bay magazine fall 2025

CO-FOUNDER | CHAIRMAN PUBLISHER

GARY HENDERSON

CO-FOUNDER | EDITORIAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR

FARRELL DUNLEAVY VP OPERATIONS

LUELLEN HENDERSON

CONCEPT & STYLING WEDDINGS

JEANNE COON-BOGATH

BOGATH WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

JOHN MARTINELLI

MICHAEL SPARK

ROBIN CHASE

MICHAEL JOHN MURPHY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

JENNA COWPERTHWAITE

LISA SIMEK

DENISE PETTI

SARAH HODGSON

CAROLYN MIJAL

SUSAN VON BRACHEL

ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS GENERAL INQUIRES

info@bay-mag.com

slipping away

No matter how hard we try, those delightful summer months seem to slip through our fingers like the island’s shimmering sand. But may we remember that this season ushers in its own host of treasures. The blazing goldenrod that dazzles our senses. The suggestion of crisper air when the wind blows just right. And the collective exhale as we embrace the slightly slower pace of life. This time of year provides the ideal window for buttoning up our home from the inside out, not only to prepare it for the winter months, but also with an eye to the summer of 2026. Read suggestions and inspirations from local businesses and homeowners on how to stay on top of things for your property. It’s also a time to focus on ourselves a bit more, whether it be adding a few fresh pieces to our wardrobe, addressing some nagging wellness concerns or indulging in cozy happy hours and holiday plans with friends. We hope these pages provide some valuable insight in how to help make these next few months absolutely stellar.

Generations of Memories

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

Photos by Michael Spark

Vicky Farricker enjoyed summers on Long Beach Island ever since she was a little girl. As Italian immigrants, her parents found themselves missing their native seaside neighborhoods and Long Beach Island proved to be the perfect balm. Her father purchased their original family vacation home for just $12,000, offering Vicky and her siblings years of lifeguard parties, summer jobs, and lifelong friends. In fact, Vicky first spotted her future husband, Martin, on the beach and when their paths crossed again a few years later at a mutual friend’s wedding, the two hit it off. When Martin and Vicky got engaged, her father realized they needed a home that could accommodate their expanding family. As fate would have it, he ultimately purchased a lot on the very same street where Martin had proposed to Vicky. After interviewing several builders, Vicky’s father chose Thomas J. Keller to craft a new home for his growing family, granting Martin and Vicky the opportunity to continue making summer memories with their own children. Decades later, with their children now grown, the Farrickers found themselves in the same situation—seeking to update the family beach home to better suit the next generation. And who better to help them than Tom Keller, beautifully coming full circle with their family’s journey on LBI.

“I have been dreaming about this house for literally the past thirty years,” shares Vicky, still a note of disbelief in her voice as she stands in her gorgeous new kitchen. Collecting ideas from episodes of Big Beach Builds and drawing inspiration from various movies set in The Hamptons and Cape Cod, Vicky knew exactly what she wanted: traditional coastal design elements that would create a physical representation of their long-standing family legacy on Long Beach Island—a place where (hopefully soon-to-be four!) generations of her family could gather together.

The Farrickers launched into the design and build process with Tom and his team along with architect Craig Brearley. Vicky notes, “One of the most enticing factors in working with the Keller team is the accessibility of each person on the project. I can easily reach out to the electrician or the specialty carpenter directly. We had a strong sense of trust and confidence in the whole team right from the beginning. I felt completely at ease following their guidance, whether it be where to run plumbing or even aesthetic decisions.” After delving into the plans and numbers, Vicky and Martin realized that it would be both more cost-effective and time-efficient to start from scratch, rather than renovate the existing home.

The end result proves that it was indeed a worthy decision. Charming NuCedar siding and striking mahogany soffits around the exterior establish a tone of elevated relaxation. The entry staircase delivers guests into a bright, open-concept living space with areas carved out for a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Vicky was adamant about having a spacious, centralized place for everyone to congregate, and the inclusion of an extra-high coffered ceiling makes the area feel even more expansive.

Vicky’s dream kitchen, brought to life by Francie Milano, sets the tone for the entire home. The perfect-shade-of-white cabinetry is accented by gorgeous quartz countertops and gold hardware. It feels

luxurious, yet accessible. To maximize space, they flipped the configuration of the original island, granting room for five chairs.

Across the room, built-in benches around the fireplace—complete with a custom mantle—play double duty as comfortable seating and extra storage. An adjacent dry bar frees up space in the kitchen while keeping family and

friends engaged in happy hour cocktails. A covered deck off the living room offers a panoramic view of prime summertime fun on the bay, complete with sailing, windsurfing and even outdoor concerts. It also provides valuable shade during sweltering summer afternoons. “This corner of the home used to get so hot mid-day,” says Vicky, “but adding a roof—thanks to the advice of the Keller team—helped immensely.” They even converted half of the original outdoor deck into part of the dining room, carving out an area perfect for their large round dining table. “We have several other outdoor spaces, so it was more important to have the additional square footage indoors.”

Beyond practicality, the Keller team helped Vicky and Martin infuse extra bits of character in even mundane places, like U-shaped stairway walls finished in ship lap, extra-wide trim in every room, and a host of beautiful built-ins. Hall closets feature wood shelves for an added touch of luxury, pocket doors enhance functionality in select locations, and the addition of a pantry offers precious storage space. Character-grade wide plank flooring in a light wood stain emphasizes a great warmth throughout the home.

Fundamental in the overall design are the six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half baths Vicky and Martin needed for their family. Their children grew up with what they fondly refer to as “blow beds” scattered around the house, and they’re so pleased to provide a private bedroom for each of them. They incorporated additional sleeping space in a custom-built bunk room thoughtfully designed for storage and accessibility. All of the bathrooms, also designed by Milano, are a delightful union of function and style to make the home built for beautiful living. Their master bedroom strikes the perfect balance between cozy and airy with unique white-washed shiplap wood on the walls and an oversized sliding glass door which opens to a private porch, ushering in a soothing view of the bay. A classy,

frosted-glass door provides entrance into the luxurious master bathroom, featuring an extra deep shower and beautiful marble.

As the house is raised, Vicky wanted to make sure they made the ground level completely functional using approved flood-proof materials. The flooring throughout is both beautiful and practical— an epoxy in an ocean-inspired blue-gray hue with white flecking, a material which can easily be swept off or hosed down. This level houses their mudroom, meant to keep the sand and pool water contained while providing whimsical anchor-themed hooks, oodles of shelving, and charming baskets for stylish storage. A garage and additional storage room offer valuable space for larger items. The indoor cabana area, featuring a large bar, makes entertaining in the adjacent pool yard a breeze and showcases gorgeous custom-built carriage doors for added flair.

The crowning glory of their family home, though, is the rooftop deck, a frequent gathering place for the family as they take in the spectacular sunsets over the bay while enjoying a meal. “We couldn’t be happier,” proclaim Vicky and Martin. “Tom and his team are truly phenomenal, and the entire project was smooth sailing. When we speak to friends about their home projects with other contractors, it’s clear that our positive experience is definitely not the norm. We are so thankful for what we have now and I feel close to my parents here. Speaking for the whole family, this truly is our happy place!”

A LEGACY IN BLOOM

Preserving Old Beach Haven Through Visionary Design

Tucked behind a charming stone wall on Marine Street in Beach Haven, just steps from the shoreline, is a family home that feels as if it has always belonged. The entry, with its antique-style wooden door, evokes the enchantment of a secret garden. Open it, and you step into a hidden world where lush hydrangeas bloom beside flowering trees and native plantings that echo the timeless beauty of vintage Beach Haven. What lies beyond is entirely new; a sweeping outdoor retreat that blends coastal luxury with the nostalgic soul of the island. It is the product of personal history, generational dreams, and the creative leadership of Luke Reynolds, a member of the next generation at Reynolds Landscaping, who brought vision, artistry, and heart to every detail.

For homeowner Lainie Cox, the journey to this home is rooted in cherished memories. “My family’s been coming to Beach Haven since the ’80s. We’d stay at the Engleside Inn, rent homes nearby, and bring everyone down: my parents, my sisters, their kids. It became our tradition,” she shares. “When we finally bought our home in 2020, we knew it had to be in Beach Haven. Nowhere else held that kind of meaning for us.”

But the property, built in 2013, lacked the warmth and old-world charm Lainie longed for. “It had good bones, but the outdoor space was a blank slate, just a three-car garage and some overgrown trees. We saw the potential, but we needed the right team to bring it to life.”

That’s when Reynolds entered the picture. Brought on at the recommendation of their general contractor to handle the landscaping, the Manahawkin-based firm was initially tapped to transform the home’s exterior spaces. But what began as a landscaping job quickly evolved into much more. When construction issues began to mount and key interior elements were left unfinished by the original contractor and his subcontractors, it was Luke Reynolds who stepped in to take control. “Luke and his team didn’t just help. They saved the entire project,” Lainie recalls. “They took over where others fell short, completed critical interior work, and still delivered an incredible outdoor design. I wish I had used them from the very beginning.” Now, Lainie says she turns to Reynolds for everything from landscaping and renovations to custom interiors and seasonal decor. “There is nothing they cannot do and no one I trust more.”

Luke Reynolds, who led the project, is emblematic of the evolving legacy of the Reynolds family business. As the next generation steps up, they’re not only continuing the company’s commitment to excellence; they’re pushing creative boundaries and offering clients a fully curated lifestyle. Under Luke’s guidance, the Cox home became a deeply personalized oasis: elegant yet unfussy, lush yet low-maintenance, and rooted in the coastal heritage of LBI.

The outdoor space balances function and luxury. A garage bay was transformed into a shaded living area topped with hand-carved pergola beams, brought in with cranes for their sheer scale. A fully outfitted kitchen, grill, pizza oven, fireplace, and mounted outdoor TV make it perfect for entertaining Lainie’s extended family, which includes three daughters, friends, and visiting relatives every summer weekend. “We wanted a space where people could gather, relax, celebrate, rain or shine,” says Lainie. “Luke really listened. He designed a layout that offers sun and shade, privacy and openness, fun and flow.”

To navigate the island’s strict impervious coverage limits, Luke and landscape architect Brian Swank integrated permeable materials like artificial turf and selected resilient plantings tailored to the property’s unique microclimate. But the most remarkable element is the way the garden feels rooted in Beach Haven history. “We told them we wanted that oldschool look; the classic hydrangeas you see on Atlantic Avenue, flowering trees, color, life,” says Lainie. “And they nailed it. Everything feels alive and timeless.”

At night, the magic deepens. Tiny lights twinkle in the trellises. Uplighting on trees and floral borders creates an ethereal glow. A private, Reynolds-constructed walkway leads from the backyard directly over the dune to the ocean, lined with tiki torch-style lanterns that conjure the mood of an old-world beach retreat. “It’s our haven,” Lainie says. “Every time I arrive, I exhale.”

The project didn’t end with the backyard. When home construction issues arose with their previous GC, Luke and his team stepped in to complete major aspects of the renovation. They refreshed the façade, reclaimed one

garage as a full home gym with rubber floors, custom mirrors, and reclaimed wood accents. They sourced design elements from The Shops at Reynolds and continue to provide weekly floral deliveries and seasonal decor services. “It’s truly a full-service experience,” Lainie emphasizes. “From lighting plans and permitting to maintenance and plantings, they handle it all.”

Perhaps what makes the Cox project so special is that it isn’t just about creating a beautiful home, it’s about building a legacy. “This house is for our children, and their children,” says Lainie. “We’ll never sell it. It’s our family’s forever home. It’s where we gather, where we heal, where we unplug. Luke understood that from day one. He treated it with that same level of care and meaning.”

In the end, the Reynolds team didn’t just create an outdoor living space. They preserved the essence of old Beach Haven and gave it a new heartbeat. Through their thoughtful design, reverence for place, and client-centered creativity, they turned a vision into an heirloom.

“I can’t recommend them enough,” Lainie says. “They brought our dream to life, and then some.”

Celebrating 100 Years!

Times

Everything Old is New Again

THE RHODES FAMILY’S RETURN TO BEACH HAVEN

Written by Denise Petti Photo by Real

On a quaint, quiet block in Beach Haven’s historic district, just steps from the lyrical lull of the ocean, amid the heartbeat of a beloved summer town, a new home stands with the grace and elegance of something much older. Built with intention, retrospection, and reverence for the past, the cedar-clad residence of Joshua and Kristine Rhodes is more than just another coastal construction. It’s a homecoming of sorts, and a love letter to the architectural heritages of both New England and Long Beach Island.

“We knew we wanted a really big front porch,” Kristine says, laughing, “and hydrangeas! We wanted it to feel inviting and elegant and truly traditional. We didn’t want a lot of flair, we really just wanted something simple and sweet.”

That simplicity runs deep, even as the home itself is anything but ordinary. Crafted by architect and builder Mi-

chael Pagnotta — his third project now with the Rhodes family — the home blends historical authenticity with quiet sophistication. From the classic brick fireplace to the cedar floorboards on Kristine’s coveted porch, from the shiplap ceilings to the rich woodwork and cabinetry that seem to strike just the right amount of boldness and balance, this home is thoughtful in every detail.

“We told Michael and everyone involved, this house is going to be elegant, but not ornate,” Josh shares. “We wanted it to feel like the New England cottages we grew up with. Comfortable, approachable, and timeless.” Kristine’s connection to LBI goes back to the age of five, when her father built a modest A-frame on Marine Street.

“Before my Dad decided to build, we’d visit family friends on Liberty Ave, and every time we’d leave, I’d beg my Dad to buy a house down here,” she recalls.

“And if he were still here today, he’d tell you I’m the reason we ended up in Beach Haven.”

That first home became a generational anchor. Kristine and her sister ultimately inherited it, raised their babies every summer in it, and eventually, Kristine and Josh decided together to buy out her sister’s share. Their two sons, Lukas and Benjamin, spent their childhoods exploring the nearby tennis courts, searching for crabs down by the boat launch, and biking for ice cream after long, fun days in the sun.

“They were just babies back then,” Kristine says, her voice warm with nostalgia. “It was so special.”

As their family grew, so did their needs. Fast becoming close quarters, they put the Marine Street home up for sale in 2015 — accepting an offer within just twelve hours of listing it - launching a three-home journey through Holgate that included renovating a fixer-upper on Joshua Avenue, then subsequently building two new homes with Pagnotta in Island’s End.

“We loved Holgate, but it turns out our hearts were in Beach Haven,” Kristine recalls. “Josh and I had spent our earliest years together, walking to and from The Shell. We must have passed by this lot one hundred thousand times. We’d ride our bikes from Holgate back to town all the time. One day we saw the lot had become available, and we just knew.”

At first, their sons resisted the notion of another move, having grown comfortable in their newest Holgate home. Even so, Kristine knew it was the right thing to do.

“I told Josh, I think we should do it.”

“So we did,” Josh says. “And we’re never looking back.”

The lot the Rhodes family chose sits beside one of the iconic “Seven Sisters,” a collection of historic Victorian homes deeply embedded in Beach Haven’s historic architectural lore. The lot was once the adjacent yard for one of the Sisters, and longtime neighbors were initially wary of the proposed change.

“You’d hear people walk by during construction saying, ‘What a shame,’” Josh remembers. “But now, we’ve had dozens of people stop and say how much they love the house, how it honors the history of the street. I think we’ve changed hearts and minds.”

They attribute that transformation to the sensitivity of Pagnotta’s design and the unwavering quality deliv-

ered by the entire Pagnotta team, who helped guide the homeowners through selections and finishing touches.

“One of the many things we’ve come to value is that Michael and his team never compromise,” Josh says.

“If a vendor got backed up, Michael wouldn’t swap in someone new just to stay on schedule. He knew it was worth the wait, and we knew from our former projects with him what kind of craftsmanship we were getting.”

The result is a home that looks and feels like it’s always been there. It may be shiny and new, but it doesn’t pull you out of your memories. It feels like it belongs to a different time, one that’s deeply sentimental.

From the moment you approach the home along its red brick path, the architecture feels familiar, anchored by a grand, Nantucket-style shaded porch adorned with handsome transom windows and rich cedar floorboards and ceiling. The home’s elevation meets modern flood requirements, but otherwise, every detail had to conform to strict historical guidelines. That meant lower

height restrictions, historically appropriate fencing, and even the exterior color palette.

