Marbleheads.

World War II significantly impacted the popularity of the sport. Rocketry and hot rods stole some youthful interest, but model yachting survived with new technology and materials—and with sailors who remembered their childhood racing.

As radio control (RC) came into use during the 1970s, the ease of RC boats slowly took over free sailing and allowed older skippers to keep on sailing. The sport continues to this day with 40 classes of yachts along with racing clubs and regattas all over the country.

The Spring Lake club races five different boat classes: vintage Marblehead 50/800; vintage 36/600; Soling 1-meter; EC-12; and DragonFlite 95s. The club generally hosts three American Model Yachting Association events each season.

Vintage Fun

Jerry Franko of Spring Lake used to sail full-size yachts out of the Raritan Yacht Club. He’s been the secretary and fleet captain of the club and has been sailing RC models for more than10 years.

“It’s a great hobby,” he says. “I own somewhere between 22 and 25 boats. I fly model airplanes and crash my share. In model planes, if you’re not crashing, you’re not flying. With the model boats, accidents in the shallow water are rare.”

It’s easy to get started and have fun with one boat. While some members build their boats from scratch, a kit costs about $600 without the electronics. The club also races DragonFlite 95s, an off-the-shelf class of boats sold fully assembled except for the sails. Paying someone else for a fully custom racing boat, batteries included, might cost $3,500. Collectors and top competitors spend far more. Some also fly all over the world with their yachts to race against the best.

“We find that the best way to get the curious interested is to let them sail,” Franko says. “If we are not racing at the time, someone might just hand you the controls. You would be surprised how some people take to it right away.”

While he has a sailing background, Franko notes that the best large-boat sailors don’t always adapt well to navigating a model from

the shoreline. “Sailing a full-sized boat, you are looking all around and reacting to your environment,” he says. “With the models, some people get tunnel vision, just staring at their own boat.”

When asked about buoys and lack of vegetation at the south end of Spring Lake, Franko applauds the community. “The borough has been great to us,” he says. “They have been very supportive of our hobby, and they keep the lake pristine.”

Since operating the craft looks a lot like playing a video game, one might suppose the sport would be dominated by kids. But youth have all but disappeared from a sport that started as child’s play. Franko admits most participants are older men having fun. He has a theory about the lack of youth participation. “We grew up without all the distractions,” he says. “Modeling was part of growing up. The patience to sit quietly sanding down a block of wood is not very common today.”

But those joys persist for many. “It’s a lot of fun,” Franko says. “We always welcome new people to try it out.”

Vincent Dicks is a Sea Girt author who specializes in writing about the history of the Jersey Shore. Find more information at vincentdicks.com.

The Happiest Hour

For 40 years, these aerobic dance and fitness classes have been keeping Spring Lakers fit—and happy!

BY JUDITH JONES-AMBROSINI

It all began 40 years ago in St. Andrew’s Church Hall. Classes ran mornings, Monday through Friday. Linda Foy, Linda Cardin and Mary Reilly were some of the instructors back then. Fast-forward to 2023, and Foy continues to lead vigorous aerobic dance and fitness classes just as she did 40 years ago. And yes, some of the students who were dancing and lifting weights then are still moving to the rhythm of upbeat music under Foy’s energetic instruction today. Plus, some of their daughters have grown up to become enthusiastic participants!

During summer months, classes are held upstairs at the North Pavilion with a beautiful view of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. On occasion, schools of dolphins—or even whales—swim by to hail the dancers!

For the remainder of the year, the setting changes to the dance studio in the Spring Lake Community House. The difference between the two venues is that when indoors, students get to observe their jazzy steps in the mirrored studio. Jill Garfunkel and Valerie Maugeri also teach a variety of fitness classes including yoga, balance and light aerobics in the series.