The home’s aesthetic pays homage to Kristine’s Jersey Shore nostalgia as well as Josh’s Massachusetts roots.

“I vacationed in Narragansett growing up,” Josh says. “I loved those Cape Cod style homes, the cozy rooms, the wood ceilings. That’s what we were going for here.”

The result is a harmonious blend of New England charm and old-school Beach Haven personality. Inside, the home is a throwback to yesteryear while also a masterclass in simple elegance. Shiplap ceilings, white oak floors, and thoughtful millwork give the home a timeless warmth. The high quality cabinetry is simple and functional. Kristine’s bold color palette employs playful contrast with its rich green cabinet bases paired with white uppers, a natural wood island, and warm brass fixtures.

A farmhouse sink adorns a powder room featuring bold,

dramatic wallpaper. Throughout the home, personal touches - from handmade mantels to lattice privacy screens, crafted by Josh himself - make the space uniquely their own. It’s a carefully curated blend of coastal comfort and creativity.

The couple’s attention to detail extends to the outdoor spaces as well. The backyard is a serene retreat, with an added porch designed for quiet evenings and friendly conversation. A brick patio surrounds the pool along with meticulously manicured lawn and landscaping. These warm, welcoming exterior areas have served as lush extensions of their living space.

“We sit on the back porch a lot,” Kristine says. “But on the front porch, people wave, they stop to chat. Dogs come by for treats. There’s a true community here and we feel so at home. We didn’t realize how much we missed that.”

That sense of home is especially meaningful now, as their sons grow into adulthood. Lukas, 21, is headed to

medical school. Benjamin, 19, is studying at Johns Hopkins. And while their lives may take them far from LBI, their roots will always lead them back.

“Our boys joke that if we ever sell this house, they’re putting us in a home,” Josh laughs. “But they aren’t kidding.

They really feel at home here, and in making the choice to do this build, Kristine and I feel it’s already theirs.”

As the sun sets behind the shingled rooftops and neighbors stroll past on evening walks, it’s easy to forget that this home is new. It so seamlessly blends in with the rhythm of the neighborhood, just as the Rhodes family has returned to the rhythm of their family tradition.

“Beach Haven,” Kristine says, “it’s always been home.”

And like any good home, it’s not just where they live. It’s where they love, where they remember, and where the next generation will follow in their sandy footsteps.

Not your Average SHORE HOUSE

Thoughtful Symmetry & Tailored Coastal Design by Oskar Huber

Written

When a family with a keen eye for detail and a taste for timeless design decided to trade up their Harvey Cedars summer retreat for a grander home in North Beach, they knew exactly who to call: Marcia McCracken of Oskar Huber Furniture & Design. With its angular architecture, oversized rooms, and a footprint made for entertaining, the new home demanded more than just furnishings; it called for vision.

No seashell prints, no weathered white slipcovers, no typical beach house tropes. Instead, what emerged was a layered, quietly luxurious interior filled with custom craftsmanship, thoughtful symmetry, and a color story that feels refined rather than resort-y. McCracken, who had worked with the homeowners before, brought her signature blend of intuition, collaboration, and precision to every corner of the space, balancing comfort with sophistication, and structure with softness.

Having worked with the homeowners on previous residences in Harvey Cedars and Short Hills, McCracken came into this project with an intuitive understanding of their taste: classic, traditional, with a refined sensibility that’s a far cry from the stereotypical flip-flop-and-beachy-blue motif. “Nothing is overly crisp or whitewashed, but there’s

still color,” McCracken notes. “They wanted something sophisticated, but inviting. And because the rooms are so expansive, scale was critical.”

McCracken’s ability to blend structure with softness is rooted in a rich and diverse background. Raised between Jenkintown, Pennsylvania and Ocean City, New Jersey, she was deeply influenced by her father, a successful architect and engineer with a love for mid-century modern design. She studied in New England and spent several years living in Europe, residing in Paris and Brussels, where she cultivated an appreciation for international decorative arts. Prior to joining Oskar Huber, she spent a decade in Manhattan working for Bloomingdale’s and other fashion-forward companies, experiences that sharpened her eye for detail and style. Today, her design sensibility reflects a classic traditional foundation, thoughtfully layered with vintage and global influences.

That scale is immediately felt in the main living area, a stunningly symmetrical, octagon-shaped great room with mirrored seating arrangements on either side of a wide central passageway. Two sofas face each other across substantial coffee tables, flanked by pairs of chairs and accent seating, all carefully balanced to fill the airy space without overwhelming it. The architectural angles could have been a challenge, but McCracken embraced them.

“Instead of trying to force a traditional layout, we let the geometry guide the design,” she says. “The symmetry makes it feel grounded.”

Just beyond the living room, a dining area houses a dramatic 84-inch round table (crane-lifted through the upper deck patio sliding doors!) and a striking round chandelier to match. It’s a gathering place for meals and conversation, made more intimate by a subtle knee wall that defines the space while keeping the open-concept floor plan connected.

Throughout the main level, texture and tone do the heavy lifting. A rich walnut-topped kitchen island is paired with caramel-hued leather counter stools, providing contrast and warmth without veering into visual heaviness. Linen draperies in a soft, toffee-toned stripe frame wide windows, softening the bright natural light and providing cohesion between living and dining zones. Behind it all is a carefully selected palette of subdued color, layered neutrals, dusty blues, warm woods, that gives the home a feeling of depth and comfort, never fuss or formality.

While the design never strays into cliché, subtle nods to coastal life are tucked in with care. In the entryway, a bold blue statement cabinet adds a cheerful hit of per-

sonality against clean shiplap walls. “We wanted something with impact, especially since there wasn’t any art in that space at first,” McCracken explains. “That cabinet became the focal point. It’s playful, but grounded.”

Further examples of custom craftsmanship include two made-to-order pieces from Charleston Forge, a U.S.based furniture maker known for heirloom-quality ironwork. One is a low-profile wine console designed to fit perfectly beneath the knee wall; the other, a narrow console topped with a thick, water-like slab of glass, adds a sculptural presence without impeding sightlines.

Upstairs, the serene primary bedroom continues the theme of understated luxury. A combination of lighter-toned upholstered headboards and deeper wood finishes adds contrast, while a vibrant, multicolored rug, cream-based with turquoise accents, anchors the room. “It’s not bold in the typical sense,” McCracken says. “But there’s a quiet richness to it.”

On the first floor, the family room takes a more playful turn with bolder hues: think a curved navy sectional and bright orange swivel chairs in custom upholstery. The shape of the space, again octagonal, called for thoughtful layout planning. “A straight sectional just didn’t work here,” McCracken recalls. “But we found a curved one

that echoed the architecture and created a great conversation area.”

With five bedrooms on the first floor and a pool cabana room, the project is one of scale, detail, and evolution. “First we completed the bulk of the furniture selections, and then continued layering in artwork and outdoor elements as time went on,” she says. “It was an ongoing collaboration. The homeowners trust me, and that makes all the difference.”

That spirit of collaboration is at the core of Oskar Huber’s design philosophy. “It’s never about pushing a look,” McCracken says. “It’s about understanding the client’s lifestyle, how they want to live in the space, and helping them get there in a way that’s both functional and beautiful.”

In a home where every angle was thoughtfully considered and every detail shaped by collaboration; the result is more than just beautiful interiors. It’s a space that reflects trust, history, and heart. Thanks to Marcia McCracken’s vision and the deeply personalized approach of the Oskar Huber design team, this North Beach retreat isn’t just styled for summer. It’s designed for the way a family truly lives, gathers, and grows season after season, year after year.

We don’t just build homes We Build Dreams

PROUD INSTALLERS OF NOVIKSTONE, THE LEADER IN STONE SIDING

The Health of Your Windows and Doors

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite Photos by John Martinelli

When you find yourself shutting the windows against a salt breeze that grows colder by the day, may it be a reminder to check the overall health of your windows and exterior doors. These facets of our home typically weaken after fifteen to twenty years and replacement becomes a smart investment for comfort, energy savings, and home value. While many of us naturally consider spring as the optimal time to replace windows and doors, Bill McDermott, Woodhaven Lumber and Millwork’s Manager of Residential Supply and Install, explains that in our mild coastal climate, fall and winter can actually be the ideal time to make the move.

By reaching out to Woodhaven in the fall, customers secure the current year’s pricing before inventory is re-evaluated to reflect the manufacturer’s increased pricing for the new year. Additionally, fall customers get ahead of the inevitable rush of people who open their homes in the spring and realize the windows or doors are not fit to weather another season. Plus, as the spring season naturally carries more risk of rain, project delays are minimized in the generally drier weather of fall and winter.

Beyond these practical pricing and logistical considerations, replacing windows and doors carries a number

of inherent benefits for your home regardless of when it’s done. But first, how do you determine if it’s time to replace your windows or doors? Bill offers a few tips:

• Is the glass still clear?

• Have you noticed the possibility of any seal failures leading to water leaks, drafts or excess outside noise?

• Are they difficult to open or close?

• Is your locking hardware operating properly?

• Do you see any visible damage?

Generally speaking, all windows and doors age differently, so Woodhaven invites you to schedule a complimentary assessment of your home with Bill. If he does find that your windows or doors have reached the end of their functional life, he will offer multiple solutions and detailed quotes to help you find exactly what you’re looking for within your budget. In working with this family-owned and -operated business, customers receive a premium product without sales gimmicks or high pressure contracts; in short, they offer you a fair price every time.

As a Professional Dealer of Andersen Windows & Doors, Woodhaven supplies and installs the full range of windows and doors from Andersen, a top-tier, cen-

tury-old manufacturer chosen for their products’ ability to withstand the harsher conditions of coastal living. Within this premium brand, there are five different series of windows at various price points. You can further refine your selection in regard to window style, type of glass, grille pattern, and more. There are even options for heat-blocking glass to save money on energy costs in the hot summer months. Woodhaven also sells an extensive selection of French patio doors and sliding glass doors from Andersen.

For your front entry door, Woodhaven is proud to offer industry leader Therma-Tru. Replacing the front door is often aesthetically motivated, as it can dramatically change the look of your home from the outside, as well as the feel of the room on the inside. It’s also your home’s first line of defense—both in regard to security and protection against the elements. Bill will lend professional guidance as you decide how much glass you want, where to insert decorative flourishes, and what kind of hardware to select. Therma-Tru guarantees their finish even amidst Long Beach Island’s coastal weather. They often recommend a full composite door to protect from the elements, but a solid wood door can be a choice in the proper application with a protective overhang.

As a Certified Contractor of Andersen Windows & Doors, as well as a Therma-Tru Certified Door System Installer, Woodhaven’s professional installers bring your project full circle, offering the added ease of all project touchpoints under one roof. With their team of experts to guide the way, replacing your windows and doors in the off season will ensure your house is ready to welcome friends and family as soon as the weather warms again.

Build with an Architect™

THE ART OF THE BUILD

Written byKatherine Lioudis

Some places leave a lasting impression.

Like many others, Shawn Mahoney’s love for Long Beach Island started from a young age. He spent summers in Barnegat Light in the 1960s, and dreamed of one day having a house where his own kids could experience long summer days on the island.

Years later, he and his wife Lorraine bought a property on LBI, always planning to rebuild or buy new once Shawn retired. This wouldn’t be just any project though, it would have to be something lasting. The kind of home a lifetime leads up to. A place to grow into, and cherish for years to come. And they knew it had to be done right.

They explored other areas along the Jersey Shore, but Long Beach Island kept calling them back. Eventually, they decided to rebuild on their oceanfront lot and extend on to the rental property behind it, creating a sweeping main home and guest house designed for both beauty, functionality, and togetherness.

That’s when they discovered Stonehenge.

The father and son team behind the custom home building company, John and Michael Szymanski, immediately stood out to the Mahoneys. Known for

their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and deep local roots, Stonehenge brought a level of care and precision that matched the vision Shawn and Lorraine had been dreaming about for decades.

Stonehenge has been building on Long Beach Island since 1998, with a clientele and reputation built almost entirely on referrals. With hundreds of homes completed and four generations behind the name, the Stonehenge approach is guided by one core: do it the right way. For John and Michael, this means more than just completing the job. It means constant communication, respect for timelines, and a deep commitment to the homebuilding craft.

As John explains, “One thing that’s funny about these homes is when you look at them, when they’re all done, they look grand and effortless, like they just evolved. But there is so much work that goes into creating that. It’s deceiving when you look at the end product and people say, ‘wow, that’s really a cohesive thing.’ But it’s not simple to make. It takes a lot of care and attention to detail. That’s the secret, it takes a lot of work to make it look as natural as it does. And that’s really the goal, to get something that’s pleasing to the eye and responsive to the site.”

Their process starts long before the first nail is placed.

John and Michael spend hours with each client, translating ideas into plans, and plans into homes that feel exactly right the moment you pull up to the front door.

That commitment to quality is perfectly encapsulated in the Mahoneys’ home. A blend of timeless materials, meticulous finishes, and thoughtful architecture, it’s the kind of place that feels both grand and grounded. It’s no surprise the home has been featured in supplier campaigns and product catalogs, used as an example of how to get it right. Or, as Lorraine puts it: “Better than I ever thought it could be.”

From the beautifully designed pub room to the breezy bridge and expansive decks, every element was crafted with purpose. “There’s probably not any aspect of the house that wasn’t given the attention that it needed at that time,” John says. “The result was this amazing house that really is just radiating character throughout.”

Stonehenge’s attention to detail comes through in every home they build, even down to the placement of TVs, which is carefully considered to avoid unsightly wires and maintain the integrity of the design. John spent hours collaborating with Lorraine, sketching by hand to bring shape to ideas she hadn’t yet fully visualized, but knew she wanted.

Custom cabinetry by Handmade Furniture in West Creek lines the kitchen and pub room, complemented by warm herringbone floors and diagonal beadboard coffered ceilings. A central stair tower wraps the back of the house, offering panoramic views from nearly every angle.

The guest house, perched above the garage and connected by a pergola-covered bridge, includes its own living area, bedroom, and loft. Outside, every material was carefully selected: NuCedar siding, composite garage doors, and salt tolerant finishes designed to weather time and tide. Even the tile work was done entirely by hand, over months, by a single artisan whose craftsmanship left a lasting mark.

Looking back, it wasn’t just the finished product that made the experience so memorable, it was the process. “I just felt comfortable,” Shawn says. “Stonehenge was very helpful through the whole process. We saw things the same way, and they really helped guide us through it all.”

Another happy Stonehenge client, with a home that is designed to stand the test of time. Crafted with care, and built to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Preparing Your Property for Winter

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

While the cooler months often mean we do not visit our Long Beach Island homes as much, they still deserve our attention to keep them at their prime. Making important winter arrangements for your property ensures that your home remains in top condition and helps prevent costly repairs down the line. Ash Outdoor understands the unique challenges of preparing your coastal home for the winter. Their lineup of property management services promises to have expert eyes and hands on your home while you’re not there, safeguarding it for another priceless summer.

WINTERIZATION SERVICES

Since life at the beach is often synonymous with spending a great deal of time outdoors, it also means that there are many areas of your property that demand attention as freezing temperatures threaten. Ash Outdoor winterizes all outdoor spigots, sinks, showers, pool houses and irrigation systems, leaving no area forgotten. They also devote extra care and attention to closing up your pool and hot tub.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN CLEANING AND SHRINK WRAPPING

Following months of eating al fresco, your outdoor kitchen is undoubtedly in need of a deep clean. Ash Outdoor removes debris from the burners, checks the valves and hoses on your grill, and uses a degreaser to thoroughly sanitize your cooking surfaces. They drain supply lines from the outdoor sink to save the pipes from freezing and extend the life of your investment by shrink-wrapping the kitchen. This protection from the harsh salt and UV rays goes a long way to preserve the beauty of your countertops and cabinetry. It’s important to note they wrap it in such a way that moisture is still able to escape, avoiding any issues with mold and mildew. Of course, once spring comes around, they remove the shrink wrapping and turn on your water lines to gear up for another season.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE CLEANING AND SHRINK WRAPPING

After drinking morning coffee on the patio and sharing happy hour cocktails on the deck, we slowly move our rituals indoors as the weather brings a chill. Though many of us grew up with grandparents who would bring the outdoor furniture inside for the winter, this new generation periodically uses our homes outside of the summer season. Instead, Ash Outdoor recommends shrink wrap to allow outdoor storage of your furniture while still protecting it from the elements. They begin by cleaning your furniture. It’s important to note that various outdoor furniture materials, like resin, teak, wood, and metal, may require different ways of cleaning and maintaining. Even your umbrella may need lubricating or at least some basic cleaning, along with the furniture cushions. When the warm weather finally returns and the backyard beckons for lounging, grilling or entertaining alfresco, Ash Outdoor will spruce up your space and have it ready to go.