Fitness and Friendship

Foy calls the program “Happy Hour Aerobics—The Happiest Hour of Your Day.” In addition to the benefits of exercise, Foy has created a welcoming social atmosphere of friends and support. She generously opens her home several times throughout the year for social gatherings where the women dress up in clothes other than their workout T-shirts and sneakers and share food, fun and perhaps even a glass of wine. A good time is always enjoyed by all. During the pandemic, when everything shut down, Foy came up with an inventive way to provide fitness classes, holding them in her open space backyard.

“I never thought about what I was doing,” says Foy. “I never really stopped to absorb it, just forged ahead to do what was necessary to keep us going. I

love what I do and love each and every one of our participants and hope they continue to be motivated by what we do together.”

Foy is truly a woman for Spring Lake to be proud of as she offers energy, kindness, caring and expertise to all those who stop by to participate in Spring Lake’s best-kept secret. The program, which was originally sponsored by Spring Lake Recreation, is now an independent service coordinated by Foy. However, Spring Lake Recreation continues to secure locations for the program. Classes are $5 per individual class or $50 for unlimited monthly classes. It’s the only fitness program offered for seniors in Spring Lake. To learn more about what could become the happiest hour of your day, call 732-672-7329 for complete information.

Tuesday morning class led by Jill Garfunkel

Judith Jones-Ambrosini has been an enthusiastic participant in the Spring Lake Happy Hour program for nearly 40 years. She credits it with keeping her forever young, healthy and fit.

From left: Valerie Maugeri, Jill Garfunkel and Linda Foy

There’s No Smile Like a Cuozzo Smile

While children should have an initial visit with an orthodontist by age 7, it doesn’t mean treatment will begin right away! We evaluate your child’s specific needs and never rush into treatment so that their experience in braces is as brief as necessary. Schedule your complimentary exam and consultation today.

Specializing in general, surgical, pediatric, adult and cosmetic dermatology, Connolly Dermatology offers dermatological care for the whole family at offices conveniently located throughout NJ, DE and PA.

Coyle S. Connolly, D.O. has combined his passion for helping people and love of teaching to bring quality dermatological care to South Jersey for over 2 decades. Dr. Connolly prides himself in giving patients straight-forward information about their skin concerns and encouraging them to ask questions. Established in 1996, Connolly Dermatology now offers state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical treatments of skin cancer, including superficial radiation therapy in our dedicated skin cancer treatment centers.

One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Call us today to schedule your skin cancer screening and to discuss how we can help you meet your personal skin health goals.

Coyle S. Connolly, D.O.

Tame Your Photos!

BY ALICIA WAGNER

Our personal photographs represent precious artifacts that have the capability to preserve fleeting moments in our lives. With natural disasters on the rise, there is no better time to digitize and preserve your photo collection. Thankfully, by scanning your collection into a digital library, you can ensure these memories will endure, bringing joy to generations that follow.

Whether you opt for a DIY approach or hire a photo manager, the advantages are manifold. If you’ve ever sorted through a box of your parents’ or grandparents’ photos, you know that the elements can wreak havoc. Typically, these old photos are in attics and basements where photos are exposed to damaging heat and humidity. Relocating these photos into an interior closet is a great first step.

Make Finding Photos a Snap

One of the most advantageous aspects of an organized digital library is the sheer ease with which you can retrieve specific images at any given moment. The days of rifling through old boxes of scrapbooks or loose photos are replaced with the convenience of a digital library at your fingertips.

We are in the age of online photo sharing, and it’s an easy way to connect with your friends and family. Once you have an organized library, you can take advantage of low-cost photo-sharing technology by companies like Amazon, Google and Apple. Amazon Prime members have access to unlimited digital photo storage, as well as free print delivery. Creating slideshow presentations for display on your television during the holidays has never been easier.

How to Get Started

Meticulously sorting through your printed collection before scanning will save you time and money. It will also ensure you don’t transfer a chaotic physical collection into the digital realm.

Discard duplicates and repetitive images. No one needs 20 photos of the Statue of Liberty or the Grand Canyon! Separate your photos by year (even by decade is OK), occasion or family member. Arrange your printed photos how you want to see them digitally and use shoeboxes or plastic baggies to keep them organized. Can’t remove photos from old albums? No problem, just scan the entire page.