CERAMIC COATING ON STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES

Repeated exposure to coastal weather will take its toll on appliances in your outdoor kitchen. Ash Outdoor prevents corrosion by treating them with a safe ceramic coating to protect the surface. By sealing the pores of the stainless steel, they prevent water minerals or hand oils from penetrating the surface, which keeps them looking like new.

WEEKLY/BIWEEKLY HOME WATCH SERVICES

Ash Outdoor takes great pride in redefining the standards of property management for a second home. When your home is left vacant for periods of time, it brings much peace of mind to have their trusted team provide weekly or biweekly on-site inspections. They will also work with you to establish snow removal and plowing arrangements.

CARPENTRY SERVICES

The off-season is the perfect time to complete any small repairs to your deck, steps, and railings. Ash Outdoor offers professional carpentry services to keep your backyard oasis looking beautiful and working properly.

POWERWASHING

It’s critical to periodically remove salt buildup and mildew from your outdoor space. The Ash Outdoor team follows industry best practices to ensure that power washing is an appropriate choice for each material around your home, focusing on decks, patios, furniture, stone, outdoor kitchens, fencing, and the home exterior. While washing they are careful to protect your plants and landscape, and they conduct a detailed clean-up upon completion.

Don’t risk unpleasant surprises around your home when Memorial Day weekend 2026 rolls around; Ash Outdoor is pleased to professionally prepare your home for the cold months ahead and monitor it throughout the winter.

Founded in Legacy. Driven by Trust. Built to Last.

For 40 years and counting, Walters has crafted custom homes built with the Jersey Shore community in mind.

With decades of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the Jersey Shore, Walters has long set the standard for custom coastal living. But this isn’t just where they build, it’s home.

Ed Walters, Jr., Founder and President of Walters Homes, grew up on Long Beach Island, where he helped build his parents’ home nearly 50 years ago. That experience sparked a lifelong love of construction. He founded Walters Homes in 1984 as a small, family-run business which soon grew into a highly respected builder across the region.

“This is where it all began and this is what inspires us to bring our home building experience to communities all over Long Beach Island and beyond,” said Walters. “We are passionate about helping others bring their coastal dreams to life.”

This early passion laid the foundation for what Walters is today – a cornerstone of Jersey Shore real estate. With over 2,000 homes built, Walters is trusted by homeowners up and down the

shoreline and that commitment to excellence defines every step of their custom homebuilding process.

Creating a custom home with Walters is a threestep process, with all three teams under one roof: Architecture, Interiors, and Construction. First, clients visit the Architectural Design Studio, where a team of industry veterans evaluates the property and works to understand the client’s lifestyle, goals and personal preferences. Together, they build a personalized architectural plan that will outlast anything from coastal weather to homeowner lifestyle changes.

In the next phase, the client moves on to the Interior Design team. Where other builders only offer pre-determined packages, Walters customizes every detail. Expert designers guide the homeowner through selections from fixtures to finishes, so every aspect of the home is timelessly designed and built exactly to their personal tastes.

Finally, when the plans are finished, the experienced Walters Construction team begins the building phase with precision and enduring craftsmanship. In addition to their quality materials and comprehensive pre-construction process, Walters stands out with a commitment to sustainable building practices. With ENERGY STAR® certified construction and efficient, environmentally friendly techniques, every Walters home is good for you and the planet.

“We hired Walters to build our dream home in Harvey Cedars. The entire team, from Architecture, Sales, Design and Project Management, were outstanding,” said one homeowner. “Our custom home was designed and built with nothing spared. We couldn’t be happier with the entire process and would recommend Walters without hesitation.”

Long after the final walk-through, Walters continues to excel in customer service. Walters

About Walters

Walters has been building quality homes at the Jersey Shore since 1984. The company offers Architecture and Custom Homes, and all-inclusive services that seamlessly bring a homebuyer’s dream vision to reality. Walters Architecture is a complimentary service that allows homebuyers to work with in-house architects to design the perfect home with the latest technology and quality building materials. Walters Custom Homes offers newly designed custom home plans that help homebuyers through the homebuilding process. Every custom home built by Walters meets or exceeds the energy efficiency requirements for ENERGY STAR® certification. Walters is located at 701 Central Ave, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008. To learn more, call 609.361.7000 or visit waltershomes.com.

is well-known for their knowledgeable guidance and proactive approach to catering to their homeowners’ needs. Whether you require followup maintenance, have questions or need support, Walters will remain dedicated to meeting every client’s needs even after move-in day.

“Our Walters closing coordinator walked us through all of the important aspects of new Shore home maintenance and warranties. We were also given documents to use as a reference for annual home protection and winterization,” shared a client.

For Walters, homes on the island and across New Jersey are more than a profession– they are their purpose. When you build with Walters, you’re not simply buying a house, you’re getting a home built by people who live and love island community. Contact the Walters team today to get started on your custom coastal dream home.

Ordinary to Extraordinary

Showcase your home with Style Vacation Homes by Louis Shaw. We have partnered with vacation property owners for over 20 years, offering a wide variety of vacation home services. Combining our expertise in vacation home management with our unique approach to design, we have transformed homes from ordinary to extraordinary! At Style Vacation Homes, we believe today’s quality guests are looking for a home that will offer a resort-like experience. From the moment of first contact to the time of checkout, our hospitality team provides each guest with V.I.P service.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can create a customized home management package that fits your needs.

Team up with Style Vacation Homes by Louis Shaw, and let us do the work so you can relax!

A TEENAGE GIRL’S DREAM BATHROOM

Written By Jenna Cowperthwaite Photos By Michael Spark

In giving their entire home a major facelift, Barnegat homeowners wanted to provide their teenage daughters an opportunity to participate and put their own stamp on a space uniquely theirs. Through the Elegance

Surface Concepts showroom, the girls had a chance to mix and match shower tiles, vanity colors, flooring and fun finish details to each craft their ideal bathroom. It turned out to be quite a learning opportunity for their parents, as well, as they were genuinely surprised at many of their daughters’ choices. The result in both bathrooms is a beautiful reflection of the young ladies who devoted care and attention to designing their individual spaces.

The eldest daughter curated her bathroom around a gorgeous creamy gray and tan tile. She chose to use the tile for the shower walls and ceiling, but also the bathroom floor and even a halfwall around the perimeter of the bathroom, ultimately creating a tranquil and chic flow throughout the space. The halfwall tile was capped with a polished nickel schluter, a modern way to cleanly finish off tile. Complements of the partnership Elegance Surface Concepts has with Twin City Glass, she was able to select custom sliding glass shower doors that show off the striking pebble floor. The shower also has a large, rectangular niche in a simple tan herringbone tile, plus a smaller one underneath for additional organization. Marc and Candyce Lape, owners of Elegance Surface Concepts, carefully considered the personal details for each of the girls to help them design a bathroom that fit their individual needs; for example, they made sure the shower had a niche large enough to fit their Costco-sized shampoos. The custom-built vanity in a sophisticated gray-brown hue was extended to include a makeup counter at one end. Marc took care to perfectly match the veining of the quartz countertop into the sink bowl, offering an upscale look through this high attention to detail.

The younger daughter was inspired by the beach when designing her bathroom. She selected a stunning tile with textural waves and ripples in blues, greens, tans and whites for the shower walls. Elegance Surface Concepts suggested extending that tile onto the

shower ceiling, creating the dazzling effect of swimming in the ocean. The niche and shower floor are crafted from small hexagonal tiles from that same manufacturer’s collection, simultaneously providing contrast and cohesiveness. She opted for a hinged frameless glass shower door for a touch of luxury in the space. The bathroom floor features a tile that echoes the feel of a sandy beach underfoot. A white chair rail keeps the room feeling open and airy, while also adding some dimension. Her custom vanity features deep dusty blue cabinetry with a sandy swirled natural stone top. Marc and Candyce strongly recommended this natural stone top for its inherent ability to withstand contact with hot hair styling tools, such as curling irons and straighteners. Just as he did in her sister’s bathroom, Marc again was adamant about the subtle details of the room, like matching the veining of the countertop into the sink bowl.

The bathroom renovations proved to be a great way to give the girls ownership in their home, and they certainly developed a greater appreciation for all the work their parents did on the rest of the house. Plus, they now have every teenage girl’s dream: a gorgeous bathroom that totally reflects their own style and functionality preferences.

A Beautifully STYLIZED Outdoor Space

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

While most of us can appreciate a beautifully stylized outdoor space, Style Vacation Homes by Louis Shaw is taking it to a whole new level. When working with clients to design their vacation rentals, Louis’ goal is always to create an upscale atmosphere where families and friends can truly relax and unwind. Implementing strategic design and practical functionality into his outdoor spaces, he makes the vacationer’s outdoor living experience even more seamless and luxurious.

Louis operates under the premise that a successful rental property offers guests a resort-like experience in the comforting privacy of a home.

“I work with my clients to include important amenities and thoughtful touches. When the outdoor area is both welcoming and practical, it invites more time in the fresh salt air, making for a true island getaway” he points out.

A luxurious outdoor lounge area is crucial to providing renters a resort-like experience. Starting with a foundation of plentiful seating and optimally placed tables, Louis adds area rugs, intimate lighting, and beautiful decor to really bring the space to life.

He believes that the outdoor portion of our property should act as an extension of our home.

“For example, there’s something universally appealing about the idea of an outdoor shower, but there’s a way to do it that feels gloriously indulgent, rather than simply rustic.” Details like adding windows, perhaps in frosted glass, make the shower enclosure like part of the home while bringing natural light to the space. He finds creative ways to include walls or other buffers to create privacy and seclusion while still ensuring the expansiveness inherent in showering outdoors. He loves to fully build out the space to include a mirror, a decorative shelf and whimsical hooks for dry storage. Louis

advises also considering something comfortable to sit on in a material that can withstand the weather elements, often incorporating teak wood accents which lend a spa-like feel. One of his signature moves is to connect the outdoor bathroom space into the home’s roofline, giving it a classic gable shape for visual appeal. He is careful to ensure the shower includes the necessary breathability along the top and bottom to stave off any mold or mildew issues common in a coastal climate.

Another key component in his stylized outdoor spaces? A complete outdoor bathroom. “With outdoor kitchens, lounging areas, showers, pools and hot tubs, a separate water closet is often the missing ingredient for a fully functional outdoor oasis,” Louis explains. One of the biggest selling points of this plan is the large role it plays in maintaining the integrity of the indoor environment—imagine no more piles of sand or puddles of water as people head indoors to use the restroom. And adding an exterior water closet is often more straightforward than we may assume. Louis seeks to tie it in with plumbing from an existing outdoor shower or along an exterior wall which shares space with an indoor bathroom or laundry room. Such strategic planning from the onset helps to alleviate the cost and minimize construction time.

Louis takes care to design the outdoor bathroom with an eye toward making it feel completely integrated, sharing “I strive to again and again drive home the feel of a luxury getaway in all of my rental properties.” He often employs features that we typically only see in an indoor bathroom, such as tile on the walls or a glass-enclosed shower. He may include a linear shower drain to help direct water runoff, keeping the rest of your outdoor space dry.

As fall begins, Louis explains, “This is the ideal season to reinvest rental income back into your property. It allows you to improve the rental experience for your clients without taking away from in-season guests.” As your property manager, Louis takes care of the entire process in redesigning your outdoor space, from the permitting, to working with engineers and contractors, to putting on the finishing touches. “Everything has to be functional, but guests should feel an elevated experience even when it comes to something as seemingly mundane as an outdoor bathroom,” he says.

Including a fully stylized complete outdoor space will have your home feeling as curated and chic as a five-star resort, ultimately boosting your bookings and rental income. Reach out to Louis Shaw at www.stylevacationhomes.com for a complimentary consultation to learn how you can turn your property into a luxury vacation rental.

Design and Build with Reynolds - Registered Landscape Architects

When it comes to creating the most comprehensive plans for your landscape, pool, and outdoor living areas, with over 45 years of expertise, we’ve built a legacy as the most trusted name in landscaping on Long Beach Island.

COASTAL Curb Appeal

Written by Sarah Hodgson

How Professionally Designed Exteriors Can Add Value to Your Home With Beechwood Landscaping Architecture and Construction

When it comes to home improvements, interior renovations often take center stage. But what most homeowners don’t know is that exterior upgrades can have a greater impact on the value of their property.

Exterior design elements like lush plantings, ambient water features with thoughtful and meticulously-laid pavers are no longer luxuries, but worthy investments.

Here to explain the importance of professional exterior design and its potential benefits to the home is Beechwood Landscaping Architecture and Construction.

INCREASES RENTAL INCOME

It’s no surprise that homes with premium exterior spaces justify higher rental rates and attract more tenants. Visually-appealing landscape design elements and luxury outdoor amenities like fire pits, pools and pergolas will likely lead to higher booking frequencies - especially in peak seasons!

RAISES PROPERTY VALUE

Studies have shown that homes with attractive exte-

rior spaces can increase their resale value by as much as 15-20%. Native plantings, well designed patios and hardscape, water features and functional al fresco living spaces are sure to increase your ROI when the time comes to sell.

EXTENDS YOUR LIVING SPACE

Did you know that you can add livable square footage to your home… with professional exterior design? That’s right. By adding thoughtful landscaping elements, entertainment areas and structural additions (like a kitchen, spa or firefeature), you can effectively blur the lines between the interior of your home, and the exterior of your home.

IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE

In the hands of a professional designer, an exterior space is more than just a backyard. It’s a personal oasis. A retreat. A place to connect with nature, unwind, or enjoy the outdoors with friends. Functional, beautiful spaces contribute to a more positive lifestyle through their inherently healing and restorative properties.

For nearly two decades, Beechwood has been curating thoughtful, coastal landscapes that exceed client expectations. Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s resale value, or simply want to boost your quality of life, Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction has the tools and expertise to beautify your outdoor environment and increase the value of your home. To learn more about Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction, visit www.beechwoodlandscape.com.

MILITARY GRADE PRECISION

The Drill Sergeant Cleaning Services Sets the Standard for Cleanliness

Written by Sarah Hodgson

In the military, the primary role of the revered (and often feared) drill sergeant is to transform civilian recruits into capable soldiers. An iconic symbol of excellence and professionalism, the drill sergeant upholds the standards of the army with a firm, unwavering hand. It’s fitting then, that Michael Yllanes, a veteran himself, chose the emblematic figurehead to represent his family’s cleaning company: The Drill Sergeant Cleaning Services.

Like most great entrepreneurial endeavors, Drill Sergeant Cleaning Services was born out of necessity. Almost 15 years ago, Michael and his wife, Lizeth, were balancing two jobs, had just bought a house and were awaiting the arrival of their second child when they decided to outsource some of their domestic responsibilities - specifically cleaning. But after doing the research, they couldn’t quite find a company that was up to snuff.

“Out of all the estimates that came in, we weren’t really happy,” Lizeth said. “They didn’t show up on time. They really couldn’t explain what their services were about. And they couldn’t give us an estimate at that time. They didn’t give you any information.”

So they pooled their skills (his from the military, hers from customer service), and set to work on building the business they (and other budding families) so desperately needed.

Fast forward to 12 years later, and Drill Sergeant-branded vans are as ubiquitous as ice cream trucks on Long Beach Island. The army green vehicles seem to be around every corner: parked at a rental property on changeover day, putting the finishing touches on a new construction or sidling up to a home for a routine cleaning.

In just a short time, Michael and Lizeth have grown their

start-up into a full-fledged cleaning empire in one of the most popular vacation destinations along the Jersey Shore. Serving Long Beach Island and nearby communities like Forked River, Manahawkin and Barnegat, the company offers everything from recurring residential cleanings and changeover services, to powerwashing and renovation cleanings.

The duo attributes their success to their undying devotion to customer service, which, for Lizeth, was top priority.

“I created the customer service that I wanted,” Lizeth said. “I wanted, not just to deliver a service to clients, but to build relationships.”

Lizeth and Michael have adopted a proactive approach to customer service. When a job is complete, a crew member is tasked with calling the customer to ensure the cleaning was satisfactory. If there’s a problem, Drill Sergeant sends a crew back within 48 hours to amend the issue.

It’s hard to believe that a client could ever be dissatisfied with the LBI-based business, given their passion, efficiency and sparkling reputation. In many ways, the Drill Sergeant business model encompasses the principles imposed by a real-life drill sergeant: cleanliness, open and direct communication, discipline, teamwork, growth. And it shows. Every room is cleaned with the utmost precision and care. Countertops are polished. Bathrooms are sanitized from top to bottom. Cleaning crews even work in structured teams so that designated leaders can hold their coworkers accountable.

Together, Lizeth and Michael have created the business they wanted, and then some.

Fortunately for the community, the growth doesn’t stop here. The family plans to expand Drill Sergeant into new avenues.

“We see Drill Sergeant evolving into more than just cleaning. Our passion is customer service, so we want to extend into other, related areas,” Lizeth hinted.

From launching a business, to growing that business into a reputable brand, Michael and Lizeth have, no doubt, become a leading name in the service industry. But out of all of their accomplishments, the couple’s biggest one to-date? Instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in their three children.

“Hopefully one day they get to do what they love too,” said Michael.

Inhale Hope, Exhale Fear: A Healing Space for Cancer Recovery

Contributors: Joan Werner, Jess Amaro & Katie Ribsam

It was September 2008 when Joan Werner’s world came to a screeching halt. She was at work in New York City when a call came from the nurse at her son’s boarding school. A hard lump had appeared on his neck overnight—immovable, ominous. “It’s possibly cancer,” the doctor said.

Joan could barely breathe. Her 16-year-old son Kevin—an athletic, vibrant teenager who had just finished a summer lifeguarding at a country club—was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. It seemed impossible. He had just passed a physical. He looked fine. But soon, chemotherapy became their new normal: hospital overnights, scan results, hair loss, and quiet breakdowns in the kitchen as clumps of his hair fell to the floor.

“I wasn’t ready to see the signs,” Joan said. “I just wanted my happy, healthy kid back.”

Watching Kevin grow too fatigued to walk, too drained to move, broke her. He was an ice hockey player, a lacrosse standout—and now, he could barely make it out of bed. “I would beg him to just go outside,” she recalled. “But he couldn’t. And he never complained. Never once. I was the one crying.”

In time, and with relentless hope, Kevin’s scans came back clean. His oncologist later asked Joan to help launch a nonprofit focused on pediatric cancer research. She agreed without hesitation. But over the years, that spark grew into something more personal and profound. Her healing path led her to Yoga Bohemia on Long Beach Island, where she enrolled in a 200-hour teacher training. There, she connected with two fellow students—Jess Amaro and Michaelina Petti—who also carried powerful personal connections to illness, trauma, and healing.

The three began to envision a yoga program that could support people impacted by cancer—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

Jess’s story echoed Joan’s in unexpected ways. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jess’s close family member was

diagnosed with lung cancer. As a new mother, she was flooded with fear—for her child, her family, and their future. She turned to prayer and began studying holistic health and disease prevention. Eventually, she became a certified Holistic Nutritionist.

That journey led Jess to yoga and meditation, and eventually to the teacher training at Yoga Bohemia. With the support of Joan and studio owner Kate Ribsam, Jess helped co-create a unique offering designed specifically for individuals facing cancer.

The result was Yoga for Healing, a FREE offering to those impacted by cancer. These classes are designed to be accessible for all with some students practicing on a yoga mat and others on a chair. Launched in February 2025, the program is supported by David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, founded by cancer survivor David Caldarella, and receives additional training support from Empowering Women Thru Motion.

All instructors hold at least a 200-hour yoga certification and have specialized training in trauma-informed care, accessibility, and oncology-specific yoga. Classes are offered on Sundays at 11:30am and Mondays and Wednesdays at 4pm at the Yoga Bohemia Surf City location.

But it’s not just about movement—it’s about sanctuary.

“When someone is dealing with cancer, they’re at their most vulnerable,” Joan explains. “We’re offering a space where they can just be. Breathe. Move. Feel connected again.” From the depths of her experience as a mother, Joan found her own healing through helping others.

Participants report reduced fatigue, better sleep, pain relief, and relief from anxiety and depression. Caregivers, too, find a moment of respite—something Joan remembers desperately needing during Kevin’s recovery.

“Yoga gave me a second chance,” she says. “And now I get to be part of someone else’s.”

For Jess, each class she teaches is a way to honor the health challenges her family faced—and to offer light to others who may still be in the storm. “I truly believe we’re building something sacred,” she says. “A community rooted in compassion, strength, and hope.”

From hospital hallways to healing circles, from silent prayers to shared breath—Yoga for Healing is more than a class. It is a living, breathing tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can find each other—and ourselves—again.

LAYER UP & TEE OFF:

DRESSING SMART FOR FALL GOLF AT THE SHORE

By Christopher Vanacor, Pro Shop Manager, LBI National Golf & Resort

Fall is a great time to play golf at the Jersey Shore. The cooler air, firm turf, and scenic fairways make for ideal playing conditions, but the season also brings unpredictable weather. Dressing properly is key to staying comfortable and playing your best.

Here’s how to gear up for fall golf, from the ground up:

START FROM THE GROUND UP

With damp mornings and softer turf, summer mesh shoes fall short. Choose waterproof, full-spike golf shoes for better traction and support. Our Pro Shop features performance options from Travis Mathew, FootJoy, Adidas, and PayntrX Golf, all designed to handle fall conditions.

PANTS THAT PERFORM

While shorts may work at midday, mornings and evenings can be brisk. Modern golf pants offer lightweight warmth, breathability, and unrestricted movement. FootJoy, Travis Mathew, and other trusted brands deliver on comfort and confidence, both on and off the tee.

LAYER SMART

Fall weather shifts quickly, and your wardrobe should keep up. We carry a wide range of layering pieces from quarter-zips and vests to technical hoodies and windbreakers, from brands like FootJoy, Travis Mathew, Monterey Club, Cutter & Buck, Swannies Golf, and Southwind Apparel. Whether you need lightweight coverage or insulated warmth, we’ve got you covered.

TOP IT OFF WITH THE RIGHT HEADWEAR

Protecting your head from wind and chill makes a big difference. We offer a seasonal selection of breathable caps, wind-blocking beanies, and cold-weather headwear to help regulate temperature and maintain focus through every round.

At LBI National Golf & Resort, we’re here to help you prepare for every round — no matter the season. Stop by the Pro Shop this fall and let our team get you outfitted for the conditions ahead.

-See you on the course!

fall in love with 506

Written by Carolyn Mijal

by Allie Gray

The Season of Soft Browns, Nostalgia, and Coastal Comfort. Fall on Long Beach Island doesn’t rush in with heavy coats and big city urgency — it arrives gently. One golden hour at a time. At 506, our approach to fall style reflects that same energy: effortless, unfussy, and perfectly layered for wherever the day takes you — whether that’s a barefoot walk on the beach or a breezy bike ride to your favorite dinner spot before the cold settles in.

This season, we’re falling hard for brown — all of it. From deep, rich chocolates to warm caramels and toasted oat shades, brown is having a moment, and we’re leaning all the way in. It feels like a natural fit here on the island — grounded, earthy, and quietly cool.

There’s still a whisper of 90s and Y2K influence in the air, but softened by the comfort of beach cottage-core. Think oversized knits you can live in, flowy dresses made for layering, and your go-to pair of jeans that get better every year. We’re not about chasing trends here. In fact, we’ve always done things a little differently. Style at 506 is about what works for real life on LBI — practical, beautiful, and made to last more than a season.

We know what our customers reach for when the breeze picks up and the days start getting shorter: cozy textures, livedin layers, and pieces that move seamlessly from beach to bonfire. This fall, it’s not about reinventing your wardrobe — it’s about rediscovering your favorites, and maybe adding a few timeless pieces in those dreamy brown tones we can’t get enough of.

Welcome to fall at 506 — where style is more about how it feels than what’s “in.”

Ritual & Renewal: Fall-Winter Beauty from the Inside Out

Written by Lisa Simek

The summer serums are tapped out, your bronzer’s feeling off, and honestly… you’re a little tired. Perfect.

That means you’re ready to reset!

Because as the days grow shorter and the air dries out, it’s not just your body clock that gets thrown off. Your skin feels tight, your knuckles are rough, and your energy’s taken a hit. The colder months take a toll, not just on your complexion, but on your nervous system, hydration levels, and mental clarity. Stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep can all trigger elevated cortisol levels, which weaken the skin’s barrier, disrupt your ability to retain moisture, and leave you feeling more depleted than refreshed.

So instead of pushing through, pull back. Let this season be about recalibration. A slower pace. A softer rhythm. Less pressure, more presence. Think: adaptogenic lattes, skin-plumping teas, and small rituals that

restore rather than deplete. Beauty isn’t just what you layer on—it’s how you care for your whole self when things get quiet.

Here are five cold-weather rituals to help you glow from the inside out.

1. ADAPTOGENS IN, ANXIETY OUT

Cortisol is a beauty disruptor. Stress shows up in our skin, hair, and sleep, especially as daylight hours shorten. Enter: adaptogens. Ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, and holy basil help the body manage stress and support hormonal balance. Try adding an adaptogenic powder to your morning smoothie or sipping a warm cup of tulsi tea before bed. These calming botanicals help regulate energy during the day and improve sleep quality at night—a beauty win on all fronts.

2. DRY BRUSHING AND LYMPH LOVE

With heavier layers and less movement, lymphatic

circulation slows in colder months. Dry brushing—using a natural-bristled brush in gentle, upward strokes—helps stimulate the lymph system, exfoliate skin, and boost circulation. Add this two-minute ritual before your shower for a pre-coffee pick-me-up that encourages detoxification and glowy skin.

3. SKIN-DEEP HYDRATION, HOLISTICALLY

Hydration doesn’t stop at hyaluronic acid and indoor humidifiers. In the drier fall and winter air, skin thrives on internal hydration too. Up your intake of omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds to strengthen the skin barrier from within. Even in cooler weather, your body’s need for water remains constant, hydration is a year-round priority. Supplement with collagen peptides and sip herbal teas like marshmallow root or nettle to support skin elasticity and hydration levels.

4. TECH-FREE EVENINGS + SLEEP SUPPORT

Beauty sleep isn’t just a phrase; it’s the most underrated skincare step. Prioritize deep rest with a few simple shifts: power down screens at least an hour before bed (and keep night mode on to reduce blue light), dim your lighting, spritz your pillow with a calming lavender mist, and lean into darkness with a silk eye mask or blackout curtains. Supporting your circadian rhythm helps skin repair overnight and reduces inflammation that can show

up as dullness or puffiness in the morning.

5. SEASONAL SELF-CARE TOUCHPOINTS

Lean into the slower rhythm of the season. Swap your bright summer bath soak for grounding essential oils like cedarwood or eucalyptus. Light a beeswax candle. Journal. Roll out your mat for a few minutes of yoga or guided meditation. Prioritize movement, even in small doses—whether it’s a brisk walk, a sweat session at the gym, or time in the sauna to support circulation and detoxification. These small, intentional rituals help regulate stress, support skin health, and create a foundation of calm that reflects in every pore.

I know when the sun sets earlier and the air turns colder, it’s easy to feel a little off. Your skin is drier, your schedule is fuller, and the holiday season can bring more stress than serenity. But fall and winter don’t have to feel like a slowdown after summer. With a few intentional shifts (more hydration, regular movement, mindful rituals, and stress management) you can stay vibrant in a different, more grounded rhythm. In a culture of hustle and highlight reels, embracing rest is an act of beauty. Take care now, and you’ll greet next spring fully recharged instead of worn out. This winter, remember to build rituals that restore your energy, reset your skin, and remind you that feeling good is looking good.

Written

Katherine Lioudis

Welcome To Long Beach Island Reintroducing the Long Beach Island Chamber of Commerce

You’ve probably heard of the LBI Chamber of Commerce. Maybe you’re one of the 40K+ people following them on Facebook and Instagram at @welcometolbi. Maybe you’ve spotted their name on a t-shirt from the LBI FLY Invitational Kite Fest or seen it on a summer concert schedule. But the Chamber is more than just a name behind events. They’re the island’s central marketing force, dedicated to drawing visitors in and giving them every reason to fall in love with Long Beach Island.

Recently, Chamber President Kevin Bergin (Beach House Group SERHANT), Treasurer Dan Malay (How You Brewin Coffee Company), and Destination Marketing Manager Jules Christopherson sat down to share how the Chamber keeps LBI top of mind for visitors, not just as a vacation spot, but as a thriving business community. Their focus isn’t just on tourism, but on the businesses that depend on it.

Along with board members Brian Wainwright of Fantasy Island, David Wyrsch Jr. of the Van Dyk Agency, and Megan Kurtz Maher of Surety Title, their mission is clear: to support the local economy by driving tourism that directly benefits the businesses rooted here.

This fall, we’re reintroducing the LBI Chamber of Commerce, who they are, what they do, and why their work matters more than ever, especially for the business community that calls LBI home.

As Dan Malay puts it, “The overarching theme is that we exist to promote this area as a destination, and we love to hand [visitors] off to the individual enterprises once the efforts of getting people to the various places on the island are successful.”

Jules Christopherson adds, “Our website is very much geared for visitors, for them to see the businesses in the area and events that are happening as well. We want to be a resource for people visiting and to promote the local businesses.”

Unlike a typical chamber of commerce, which often centers on networking and B2B relationships, the LBI Chamber is built to showcase the island itself. Through

events, digital campaigns, partnerships, and strategic visibility, their job is to get people to cross the bridge, experience all the island has to offer, and keep coming back.

At the heart of it, the Chamber is here for the businesses. They offer a range of resources designed to help local owners market themselves, not just to the people already on LBI, but to entirely new audiences. Whether it’s reserving space in the newsletter, getting featured on social media, promoting events on the website calendar, or sponsoring one of the island’s big seasonal happenings, businesses can get involved at whatever level fits.

They’ve even played a role in developing the island’s popular shuttle program, assisting with the execution of shuttle advertisements so they double as moving billboards.

The Chamber also works closely with each individual town, recognizing that every community is unique, and partners with local leaders to support events, drive attendance, and treat every community with the respect it deserves. From weekly farmers markets to summer concerts and major annual draws, they keep LBI’s event calendar robust and accessible, making it easy for both

visitors and locals to plug in.

After Superstorm Sandy, the island came together in a big way. The Chamber, like many other groups, initially operated as a large collective, a boots-on-the-ground effort focused on immediate relief and recovery. But in the years since, it’s shifted. What was once a broad operation has become leaner, more focused, and more efficient.

One of the biggest shifts? The people at the helm today aren’t just figureheads, they’re business owners themselves, living the ups and downs of seasonal life, side by side with the community they represent.

That matters. Because when the people leading the charge also own shops, run restaurants, or serve clients here year-round, the alignment is natural. They understand what it takes to survive a slow winter, how a packed July can make or break a year, and just how far a loyal customer or repeat visitor can go. They’re not just trying to bring people to LBI, they believe in what it offers.

And while the Chamber’s focus is rooted in business, its view stretches beyond it. With the island shifting toward more year-round residents and an uptick in residential development, there’s an even greater need for thoughtful, sustainable growth. The Chamber continues to advocate for what’s best for the long-term health of the island, not just for businesses, but for the people who live, work, and vacation here.

As Kevin Bergin puts it, “We’re not weighing in on the politics of Long Beach Island. We’re weighing in on the business and how it affects our tourists and our citizens. So they can have either a meaningful experience or a meaningful life here, if they choose to live here yearround. It’s always about the people.”

Some of those people are tourists. Some are small business owners. Some are full-time residents who call this place home. The Chamber’s goal is to support all of them, knowing full well it’s not always easy to please everyone, but that it’s always worth trying.

That community first mindset extends to the events they put their name behind, like the annual island wide LBI Job Fair, summer concerts, and of course, the LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival. Now in its 11th year, the Kite Fest has become a signature celebration of color, creativity, and coastal charm.