If this task feels overwhelming, rest easy knowing there are professionals available to help. Now let’s get started!

Fall is a great time to preserve and organize your photo collection. These pro tips will help you get started.

Alicia Wagner has been a certified professional photo organizer (yes, that’s a thing!) since 2017. She has helped many clients preserve, curate and enjoy their photo collections. For a free consultation, visit www.orderlyphotos.com or call 310.922.8487.

Alicia Wagner, a certified professional photo organizer, has helped many clients preserve, curate and enjoy their photo collections.

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Rockin’ Reads

Top recommendations for music lovers from Thunder Road Books

BY KATE CZYZEWSKI

“MUSIC IS HISTORY”

by Questlove

This is a must-read for the music lover and music historian. We continue to follow Questlove’s talent as he performs nightly with Jimmy Fallon and the Roots. Music was always at the forefront of Questlove’s home, as his father led a ’50s doo-wop group, Lee Andrews & the Hearts. He traces music influences from 1971 to today.

“THIS IS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE”

by Susan Rogers and Ogi Ogas

This book dives into the science and reasoning behind why we gravitate toward different genres of music and what our musical tastes say about us. Do you like music “above the neck” (intellectually stimulating) or “below the neck” (instinctual and rhythmic)? Discerning where you fall in the science of musical tastes makes this book a fun gift and great conversation starter.

“THE STORYTELLER”

by Dave Grohl

Grohl, of Foo Fighters (who are headlining Sea. Hear.Now) chronicles the events and experiences of his life and how they have shaped him as a musician, father and human. This memoir by an artist who understands his craft and reflects on all his experiences within the world of music is one of Thunder Road Books’ biggest gifted volumes of the year and a frequent sellout.

“I AM BRIAN WILSON: A MEMOIR”

by Brian Wilson (with Ben Greenman)

As we eagerly await the arrival of New Jersey’s biggest festival, Sea.Hear.Now, we’re stacking up our favorite music books.

“PARACHUTE WOMEN: MARIANNE FAITHFULL, MARSHA HUNT, BIANCA JAGGER, ANITA PALLENBERG, AND THE WOMEN BEHIND THE ROLLING STONES”

by Elizabeth Winder

Many music lovers associate The Rolling Stones with their cutting-edge sound, unforgettable looks and decades of iconic tracks. But these women—sometimes seen by fans as mere groupies—were the inspiration and at times the remixers and stylists for the Stones.

The Beach Boys are also featured artists at this year’s Sea.Hear.Now fest. For this, Wilson’s second memoir, Greenman interviewed the musician over several months. Wilson’s struggle with mental illness over the course of his career deeply impacted his production and trajectory for future projects. His struggles coupled with drug use and expectations of “genius” are all depicted in this moving account.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE

Kate Czyzewski is the events and store manager of Thunder Road Books, which has a robust music section and a close relationship with Sea.Hear.Now sponsor Transparent Clinch Gallery of Asbury Park.

PLEASE HELP MAUI

THE MAUI STRONG FUND USES 100% OF DONATIONS TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS

Please support our friends at Hawaii Business Magazine in collecting donations to help the victims of the one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.

Maui Strong is a nonprofit fund that quickly deploys food, medicine, housing and other essentials to the survivors of the devastating wildfires on Maui and those le jobless.

To donate, use the QR code below or go to hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

Maui’s ‘ohana is grateful for your support!

An Uplifting Anniversary

Members of the Spring Lake Golf Club enjoyed exciting hot-air balloon rides at the club’s 125th anniversary party. Photograph by Michael Scotto.

Campi Dental delivers comprehensive, single-location dental care through the use of modern techniques, cutting-edge technology, and treating patients like family. For generations, we have always put our patients first and provide expert dental care in a safe, convenient, and compassionate environment.

Kitchen Designer: Brittany Rizzolo

Kitchen Designer: Andrea Garone Kitchen Designer: Niki Kovacs

Kitchen Designer: Ralph Katz