“

We’ve worked hard to make it sustainable so it can continue each year,” says Dan. “The public feedback has been really strong. At its peak, it was the largest kite festival in

North America. We’re excited to keep bringing it to the community, it’s a free, all ages kind of event, and we’re committed to continuing it.”

And they’re not done yet. The Chamber is actively exploring ways to expand the event across more towns, with the hope that even more parts of the island can take part in the weekend long celebration. “Any town that wants to invite us in, we’re always open to that,” Dan adds.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what the Chamber is about, not just bringing people to the island, but making sure there’s something here to welcome them. A vibrant business community. A thriving year-round culture. And events that leave people saying, “Let’s come back next year.”

Business owners who want to get involved, stay informed, or simply tap into the island’s marketing momentum are encouraged to reach out. To learn more or join, visit welcometolbi.com or contact the Chamber directly.

NOVEMBER 2ND 11:00PM-2:00PM

Love is in the Air

PLANNER | Bogath Weddings & Events

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE | Hotel LBI

PHOTOGRAPHER | Jordyn Kasey Photo

PLANNER | Bogath Weddings & Events

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE | Hotel LBI

PHOTOGRAPHER | Jordyn Kasey Photo

FLORIST | Reynolds Garden Shop

HAIR & MAKEUP | J ILUME’ the art of beauty

BRIDE’S DRESS SHOP | FBM Bridal

GROOM’s ATTIRE | The Black Tux

INVITATIONS | Crisp Designs on Paper

CAKE | Sweet Melissa Goodness | Boutique Bakery

CANDLE RENTALS | Detail + Design

TABLEWARE RENTALS | Everyday Fancy

HOW TO STYLE STACKABLE RINGS

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

Stackable rings are quite en vogue at the moment. Similar to the previous style trend of bracelet stacking, wearing multiple rings together on one finger has become a way to make a personal statement. Stackable rings can also be a unique way to document notable milestones in your life. “By artistically experimenting with different metals, gemstones, and band widths, there are endless possibilities for dynamic jewelry combinations,” explains Chris Biele, owner of Atlantic City Jewelry. “It’s a lot of fun to help my customers choose rings which suit their design inclinations or gifts which are tailored to memorable life events and stack them to become an eye-catching accessory.”

Engagement and Wedding Ring Stacks

The most common stackable rings are engagement and wedding rings. Symbolically, they hold deep meaning together as they mark the couple’s journey and must be purchased from a trusted source. “When choosing a wedding band, it’s important to consider the shape of the center diamond on the engagement ring,” explains Chris. Some people add on anniversary rings or eternity bands to mark years of marriage down the road. And don’t forget a push present! Stackable bands, perhaps in striking blue or pink sapphires, are a beautiful way to mark the birth of a child. Together, the rings are a timeline of treasures for you to cherish.

Curated Ring Stack Sets

Not every ring stack has to be rooted in symbolic meaning. It can be fun to choose a set of rings simply based on personal fashion. Build your own stack one ring at a time or create the perfect blend of textures and designs by purchasing a set created specifically with the intention of being stacked. Wear a chick stack featuring shimmering diamonds set in lustrous warm hues of rose gold or start with a simple base ring to anchor your stack as you add a focal ring and layers of contrast.

Trending Rings

“Midi rings,” also called mid-finger rings, are small bands designed to be worn in the middle of your finger, right in between your top two knuckles. They can be plain bands, rings with gemstones or intricately de-

signed bands. “Slim rings” are narrow bands which are popular for their understated look. Due to their simplicity, they make for easy stacking. “Statement rings” are bold, eye-catching rings designed to stand out. Featuring large gemstones and unique shapes, they pair nicely with slim stacking rings. It can also be fun to wear two statement rings together for a big wow factor.

Chris offers a few general rules of thumb to follow to master the art of stacking rings.

1.Contrast is key. Mix and match different metals, stones, and widths to create a visually appealing combination. Harder metals can scratch softer metals and certain gemstones, however, so be careful with what you’re mixing. Select complimentary colors with your gemstones so the stack is not too busy. Keep in mind,

that contrast does not have to mean everything is different. For example, you can choose all rings in gold, but use different band widths, diamond shapes, and accent details to create visual interest. Try experimenting with creating different heights in a primary stack and a secondary stack on surrounding fingers.

2. Balance can be important. A ring stack work on one hand often looks better if it’s balanced with a few rings on the other hand. Similarly, if your bands are thicker, you may just want two or three, but if you’re mixing slim bands, you could wear up to five without too much bulk. Consider positioning textured bands next to plain ones. Asymmetrical arrangements can look intentionally stylish, while symmetrical designs will create a more classic feel.

3.Wear the right size. If the ring is too big, it will create unwanted gaps and spin on your finger. In contrast, if it’s too small it will squeeze the finger and make the stack look forced. Ensuring proper fit will prevent overwhelming the finger and allow each layer to blend seamlessly.

Ring stacking is the perfect way to layer memories or express your individual style. Atlantic City Jewelry will help you determine perfect sizing and critical metal and diamond placement within your stack to keep the look comfortable, yet stylish while protecting your precious jewelry.

WEDDING RECEPTIONS | PRIVATE EVENTS | REHEARSAL DINNERS

Contemporary Meets Coastal

“Clarity Is Kindness”: Lessons from the Front Lines of the Wedding Industry

In the romantic whirlwind of weddings—where joy, emotion, and high expectations converge—there’s a quieter, deeper reality unfolding behind the scenes. One of the privileges of my job as wedding planner is becoming friends with so many of the vendors I’ve worked with over the years. These vendors are not ones I work with because we are friends; they are people who I’ve enjoyed working with and have become friends. Nick Cavaleri, owner of the entertainment company, Be The Good, is a DJ I met during my first few years in business and over the past decade he has become a trusted friend and business ally. We got together recently to chat about what it really takes to build trust, manage wedding days gracefully, and preserve the magic of the day—for both couples and the professionals who serve them.

Why Relationships Matter More Than Revenue

Nick entered the entertainment business and quickly discovered an uncomfortable reality in the entertainment industry: lightning-fast client meetings that left couples feeling like just another transaction. “I was working for a big company that treated clients like numbers,” he recalled. “I wanted to create something slower, more human.” Be The Good emerged as his response to his own need to build a strong relationship with the couples he works with and to take the time to develop a wedding day curated to BOTH their musical needs AND their guests’.

It’s not unusual for Nick to devote hours in consultation with couples, far surpassing the industry’s 15-30 minute standard.

This intentional, time-rich approach sets the tone for the rest of the planning journey. “Entertainment is personal. It reflects the couple’s personality. If we don’t connect, the guests won’t connect.”

It’s a simple but powerful ethos: be the good. And it’s a reminder to every vendor—florists, photographers, planners—that building rapport isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation.

Clarity Is Kindness: The Golden Rule of Vendor Communication

As a wedding planner, I’ve seen how unclear instructions can unravel the best-laid plans. That’s why I was grateful when Nick echoed agreement with my favorite mantra: Clarity is kindness.

When everyone—vendors, staff, couples—is looped into a consistent, thorough plan, we eliminate confusion, reduce stress, and avoid last-minute scrambles that can cast a shadow over the day.

The Human Touch

Nick and I talked about the increasing reliance on email and text, especially post-pandemic—but also about its limits. There’s no replacement for a face-to-face meeting when it comes to reading tone, interpreting body language, building trust, and picking up on the unspoken details that often define a couple’s vision.

In a world of auto-replies and online forms, carving out time for in-person meetings isn’t old-fashioned—it’s essential. This may be why we have both come to rely on the couple-to-vendor interaction we have experienced participating in the region’s Wedding Bliss Expos.

Be Human, Be Organized, Be Present. Be the Good

This industry demands not just artistry and professionalism, but deep empathy. We’re not just planning and executing events— we’re guiding people through one of the most emotional days of their lives. Whether it’s maintaining grace under fire, fostering genuine connections, or tightening up the back-end systems that support it all, one thing is clear: The weddings we’re proudest of aren’t just beautiful—they’re honest, organized, and infused with heart.

The Take-Away for couples: Ask about your vendors’ philosophies. Find people who see you as more than a client. The TakeAway for professionals: Slow down. Show up. And remember— clarity isn’t just kindness. It’s everything. Be the good.

WEDDINGS

Olivia and Max Wedding

VIDEOGRAPHER | DELIA STUDIOS

CEREMONY VENUE | KYNETT METHODIST CHURCH

RECEPTION VENUE | THE GABLES

DJ | NICK CAVALERI, BE THE GOOD DINNER ENTERTAINMENT | STEVE KRAMER

BARTENDING | SET THE BAR SUE

FLORALS | LILY IN THE VALLEY FLORIST

HAIR & MAKEUP | TAFFETA WEDDINGS

WEDDING DRESS SHOP | ANTHROPOLOGIE

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES | REVELRY GROOMSMEN ATTIRE | POLO RALPH LAUREN INVITATIONS | ZOLA

Why did you both choose Long Beach Island for your wedding location?

We chose LBI because we wanted to be surrounded by all of the places that we have grown to love and call home over the past few years! After leaving Philadelphia, Max came to LBI first, and then I joined him when I had to finish school online in 2020. We lived together in Holgate for a couple years, Ship Bottom for a winter, then we moved into the house we’re in now in Beach Haven! Living here has its challenges, as we have to move out in the summer to open up our house to renters. It only makes the off-season even more special for us though, when we get to move back into our house, and enjoy what the area has to offer. We love Beach Haven so much and couldn’t imagine anywhere else for our wedding! We love the library, the church, the crepe place, the lights at Christmas time, all of the food options (that even stay open in the off-season), and so much more. We can’t wait to make even more memories here on our wedding day!

We travel for Botox Parties, Same Day Teeth Whitening/Facials (great for your Wedding Day or other special event) and IV infusions. Contact to book us at your next event!

Services

NONINVASIVE LIPO FILLER

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

RF MICRONEEDLING

CO2 RESURFACING

TEETH WHITENING FACIALS

Time might not be on your side...But we are! We provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

Hours 8:00 am – 03:00 pm

PRP HAIR REJUVENATION

PRP HAIR REJUVENATION

IV INFUSIONS

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

Saying “I Do” in the coastal setting of Long Beach Island brings not only the perk of a beautiful seaside locale, but also a family of venues that will take you through the entire wedding weekend. Starting with the Friday night welcome dinner, to the Saturday ceremony and reception, all the way through to the send-off brunch on Sunday, Weddings of Distinction offers a host of estates, hotels, and restaurants reminiscent of the rich grandeur of the past combined with irresistible modern-day luxuries.

Wedding Venues

Bonnet

Island Estate

Situated on a fully private island, this plantation style estate offers an upscale venue for a wedding with up to 250 guests. The property offers a variety of spaces for each stage of your big day. The Salon ensures the bride and her best girls feel all the glam as they get ready, while the Groom’s Room, complete with rugged leather chairs and a big screen tv, keeps the gentleman occupied as they wait. Open the barn

doors of the timber-framed Boathouse Chapel—relocated all the way from New England—to feel a gentle bay breeze during the ceremony. Cocktail hour on the veranda among the natural wildlife marsh and lush landscaped gardens will be unforgettable. A Ballroom is elegantly appointed for the reception with thirty-foot high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay. And with twelve private suites, members of the wedding party can comfortably settle in for the weekend.

Mallard Island Yacht Club

A breathtaking bayfront estate, this venue will transport you to a European seaside resort. The bride begins her weekend in the 3000 square foot penthouse, bedecked with an in-suite salon and spalike atmosphere. The Groom’s Shack, once an army barracks and then a clam shack, helps the groomsman feel right at home as they dress. A long dock extends into the bay for a ceremony where the bride and groom take center stage in the Boathouse Chapel, complete with the signature stone fireplace and brick

herringbone floor. With an outdoor plaza modeled after the Rathskeller’s Gothic Architecture and Princeton University, guests can enjoy a lavish cocktail hour in the gardens. The magnificent oldworld charm is further enhanced with outdoor summer games. A ballroom with its eye-catching Tiffany blue ceilings allows for a grand reception of up to 250 guests, french doors leading the way to a night of dancing over the bay. Eleven private suites provide overnight accommodations for the wedding party.

Hotel LBI

This premier venue combines the best of indulgent luxury and charming comfort for a wedding with

up to 220 guests. Oversized suites provide a perfect place to get ready. The rooftop deck which overlooks the bay offers a magnificent ceremony location option and fabulous sunset photo ops. Cocktail hour offers more views of the bay on the covered veranda, set to enchant with a double-sided fireplace and sparkling string lights. Then guests return indoors to the 3700 square foot reception room, The Conservatory, where the signature vaulted ceiling, reminiscent of ship’s hull, sets the tone for a night of memory-making. The cherry on the cake is that guests can simply take the elevator “home.”

Drift at Spray Beach Oceanfront Hotel

With its prime oceanfront location, this venue makes it easy to plan a dreamy beach wedding. A dedicated wedding coordinator will help facilitate your “toes in the sand” ceremony, after which guests simply walk across the dunes to a reception for up to 125 guests at Drift Beach Bar and Restaurant. With a heated outdoor bar and retractable walls, you’re ensured a true indoor/outdoor venue no matter the weather. Completely revamped overnight quarters provide guests a chance to fully relax for the entire weekend.

The Mainland

Weddings at this venue can be completely tailored to suit your style with two different rooms. The Terrace features a gorgeous stone fireplace, romantic string lights, and handcrafted farm tables. With space to comfortably fit 150 guests, it’s a neutral atmosphere set to accommodate all of your special touches. The grand ballroom allows for larger parties of up to 500 people. As a destination, guests can enjoy the whole weekend in a spacious, stylish suite and enjoy their downtime swimming in the pool and playing in the arcade.

Venues for Bridal Showers, Welcome Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, & Send-Off Breakfasts

Hotel LBI

Their in-house, Chef Tim Hamill, will create a menu perfect for you to enjoy in their elegant, yet comfortable private event spaces. With several different and unique spaces around the luxury property, including The Rooftop, The Veranda, The Conservatory, The Living Room, The Tide Pool Bar, and Salt Kitchen & Bar, their private event planner will help you choose the perfect setting for your event.

Drift at Spray Beach Oceanfront Hotel

Their outdoor beach bar and restaurant is a gorgeous spot to celebrate your wedding festivities. Lean into the coastal ambiance and listen to the waves crash as you enjoy oceanfront dining at its best.

The Mainland

Between the lush patio bar and the rustic Terrace room, events from forty to 150 people are made memorable. Chef Bob Bogdanowicz will curate a special menu

perfect for your event.

Wedding Room Blocks for Guest

Hotel LBI

Making a grand welcome as soon as you come onto the island, Hotel LBI is a destination in itself. A spectacular pool with retractable roof and perfectly appointed guest suites offer a getaway amidst the main event.

Spray Beach Oceanfront Hotel

With clean, spacious rooms and covetable views of the ocean, this beachfront hotel gives the full experience, including a heated pool with multi-level sunbathing deck.

The Boulevard Hotel

A boutique hotel centrally located to easily reach the beach, the bay and a variety of Long Beach Island’s favorite neighborhoods. An outdoor heated pool and Rec Room offer a full weekend between the festivities.

The Mainland Holiday Inn

Located just over the bridge in Manahawkin, hotel guests can easily reach the beach, but have plenty of entertainment onsite with a mini putting green, two-story arcade and go kart track.

The beauty in having this extensive list of “Great Gatsby-esque” properties all under the Weddings of Distinction umbrella means that you can easily plan every component of your wedding, from the bridal shower months before to the send-off breakfast after your big day, all with one person. Visit weddingsofdistinctionnj. com for more information.

Hotel LBI offers the charm of a summer home paired with world class amenities. Relax in your well-appointed room, enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset on the rooftop, or escape for a day of fun in the sun on our majestic island.

Clamato Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

1 (32oz) bottle Clamato tomato juice

1 cup (8 oz) vodka

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon celery salt

Few dashes of hot sauce

Garnishes: celery sticks, lime wedges, olives

Directions:

Mix Clamato, vodka, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire, celery salt and hot sauce in a pitcher, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish as desired.

New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

10 slices bacon, diced

1 cup chopped onion

4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes

1 ½ cups water

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

3 cups half-and-half

3 tablespoons butter

2 10 oz. cans minced clams

Fresh parsley, chopped

Oyster crackers

Directions:

Put diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat and cook until crisp. Add onion and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in potatoes and add water, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Pour in half-and-half and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and ½ of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook until heated through for about 5 minutes. Serve into individual bowls, top with parsley and oyster crackers.

Clams Casino

Ingredients:

4 slices bacon, diced

2 medium shallots, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed, shucked, left on the half shell Lemon wedges

Directions:

Preheat oven to 500°F. Cook bacon in a medium size over medium heat until well done, move bacon onto paper towels, reserving bacon fat in skillet. Add chopped shallots and bell peppet to bacon fat. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add vinegar and cook until liquid is evaporated about 3 minutes and remove from heat and place in bowl. Add in breadcrumbs, parsley, bacon and mix well.

Bucatini with Littleneck Clams

Ingredients:

3 lbs littleneck clams, scrubbed and cleaned

⅓ cup olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced Fresh parsley, chopped

½ cup sauvignon blanc wine

Coarse salt

1 lb bucatini pasta

Directions:

In a large bowl, add clams and ice-cold water. Set aside while prepping. Add oil to a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic cloves and chopped parsley stems, sauté about 1 minute.

Add in the drained clams and wine, stir to combine. Turn up the heat to medium and cover the pan and allow to steam until clams open, about 5 minutes. Once the clams have opened, remove about half of them from their shells, returning the clam meat to the pan. The remaining clams in their shell will top the finished pasta.

Prepare the pasta according to the package. Remove when it’s 3 minutes from being fully cooked. With tongs, transfer pasta to the cooking liquid with the clams, and return to medium heat, constantly tossing the pasta. This allows the sauce to reduce and coat the pasta. Place in a serving bowl. Top with remaining clams in their shells along with more chopped parsley.

Clamshell Cookies

Ingredients:

2 boxes of Entenmann’s Ultimate Madeleines

Turquoise pre-made frosting

White chocolate chips

Directions: Remove frosting from container and place in piping bag fitted with an “open star” style tip. Place small portion of frosting on one side of Madeleine. Place the second cookie on top of the frosted cookie at a slight angle. Complete the cookie with a “pearl” white chocolate candy in the middle. Keep refridgerated until you serve.

Ask Marvin, the Cheesemonger Mouse

Written by Jaime Ryan

At The Cheese Shoppe, we delight in helping our customers craft the perfect cheese experience, whether it’s for a grand soirée or a cozy night in for one. Our passion for cheese is matched only by our enthusiasm for pairing it with the right accompaniments. Recently we received the following inquiry.

Dear Marvin,

As the weather cools down, we’re craving cozy meals that warm us from the inside out. We love cheese, of course, but we’re looking for ideas beyond the usual cheese board. What are some comforting dishes or pairings that feature cheese and are perfect for chilly nights?

– Craving Comfort

Dear Craving Comfort,

You’re speaking my language! When the leaves fall and the wind picks up, there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm, cheesy dish. Let’s talk about a few of my favorite comfort food ideas that bring together the best of cheese and seasonal coziness.

• Soup & Cheese: A Match Made in Heaven

Start with a classic: soup and cheese. A rich French onion soup topped with a thick slice of toasted baguette and melted Gruyère is a soul-soothing favorite. Or try a creamy tomato bisque paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar and a touch of fontina for meltability.

• Cheesy Pastas for the Win

Mac and cheese is a no-brainer, but elevate it with a blend of cheeses like aged cheddar, Gruyère, and a touch of blue for

depth. Or go Italian with baked ziti or lasagna layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for a seasonal twist.

• Rustic Pairings

For a simpler night, try a rustic cheese plate with hearty accoutrements: slices of crusty bread, roasted root vegetables, and a wedge of Taleggio or Camembert. Add a drizzle of truffle honey or fig jam and a glass of red wine, and you’ve got a fireside feast.

Comfort food is all about warmth, richness, and sharing. Whether it’s a bubbling casserole or a simple soup and sandwich, cheese brings that extra layer of love.

Stay warm and stay cheesy!

Marvin the Cheesemonger Mouse The Cheese Shoppe has two LBI locations, in both Surf City and Beach Haven.

Featured Recipe:

Three-Cheese Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

-1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

- 2 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash

- 2 tbsp butter

- 2 tbsp flour or GF alternative

- 2 cups milk

- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

- 1 cup shredded Gruyère

- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for depth)

- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Boil squash until tender, then blend with ½ cup milk until smooth.

2. Cook pasta and set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.

4. Slowly add remaining milk, whisking until thickened.

5. Stir in squash puree, cheeses, and seasonings.

6. Combine with pasta, pour into a baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs.

7. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

INTRODUCING HOLLOW PINES

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

Each of Tide Table Group’s seven restaurants is unique in its own right; every venue brings its own vibe, in its own neighborhood, with its own culinary specialty. But there is, indeed, a common thread that unites them all: history. Each eatery looks back to the men and women who originally owned the establishment, or worked the surrounding waters, or shared their distinctive family heritage—all to bring something valuable to the local community. And that knowing appreciation of the past lays a solid foundation for Tide Table Group’s newest venture to date—Hollow Pines located in West Creek.

Branching across the bay, Hollow Pines is Tide Table Group’s first restaurant rooted in the rich culture of the Pine Barrens, finding inspiration in the duck hunters and deer hunters, the cranberry farmers and sawyers, the trappers and clammers. These locals, fondly referred to as “Pineys,” were people who embraced grit and a true communion with the outdoors, and the Tide Table Group team is thrilled to channel that energy in their latest space.

Several years ago, Operations Manager Billy Mehl, son-in-law to founders of Ship Bottom Shellfish, Bob and Ginna Nugent, traded his career as a mechanical engineer to wholeheartedly embrace his wife’s family restaurant heritage and continue their long-standing tradition of uniting incredibly fresh, delicious food with a cool, unique atmosphere. “It has really brought the family together,” he proclaims. And having grown up in a small town nestled within the Pine Barrens, Mehl is the perfect one to spearhead the design and construction of Hollow Pines.

It must be noted that his Piney grit has, in fact, been tested again and again throughout the course of this project, as they’ve faced many logistical and building-related challenges since purchasing the property in 2019. “It’s been a slow boil,” says Mehl. “Starting with a blank slate has opened up a world of possibilities—and plenty of roadblocks—but it was so important to get it just right.” As Hollow Pines nears completion, it’s safe to say they nailed it.

The nod to its setting in the Pine Barrens is evident

immediately. Using local wood siding and natural brick, Mehl envisioned a venue that “looks like it grew there.” Stepping inside, the split-level design beckons your eyes through the spacious interior to the back wall of windows overlooking a grove of pine trees. It’s a place that manages to feel simultaneously elevated and unpretentious.

The culinary offerings will offer broad appeal—think American comfort food, but with a funky, creative twist. Several bars throughout the restaurant are tribute to the Pine Barrens’ historical ties to illegal activity during Prohibition; low lighting and comfortable, vintage-inspired seating with an emphasis on craft cocktails conjures up a classic speakeasy vibe. A focus on live music, both indoors and out, will bring the unique energy of the Pine Barrens to life. Encouraging guests to fully enjoy the outdoors, they included a large deck, fire pits, and a striking A-frame bar for fresh brews and cocktails among the pines.

One of the most exciting draws is the duckpin bowling alley, the first in our area. “After a trip to Nashville,

trying out a bunch of different bowling alleys, the decision was unanimous: duck pin bowling is awesome,” Mehl explains matter-of-factly. There’s no need to wear the awful bowling shoes or fuss with finding the right size ball. The pins are smaller and lighter, plus the game overall is much more fast-paced. And the very name itself seems quite fitting with Tide Table Group’s emphasis on the surrounding cultural heritage, as duckpin bowling is so named from the way the pins scatter when hit, much like a group of ducks taking flight. The bowling area is strategically set on the lower level of the restaurant and includes a private bar, making it a perfect space to host parties and events.

As Tide Table Group partner Eric Magaziner simply states, “We hope people will see how rad Hollow Pines is, how it’s worth leaving the island for this special little destination.” Whether you come for the food, the cocktails or the bowling, you’ll be smitten by the unmistakable lure of Pine Barrens tradition emanating from this property.

THE FLAVORS OF FALL:

Seasonal Wines and Pairings at Renault Winery

By Brian Bobak, In-House Wine Expert & Chef Thomas Gagliardi, Executive Chef, Renault Winery

As the seasons shift and autumn settles in, there’s no better time to cozy up with a glass of wine and a dish that warms the soul. At Renault Winery & Resort, fall is a celebration of harvest—of bold, earthy flavors, comforting textures, and wine that tells a story in every sip.

Inspired by the vineyard’s seasonal varietals and the bounty of Renault’s newly planted garden, Executive Chef Thomas Gagliardi has crafted a series of at-home wine pairings that bring the flavors of Renault right to your table. Grown just steps from the kitchen, Renault’s Garden offers herbs, peppers, and other vegetables that infuse every pairing with fresh, farm-to-table authenticity. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner party or a quiet evening in, these thoughtfully curated combinations offer a perfect way to savor fall.

CABERNET FRANC & BRAISED SHORT RIB

Comfort meets refinement in this hearty seasonal centerpiece:

Renault Cabernet Braised Prime Beef Short Rib served with fall herbs, house-made farmer’s cheese hominy, and honey-red chile fire-roasted Brussels sprouts. Smoked lardons and a deep, savory braising jus round out the dish.

Paired with our Cabernet Franc, the cherry, oak, and vanilla notes on the nose give way to a rich palate of black cherry and currants, with a lingering acidity that cuts through the richness and elevates each bite.

Fleur de Blanc & Pumpkin-Fennel Soup

For a lighter—but no less flavorful—offering, Chef Gagliardi’s Pumpkin-Fennel Soup is both comforting and sophisticated. Caramelized sweet onion and Gruyère lend savory depth, while a drizzle of oregano oil adds an herbal finish.

Paired with Fleur de Blanc, this wine opens

up in the glass with elegant floral notes of honeysuckle, lemon verbena, and peach blossom. The interplay of bright acidity and soft sweetness makes it the perfect companion to the soup’s layered flavors.

Port & Irish Coffee Bread Pudding

No fall meal is complete without dessert, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The Warm “Irish Coffee” Baguette Bread Pudding is served with caramel and sweet cream semi-freddo, delivering cozy indulgence in every bite.

Paired with Renault’s Port, a fortified Norton wine aged in whiskey barrels, this dessert pairing is bold, rich, and decadent. Tasting notes of tootsie roll, raspberry, graham cracker, dates, and vanilla make it a natural match for desserts—but this port also holds its own with chocolate, bacon, ice cream, or even cigars.

SAVOR THE SEASON AT RENAULT

Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner at TASTE 1864, cozying up with friends by the fire pits, or attending one of our harvest culinary events, Renault Winery invites you to explore the flavors of fall through the perfect union of wine and cuisine. Each pairing is more than just a meal—it’s a story of great history, seasonality, and the spirit of Renault.

Cozy Season Happy Hour

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

by Ann Coen

As the ocean throws its icy waters into the bitter wind, we instinctually seek out ways to stay toasty and pass the time until summer’s welcome weather returns. Two staple locales, one on the island and one just over the causeway bridge, kick it up a notch with the cozy factor to warm us up from the inside out. Hotel LBI and The Mainland offer the perfect happy hour treats in a relaxed, comfortable setting to help us endure these winter months a bit more agreeably.

At Hotel LBI, The Living Room offers an upscale lounge atmosphere that seems to insist upon enjoying yourself. Deep blue walls, flickering glass lanterns, and gorgeous coffered ceiling surround plush leather sofas. A stoned fireplace uses its warmth to beckon you to unwind. With vintage island photographs adorning the walls and small tables placed throughout, The Living Room creates an ideal environment to catch up with friends during a season when life is naturally a bit slower. The adjoining bar offers a curated selection of craft cocktails meant to match the authentically relaxed, elevated vibe of the space. From 4pm to 9pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through the winter, they serve discounted small bites and host happy hour specials to entice you to snuggle up and embrace the season.

Across the bridge, The Mainland Kitchen & Pub is also pulling its weight to help release you from the inevitable winter funk. Saddle up to their beautiful stoned indoor bar, complete with luxury LED lighting to set the mood. Or sip on one of their twenty-plus craft beers on tap as you relax by the outdoor fire pit on the patio. You can even head over to their pop-up bar space, which is always decked out to welcome each season with gusto. From 4pm to 7pm, seven days a week, The Mainland Kitchen & Pub brings some stellar happy hour specials to their cozy and inviting gathering place, including a selection of mouthwatering dishes from Executive Chef Kristopher Greene.

If you’re searching for something a bit more interactive, meander with your handcrafted cocktail down the sidewalk to The Mainland Arcade! With two stories of games and a brand new prize redemption room, there is something to satisfy everyone in the family for the evening. During the winter months, they offer a special arcade happy hour for all ages Tuesday-Friday from 4pm to 7pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm. Receive 50% off all games and enjoy special pricing on their irresistible bar pies to fuel up before or after playing.

With your choice of a luxe lounge at Hotel LBI’s The Living Room, a fresh modern-industrial inspired space at The Mainland Kitchen & Pub, or a vibrant family outing to The Mainland Arcade, their happy hour lineups will have you indulging in the cozy vibes of winter in no time.

More

LORE OF THE ISLAND THE

SURF CITY HOTEL

Than

a

Century Old, This Historic Hotel Isn’t

Just a Landmark, It’s a

Living Chapter in Long Beach Island’s History

Written by Lisa Simek Photos from The Long Beach Island Historical Association & Museum

There’s something about the Surf City Hotel that feels different. Maybe it’s the way the wood groans faintly beneath your feet, or how the salt air clings to the porch rafters like memory. Maybe it’s the way time seems to slow just enough when you step through the restaurant’s doors, as if, despite the modern upgrades, the past of the island still hasn’t quite entirely let go of the place.

This storied hotel has stood watch over Long Beach Island for nearly two centuries! Before there were boutiques and beach cruisers, before the causeway, before Surf City even was an official municipality, there was a hotel. Or rather, a series of them, rebuilt, renamed, and reimagined through fires, storms, booms, and wars. What remains today is more than just a place to stay or enjoy an afternoon cocktail at the clam bar. It’s a rare surviving artifact of coastal New Jersey’s gilded resort era, a living reminder of what the island once was and how far it’s come.

To understand the story behind the Surf City Hotel is to understand the island itself.

Before the municipality we now know as Surf City was recognized, the area was known as Great Swamp.

It wasn’t until 1875 that the community was officially dubbed Long Beach City, a name that lasted only twenty-one years before being changed to avoid confusion with other similarly named regional locations. In 1894, the name officially was changed to Surf City.

At the center of this ever-evolving island identity stood a hotel on what is now the north side of 7th Street between Barnegat and Central Avenues, beneath the present-day residential homes just behind the United Church of Surf City. The original Mansion of Health, built in the 1820s, was one of the first coastal hotels in New Jersey. One of the earliest known proprietors was Hudson Buzby, a prominent figure in the area during the mid-19th century. His establishment, the Mansion of Health, became so well known that the surrounding area was colloquially referred to as “Buzby’s Place” for a time. It stood as a refined destination for wellness seekers and sportsmen alike, offering sea air, calm, and convalescence in an era when the ocean was seen as medicine.

It catered to a refined clientele seeking sea air, saltwater, and stillness. In that era, seaside hotels along the East Coast attracted not only fishing and hunting parties, but also travelers drawn by the rising trend of health

tourism. These retreats were designed to promote wellness and recovery, built on the belief that salt air and sunshine could cure everything from tuberculosis and respiratory illness to nervous exhaustion and hysteria. For many, they offered the perfect balance: days spent duck hunting and fishing, all under the respectable guise of convalescence. After all, what better way to get your wife to agree to a sporting vacation than to call it a health retreat?

Guests often arrived by boat, landing at a protected inlet near the foot of present-day South 1st Street, known in those days as Mansion Cove. This sheltered spot, now the site of the Surf City Marina, served as the main landing for visitors to the Mansion of Health. From there, they were transported to the hotel by mule or ox cart, traversing the sandy terrain in search of sea breezes, solitude, and the promise of restoration.

But the hopeful promise of healing would not define the Mansion’s legacy. After the tragic shipwreck of the Powhatan in 1854, in which more than 300 German immigrants perished offshore, the Mansion of Health was used to house many of the bodies that washed ashore until the coroner arrived (see sidebar). Soon after, rumors began to circulate. Valuables were missing, and suspicion turned toward the hotel’s proprietor at that time, Edward Jennings. Though no charges were ever filed or officially documented, islanders claimed evidence was found in the form of slashed money belts buried behind the hotel, pointing to Jennings as the culprit. It’s impossible to say where fact ends and folklore begins, but the legend has endured all the same.

In the years that followed, strange occurrences began to unfold. Lights flickered without cause. Figures appeared where no one should be. The air felt heavy, as if something unseen refused to rest. Locals whispered that the souls of the shipwreck victims had returned, unsettled and sorrowful, haunting the place where their lives had ended and their bodies had been mishandled. The once bustling wellness retreat quickly fell out of favor. Guests stopped coming. By 1874, the hotel was abandoned, believed by many to be haunted, and eventually burned to the ground.

Rising from the ashes of the original Mansion of Health, Mansion House was built in 1884 atop the same foundation. But it did not fare much better than its ill-fated predecessor. Stories of lingering spirits continued to circulate among guests and locals, casting a shadow over the hotel’s reputation. More significantly, when the Pennsylvania Railroad extended its line across Barnegat Bay, following the route of what is now Long Beach Boulevard, it shifted the island’s center of activity.

The Mansion’s western location became less convenient, especially as visitors began favoring oceanfront hotels near the beach and the new train depot. At the time, guests would have needed to hitch a ride on an ox cart just to reach the shoreline and sea bathe from this location (a horse drawn carriage would have never made it in the soft sand). Buildings on LBI were often constructed with the possibility of future relocation in mind. With storms frequently reshaping the coastline and lumber difficult to transport to the island, moving a structure was often more practical than rebuilding. In a strategic decision, Mansion House was relocated

Following the Mansion House era, the hotel continued

to evolve. It became the Long Beach Inn, then was later renamed the Marquette Hotel under the ownership of William C. Donahue, who famously expanded the structure using shipwrecked lumber that had washed ashore after coastal storms. In the early 1900s, the hotel finally adopted the name Surf City Hotel under its new owner, Joseph Searle; a name that has remained ever since. Searle kept the business afloat through the lean years of Prohibition and was among the first in town to secure a legal liquor license when the ban was lifted in 1933. Under his ownership, the Surf City Hotel gained popularity as a casual summer destination, a reflection of LBI’s growing tourism industry. But it was during World War II that the hotel truly transformed.

During the war years, Brant Beach hotelier Martin Wida leased the hotel from Searle and brought in three bartenders who would help redefine its future. George Bowles, and brothers Frank and Bill Mayo, who arrived

just as the island was filled with servicemen and the atmosphere was charged with wartime energy. The bar pulsed with music, conversation, and nightly crowds. When Wida returned to Brant Beach in 1945, the trio bought the hotel from Searle for $15,000 and immediately expanded. They enclosed the southern veranda to create what would become the largest cocktail lounge on the island. A raised stage featured showman Frank

Marstella at the Hammond organ, his polished spectator shoes gleaming beneath the lights as he played for a stylish summer crowd. The place buzzed with the sound of stingers, sidecars, and big band melodies. It was glamorous, a little wild, and deeply beloved. In the early 1950s, Bowles became the sole owner and took things up another notch. By 1956, he recruited 21-year-old organist Leroy Lewis from a Newark nightclub, and together they introduced something truly unforgettable. A massive Wurlitzer theater pipe organ, salvaged from the Fabian Theater in Hoboken, was transported across the newly completed causeway on a flatbed truck and installed behind glass with the help of organ expert Ted Campbell.

When Leroy Lewis played, the entire lounge lit up. The Wurlitzer roared to life with marimbas, sleigh bells, sirens, bird calls, xylophones, and crashing drums. The crowd favorite was always Seventy-Six Trombones, a number that transformed the cocktail lounge into a full sensory spectacle. Behind the glass, the percussion instruments clanged and whirled while patrons sipped highballs and danced beneath mirrored lights. It was not just nightlife. It was theater.

The hotel earned the nickname “The Organ Spot of the World,” proudly printed on matchbooks and swizzle sticks and remembered fondly by anyone lucky enough to witness its golden era. Though Lewis moved on in the 1960s, the legend of that Wurlitzer and the magic it conjured still echo in Surf City lore.

In the years that followed, the Surf City Hotel continued to evolve. In the 1970s, longtime bartender Hank Crane purchased the property, ushering in a new era of hospitality that kept the spirit of the place alive while expanding its reputation as a hub for music and summer fun. Under Crane’s ownership, the hotel remained a beloved landmark that bridged the island’s past and present. Crane’s Surf City Hotel kept the rhythm going with performances by acts like the Bond Brothers, Tiny Tim, and later, the unforgettable duo Jackie Vee and Paul Presto. From the late 1970s throughout the 1990s, Jackie and Paul became beloved regulars, filling the lounge with energy and song.

For more than 30 years, the duo turned the hotel into a true summer tradition. Their interactive shows featured everything from Top 40 hits to oldies and singalong favorites with flair. Sunday afternoon sessions picked up just hours after Saturday night’s last call. With organs, saxophone, and full band accompaniment, they turned the bar into a beachside celebration. Guests passed the mic, belted out classics, and kept the spirit of the place alive. It was better than karaoke, fueled by cocktails and

the laid-back joy of a summer spent close to the ocean. The hotel has changed hands many times over the years. The beloved Wurlitzer was eventually donated to Richmond, Virginia, where it was restored and given new life in a performing arts center. In April 2017, the hotel was purchased by new owners Colleen and Greg Gewirtz, who continue to operate it today. But the Surf City Hotel remains. Still evolving, still welcoming, still echoing with music, laughter, and the stories that shaped its legacy.

Of course, no century-old building is complete without whispers of ghost stories. Though today’s Surf City Hotel is a warm, friendly destination for families and travelers, it doesn’t entirely shake its past. After all, it was built atop the foundation of the long-abandoned and allegedly haunted Mansion of Health. Generations of locals have passed down tales of flickering lights, cold drafts, or doors that creak open on their own. But nothing malicious, just the kind of charming island lore that pairs well with a chilly fall breeze and a fireside cocktail.

Today, the Surf City Hotel remains one of the island’s last grand dames. It offers lodging, dining, live entertainment, nightlife and a palpable sense of place. You don’t need to know its history to feel its presence. But once you do, it becomes impossible not to hear the

echoes. Of polished shoes on the organ pedals. Of train whistles in the distance. Of salt air and shipwrecked timber. Of voices singing into the night.

Special thanks to John Fee of the Long Beach Island Historical Association & Museum for providing archival materials and research originally compiled by the late John Bailey Lloyd. Their commitment to preserving LBI’s history ensures stories like this one continue to be told.

THE GHOSTS OF THE POWHATAN

The Shipwreck That Shaped an Island’s Lore Long before the Surf City Hotel was erected to host jazz musicians and organists, the sands beneath it bore witness to one of the deadliest maritime disasters to date in New Jersey’s history.

In April of 1854, a violent nor’easter laced with snow and freezing winds battered the immigrant ship Powhatan, driving it onto a sandbar just off the coast of what is now Surf City. All 300+ passengers and crew perished. Corpses washed up along the coastline as far south as Atlantic City, and about fifty bodies washed ashore on Long Beach Island, and they were brought to the Mansion of Health. The state had appointed “wreckmasters” along the shoreline to deal with disasters like these. The local wreckmaster, Edward Jennings, was the manager of the Mansion of at the time. As victims slowly washed ashore, he was responsible for salvaging and accounting for the bodies until arrangements could be made. But it is said that when the coroner arrived, he found something odd: not a single body had valuables or money-belts, which was unusual since most well-off immigrants at the time wore money-belts containing their life savings for the voyage to America.

Months later, a storm unearthed dozens of slashed money-belts buried in the sands under a cedar tree behind the hotel. Some say that Jennings fled west in disgrace and died in a barroom brawl in San Francisco soon after, but others believe he never outran the spirits of those he wronged. Interestingly enough, historians have record that he lived and worked on Long Beach Island until his retirement in 1871, after which he moved to California with his wife to simply live out the rest of their days with their grown children and grandchildren who were all living there.

Nevertheless, guests soon reported flickering lights, ghostly figures, and hearing eerie sobs at night. One infamous sighting included a woman holding a child on the balcony, sadly gazing out to sea. Rumors spread and soon the hotel was empty, eventually abandoned and burned down in 1874.

While the actual present-day Surf City Hotel wasn’t actually built yet at the time of the wreck, in the eyes of many, this rumored desecration is what stirred the spirits and why, even generations later, whispers of hauntings still cling to the land near the old foundation of the Mansion of Health and stories of hauntings have followed the property ever since. Whether you believe in spirits or not, one thing is certain: the island’s past runs deep, and the Powhatan’s legacy still drifts through the salt air, especially on stormy spring nights.

Welcome to the ultimate destination for fun with friends and family! Located just a few miles from the LBI, this one-of-a-kind destination offers everything you need to kick back and have some fun! From a jam packed Arcade to our laid-back Kitchen + Pub, The Mainland has something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out The Mainland seasonal pop-up bars for the trendiest go to spot for themed specials, drinks and photo-ops!

Merrily Mark the Occasion

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

Though it may feel as if it is still in the distant future, the holiday season will soon be upon us. While much of our island goes dormant during this time, Hotel LBI and The Mainland remain alive and bustling with holiday cheer. These sister properties host a range of events to merrily mark the occasion with your family and friends.

Holidays at Hotel LBI

Christmas Tree Lighting

Come see the entire hotel decked out in a lavish Christmas display as they welcome the unofficial start of the holiday season with a tree lighting. Taking place in their intimate Living Room, the tree lighting coincides with their Holiday Sip & Shop event so you can kick off your holiday shopping in style. Specially themed cocktails are close on hand to add some merriment as you watch the beautiful Christmas tree come to life, or make a reservation for dinner afterwards at their award-winning restaurant Salt Kitchen & Bar. Seasonal music and hot cocoa make for an authentic experience—and of course, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Santa!

Holiday Sip & Shop

A couple times during the holiday season, Hotel LBI holds a Sip & Shop event to provide a fun way to complete your holiday gift list. Over twenty local makers and businesses fill the space with their unique offerings. How nice to have those thoughtful gifts that everyone loves—soaps, candles, jewelry, artwork and more—all in one place? Handcrafted cocktails and spirited music make for an ultra festive shopping environment!

Breakfast with Santa

Come enjoy a magical morning with your little ones to get in the holiday spirit. At Salt Kitchen & Bar, parents enjoy breakfast items from a curated a la carte menu— complete with holiday brunch cocktails—while the children will be thrilled with a breakfast buffet geared just toward them. The little ones are encouraged to bring their Christmas lists to share with Santa and you can be sure there are plenty of opportunities for priceless photos. With three dates to choose from, reservations can be made online.

Holiday Parties

The Conservatory at Hotel LBI is a beautiful venue to host your special holiday event. With a vaulted wood ceiling, warm and inviting fireplace, festive decorations and even a string lit balcony, it promises to be a most enchanting evening. The chef from Salt Kitchen & Bar caters your party with carefully curated dishes, and your favorite DJ or band can be brought in for a night to remember. Hotel LBI is the perfect setting for groups of thirty to 200 people.

Holidays at The Mainland

Jingle Bell Bar

Immersed within the cozy, yet modern industrial vibe of The Mainland Kitchen & Pub is a little alcove lined with spirits and taps. As Christmastime rolls around, the bar becomes quite festive; colored lights are strung from the ceiling, festive baubles adorn the pillars and mini Christmas trees set the mood on each high-top table. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of holiday magic to a stressful holiday season. Listen to live music while you enjoy the array of specialty drinks to mark the occasion, including a Sugar Cookie Martini, the Grumpy

Grinch Cocktail, and a Mrs. Claus Margarita! And don’t miss their seasonal cookie platter, complete with chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and gingerbread goodies.

Holiday Sip & Shop

This event offers an opportunity to shop local, handcrafted goods in a festive environment. Seasonal music, cocktails and small bites diminish any bit of stress as you check items off your list one by one. Vendors include jewelry, candles, art, pottery, and more. No tickets are required, though a reservation is recommended. The event is typically held twice during the holiday season.

Holiday Parties

The Mainland holds parties in both their Grand Ballroom and their rustic Terrace to provide great opportunities for families, friends and businesses to celebrate the holiday season together. Whether you are celebrating with your neighborhood, workplace or extended family and friends, The Ballroom can hold intimate events of forty guests all the way up to a holiday bash for 500 people. The Terrace can hold up to 140 guests and boasts a stone fireplace, rustic barn doors and farm tables. Dining options include a buffet, cocktail dining or plated dinners, along with an add-on bar package. Guests are invited to pick their own DJ or musician to further enhance the festive atmosphere!

Check your calendar and make sure to incorporate some of the holiday events at Hotel LBI or The Mainland into your festive lineup for the season. More information can be found at www.hotellbi.com and www.themainlandnj.com.

SERVING LBI’S

FAVORITE COFFEE

SINCE 2004

COASTLINES AND CANVAS

Celebrating 10 Years of Plein Air Plus at LBIF

Written by Taylor Jennings

Each summer, Long Beach Island buzzes with the color and motion of the season. Rolling tides, salttouched breezes, squawking seagulls, and boisterous beachgoers add to the constant thrum of the island beat. But from July through August, another layer is added to this coastal canvas: artists scattered across dunes, docks, and marshes, capturing LBI’s living landscapes.

This year, the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF) celebrates ten years of this tradition with its Plein Air Plus exhibition, on view from September 13 through November 2, 2025. The show invites artists from around the country to paint “en plein air,” the French practice of painting outdoors, around LBI.

LBIF Executive Director Daniella Kerner calls it the Foundation’s most popular visual arts event: “Because of Plein Air Plus, LBI has become a destination for artists who look for unique coastal areas to paint. It captures a special moment in summertime and offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring home a piece of the island through the eyes of an artist.”

to

component. After working outdoors, artists can refine their pieces at home. This approach combines immediacy with depth, enabling the creation of larger compositions and technical refinement.

For longtime participant and LBIF artist-in-residence Linda Ramsay, the outdoor-to-studio process shapes every decision. “Painting plein air and then finishing in the studio dictates the size of the canvas, subject matter, and the choice of location. Weather is also a factor. In the studio, without outside influence, time disappears, and you get lost in the process.”

Despite weather and distractions, artists speak of plein air painting with deep affection. “Painting on LBI is always inspiring,” says Ramsay. 2024 first prize Plein Air Plus winner Melanie Landrith recalls how a storm changed one of her pieces. “Standing on the beach with the wind whipping, the raindrops starting to fall on my sketch, and the beach scents wafting around was very invigorating. There’s a painting to be made at every turn.” Known for her palette knife work and impressionistic style, Landrith is drawn to

water, sky, and shifting light.

Artist Sean Friel, who won first prize in 2023 and third in 2024, says painting on LBI sharpened his technique and connection to place. “I enjoy the challenge of capturing a moment, as the fleeting light makes it necessary to make quick decisions for the composition,” he says. “The in-depth study of a scene that comes with producing a plein air painting enhances the experience with the environment in which you are creating.”

Friel notes the show’s impact on his professional career. “The quality of work artists produced for this exhibition was strong. I felt a sense of validation when I was included. Professionally speaking, I was able to reach an audience with which I had not previously engaged.”

For watercolorist Hema Gupta, 2024 Classic category winner, plein air painting strengthened her technique and spontaneity. “It allows you to see all the colors and values in a scene. I give myself limited time to prevent overworking my paintings. Plein air painting also challenges me to grow as an artist.”

She also credits the exhibition for encouraging her to

take creative risks. “The Foundation does an amazing job inviting distinguished judges from MoMA, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and more. Encouraged by my success here, I stepped out of my comfort zone and took part in events like Plein Air Easton and Annapolis.”

This year’s juror, Laurel Garber, Park Family Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will select the top works at the exhibition reception. She will give a lecture on Sunday, September 28, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception where visitors can meet the artists and purchase work.

Ten years in, Plein Air Plus has evolved into more than just an exhibition. For longtime residents, the show may bring familiar sights into sharper focus. For new visitors, it’s an introduction to a community and coastline that offers endless inspiration.

The Plein Air Plus exhibition is a must-see this fall for collectors, art lovers, or anyone who has fallen under LBI’s spell. Join LBIF in celebrating the natural beauty of Long Beach Island.

10TH

September 13 - November 2, 2025

50 Artists, 100+ Artworks representing Long Beach Island

Juror: Laurel Garber, The Park Family Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Lecture + Reception: Sunday September 28; 2:00pm

Free and Open to the Public. Registration Required

Scan code to Register

BLOCK PARTY

Written by Lisa Simek

Lauren Rothstein didn’t set out to become a full-time artist. A sixth-grade math teacher by day, she started carving block prints in her free time, first as holiday gifts, then for local markets. But what began as a seasonal side project has quickly turned into one of Long Beach Island’s most recognizable creative brands. Known for her blackand-white aesthetic and surf-inspired subjects, her work under the name Beach Block Prints now appears everywhere from artisan markets to gallery walls to Jetty’s flagship store. It’s all made, carved, and printed by hand right in her Surf City garage.

Born and raised in South Jersey’s Mullica Hill, Lauren always spent her summers on LBI at her grandparents’ house in Surf City. “I am originally from South Jersey, but growing up I always spent my summers on LBI at my grandparents’ house,” she says. After earning a degree in elementary education, she landed a teaching job at the LBI Grade School and moved in with her grandmother full-time. She’s called the island home year-round since 2016, and in 2019, she and her sister bought a house together just blocks from the beach.

Art has always been part of her life.

“My mom used to tell me that I would get home from school when I was in kindergarten and sit at the table and color for hours,” she recalls, “I always created as a child and teen.” She’s experimented with pastels and painting, but it was a chance encounter with block printing while on vacation that sparked something deeper. She ordered a beginner’s kit, made too many prints of a surfing Santa, and ended up asking 506 Boutique if she could set up a last-minute table at a holiday market. The response was so encouraging that by the following spring she had a name, Beach Block Prints, and a full calendar of summer markets booked.

You might find Lauren seated behind

a folding table at one of those markets, carefully carving lines into a block while chatting with shoppers. Or you might spot her just after sunrise, paddling out for a few waves before the day begins. Surfing, she says, influences both her creative process and her schedule. “There’s just something about longboarding that really inspires me, the way people trim, cross-step, and noseride with such flow and control. Every movement, even the way they hold their arms or shift their weight, becomes part of the style. It’s graceful and intentional; that kind of rhythm and elegance always finds its way into the way I carve my designs.”

Outside of summer, Lauren balances her printmaking with teaching. While most would find the jump from algebra to art jarring, she brings a surprising amount of creativity into the classroom. Her students build themed mini golf courses to learn equations, decorate graduation caps using budget skills, and even create coordinate grid artwork. “People are always surprised when I tell them I teach math, because they always assume I am an art teacher,” she chuckles. “While I have thought about that career path before, I enjoy having my teaching life and my art life separate.”

Her prints are clean and graphic, mostly black and white, and often feature faceless figures or familiar island scenes: surfers, seashells, beach bikes, or landmarks like the lighthouse. “I leave carving marks in the designs on purpose,” she says. “It adds texture and movement, like a pen sketch on paper. No two prints are ever the same, and I like that.”

When inspiration strikes (say, a seagull mid-flight) she snaps photos, sketches on her iPad, transfers the image to tracing paper, and rubs the drawing onto a rubber or linoleum block. Then comes the carving: outlines first, then details. “There’s always a little moment of suspense when I pull the first print,” she says.

Her creative momentum really took off in 2023. That summer, she launched the Sisters of the Sea calendar, a collection of block prints featuring twelve local female surfers, each one helping shape the design that would represent their month. “It was such a cool experience and at times when women’s surfing can be overshadowed, I wanted to do something that would recognize these ladies and all of the other local female surfers who are doing awesome things,” she says.

Her collaboration with Jetty has also been a major milestone. After being tapped as their featured artist for the 2024 season, she displayed and sold her work at the flagship store, designed the Coquina Jam competition tee, popped up on the beach during the event, and even

hosted a wildly successful trivia night to cap off the summer.

But Beach Block Prints isn’t just about selling art. Lauren has made a point to involve the community, especially the small businesses and makers who encouraged her from day one. Her Surf City Passport project, for example, combines her teacher instincts with her love of organizing fun. It’s part scavenger hunt, part sticker book, sold at stores like Farias, Sunny, and Salt Cottage Collective, as well her pop ups at the Surf City Farmers’ Market. “The teacher in me is always creating games and organizing activities in the classroom and even among my friends,” she says.

She’s also started leading block printing workshops at places like Bayview Park, The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences (LBIF), and Black Eyed Susans. “At first I was hesitant to lead a workshop because I am self-taught and considered myself ‘not qualified’ enough,” she admits. “But honestly, teaching the workshops has been a major highlight in my Beach Block Prints career.” Her booths now include interactive stations where kids and adults can print their own pieces using pre-carved stamps. During the holidays, they even make ornaments. “It’s always a hit,” she says.

Her artist tote is often packed with carving tools and blocks in progress, as she’ll carve between sales at a pop-up if things are slow. She finds inspiration in sunrise surf sessions, quiet walks along the beach, and yes, Jack Johnson tunes on repeat. Her favorite LBI beach? 5th Street in Surf City: “It’s most convenient, and right up the street.”

As Beach Block Prints evolves, she’s learning how to balance creative fulfillment with business. “I am constantly in an internal battle between making what I like to make and making what the customers like,” she says. “Usually my art is both, which is great, but I’ve also been trying to focus on some side projects that are just ‘for me,’ and that’s been really fun.”

For Lauren, the legacy she hopes to leave is one of connection and memory. “I have two prints of little girls in their swimsuits on the beach and every person who sees it, sees someone they know in the picture, because it reminds them of that person,” she says. “That’s why all of my pictures are faceless, because I want people to see either themselves or someone they know in the design.”

And that, perhaps more than anything, is why Beach Block Prints resonates. It’s personal, familiar, and rooted in a community that knows how to celebrate the people behind the work. Lauren included. For more information, visit her Instagram page @beach.block.prints .

THE SHAPE of SOUL

Greg Melega’s Le Garage and the Revival of Surfcraft on LBI

Written by Lisa Simek Photos by Michael Spark

The scent of cedar and Nag Champa, a calming mix of sandalwood and floral champaca, lingers in the warm air as sunlight pours through the open garage doors, casting a glow on a floor lightly dusted with sawdust. Each speck a quiet testament to the shaping work unfolding within. In what was once an old auto repair shop in Beach Haven now lives Le Garage, a sanctuary of surf spirit and craftsmanship. This is not a surf shop in the traditional sense. It is a workspace, a gathering place, and a living tribute to the handmade. At the heart of it all is Greg Melega, barefoot, focused, running his hand along the rail of a nearly finished longboard. Shaper, artist, waterman, historian, and steward of the surf lifestyle on Long Beach Island, Greg has created something rare here. A place where surfing is still sacred, and authenticity is preserved in every curve, every carve, and every conversation.

Greg is the kind of person who doesn’t just make surfboards; he breathes them into existence. His boards aren’t churned out for profit margins or mass appeal. They are created with intention, shaped from conversations and inspired by stories, wave patterns, and the curves of nature itself. This is where a surf-craft becomes a soulcraft.

Greg’s connection to the ocean runs deep. Raised on LBI, his earliest memories are of the shore break, towering and fearsome to a young grom, beckoning with both thrill and danger. “The ocean was this arena of play in the wildest sense,” he recalls. As a kid, he worked at AJ’s Bike Shop fixing flat tires when he stumbled upon a 10-foot Spoiler longboard in the rafters. It was taller and heavier than he was, but that didn’t stop him. “I’d put it on my head with shaky arms for two blocks to the beach and proceed to get my butt kicked and a face full of sand.” That struggle, that pure and humbling introduction to surfing, sparked a fire that would shape the course of his life.

Over the years, local legends like Tom Beaty, Bill Dewitt, and Rich Lisiewski (founder of Brighton Beach Surf Shop in the 1960s) guided him, teaching him not only how to ride and fix boards but how to understand them. “Mike, Rich’s son, showed me anything and everything vintage surfing,” Greg says. “But more importantly, he shared a deep knowledge of why they were building

boards that way in the 1960s.” These lessons, shaped by years in LBI’s shifting tides and steady surf, became the foundation for his own shaping journey.

It wasn’t a straight line from grom to board shaper. Greg studied environmental science and oceanography at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he first began crafting small wooden tools for bodysurfing called handplanes and discovered that working with his hands was his true calling. “I dropped out a semester before finishing my degree to make handplanes and wooden artwork full time,” he says. From there, his creations evolved first starting with paipos (short wooden belly boards rooted in ancient Hawaiian surf culture) and alaias (thin finless wooden boards made for fast, fluid wave riding; the alaia is the great grandfather of a modern surfboard). Eventually, he moved into shaping foam and fiberglass surfboards, each one infused with his growing knowledge and reverence for surf history.

When a longtime surf student turned close friend offered to help build a shaping bay on LBI, Greg saw more than just a workspace taking shape; he saw a chance to create something the island was missing. “LBI needed its own hub of representation in board building,” he says. The result was Le Garage, a name that speaks to more than the tools on the wall or the cedar dust on the floor. For Greg, the garage has always symbolized something sacred. It’s a place where ideas come to life. A

little messy, sometimes full of forgotten parts, but always brimming with potential. It’s where things get fixed, built, made better. Where people gather, trade stories, share stoke, and shape things that last. That spirit runs through everything Greg does—the belief that craftsmanship, when done with care and intention, carries more meaning than anything made to be disposable.

But there’s another layer to the name too, one rooted in island memory. Decades ago, Le Garage was the name of a local discotheque in North Beach Haven, started by three lifeguards and known for its electric energy and legendary music scene. Greg’s dad once worked the door there, back when the club was packed wall to wall and Bruce Springsteen played live under the rafters. It wasn’t about drinking or status, it was about music, movement, and community. Naming the workshop after that longgone venue is Greg’s way of honoring a time and place that shaped the island’s creative soul, and his own.

Every board that leaves Le Garage is made for a purpose, for a person, for a place. “There’s a right board for every wave and surfer,” Greg explains. Each build begins with a conversation about the rider’s favorite surf memories, future goals, and the sensations they chase on the water. Greg blends old-school design principles with modern hydrodynamics, always honoring the wave and the rider alike.

That ethos was deeply personal when Greg shaped a board for our own family. My husband had given him his very first longboard from the 1990s: a waterlogged board that held years of memories in its dinged rails. Greg didn’t just replicate it. He studied its curves, honored its soul, and brought it back to life. “Replicating another shaper’s board is a really fun challenge,” he told me. “I just sharpened the rails, added some concave to the bottom for speed and control. The board told me what it needed. Some of the most beautiful designs need no changes at all.” The result? A family heirloom reborn, a board that rides better than ever but carries the heart and sentimentality of its predecessor.

Le Garage is more than a place to buy a board. It’s a place to reconnect with the essence of surfing. On any given day, you might walk in to see a handplane being sanded, someone working on breath control in a recovery class, or a group of surfers swapping stories under a tree. You’ll hear music, smell cedar, and feel like you’ve stumbled upon a tribe that values craftsmanship, community, and the rhythm of the natural world.

Greg also offers breathwork and recovery classes, a nod to his own healing journey through injuries and the limitations of Western medicine. “Cold plunges, sauna,

breathwork… they have changed everything for me,” he says. “My surfing, my health, my outlook on life. I do not have to do things. I get to do them.”

That philosophy is shared with his longtime partner, Brittany Histing, founder of Surfing Waves of Light. A former clinical ER nurse turned energy healing practitioner, Brittany is the cornerstone of the wellness offerings at Le Garage. Her approach blends a deep respect for the ocean with nervous system regulation and the soul’s capacity to heal, helping people cultivate emotional and physical resilience both in and out of the water.

Together, Greg and Brittany have developed a wellness program that is as intuitive as it is expansive. From cold plunges and sauna to guided breathwork, ocean based spiritual mentoring, and energy healing, these offerings invite surfers and seekers alike to reconnect with themselves and the rhythms of the natural world.

Brittany integrates evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation with holistic practices that support nervous system regulation and inner strength. Her guided experiences include deep relaxation, Liver Rescue cleanses, and seasonal retreats at the Maris Stella Retreat and Conference Center in Harvey Cedars, a sacred property that stretches from ocean to bay, where the land itself seems to hold something divine.

For Greg and Brittany, wellness is not a trend but a return to balance, listening, and presence. Their work adds a meaningful new dimension to Le Garage, where surf culture and soul care coexist. Each breath, each wave, and each board holds space for something deeper, grounded by an intuitive presence that now shapes both the breathwork space and the evolving surf culture on LBI.

Breathwork sessions are designed to regulate heart rate, manage stress, and expand breath hold capacity for both surfing and daily life. Classes begin with focused breathing techniques, progress into a calisthenic workout, and are followed by rounds of cold plunge and sauna. They close with breath hold training and a short-guided meditation. Over time, Greg has watched participants become stronger, calmer, and more capable on land, in water, and within themselves.

Woodworking remains Greg’s deepest passion. “I get cedar and other sustainably harvested trees, mill them with my friends from Garden State Surf & Art, and build wooden surfboards,” he says. Sometimes the grain calls for a table, or a bowl, or a bench. And that’s just fine. “The endless fun comes in finding the right application for that specific piece.”

Greg’s reverence for the past doesn’t stop at the shaping bay. He’s also become one of the region’s most passionate surf historians, sharing his extensive knowledge not just of modern board design but of the entire arc of surf culture along the Jersey Shore. In the summer months, he gives talks titled Surfing on LBI at the Long Beach Island Historical Association Museum in Beach Haven as part of their Monday night lecture series, a beloved tradition blending local stories with history. He also contributes to the New Jersey Surfing Museum at the Tuckerton Seaport, where he’s given in-depth rundowns surrounded by relics from the Garden State’s rich surf heritage, including countless boards shaped on these shores over the decades. “People come to LBI for our beautiful waters and surf,” Greg says. “Knowing that people have been riding waves here for hundreds of years is amazing to me. Any idea of what they were riding makes the boards we are surfing today that much more interesting to me.” For Greg, preserving and sharing that legacy is just as essential as shaping a perfect rail. “A lot of that stoke still lives on through tales and old boards,” Greg says, “if we all keep sharing them.”

That same love of detail and purpose echoes through everything he makes. Whether it’s a surfboard gliding down the line in Costa Rica or a bowl catching light in a

beach bungalow on 12th Street, his work carries the soul of LBI in every curve.

Greg moves through the world with an intentional, almost meditative rhythm. His days often begin with a paddle through calm bay waters or a barefoot run along the beach. He notices things: a passing osprey, the shape of an old tree, the way salt air clings to the early light. He gardens, goes blueberry picking, digs for clams in his backyard, and listens to music with friends after dark. “We really live in the most beautiful place,” he says, referring to Long Beach Island. “It’s hard to not share with people everything I get to see while living here through my art.” That reverence for the natural world quietly infuses every board he shapes, every curve he carves. For Greg, this isn’t just a way of working. It’s a way of being.

Greg’s message to the next generation of surfers and makers is simple: Take care, and have fun. But make no mistake, what he’s doing at Le Garage is nothing short of sacred. In a world chasing clicks, trends, and fast profits, Greg Melega is shaping something far more lasting: a return to reverence, to hands-on artistry, to surfboards that mean something. He’s preserving the magic.

And for that, we are lucky to ride the same waves.

A RISING TIDE

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

Going back forty years, Tide Table Group has specialized in providing unique experiences and the freshest seafood for Long Beach Island residents and visitors. They have grown to include seven (soon-to-be eight) eateries and truly embody the history and culture of our unique location. Over the years, Tide Table Group’s restaurants, families, and staff have invested themselves and their resources in local groups, supporting everything from the arts, environment and youth, to local heritage and the less fortunate in our area. When asked about their emphasis on philanthropy and fundraising, owning partner Mel Magaziner candidly explains, “We are only as strong as our community.”

Magaziner and her husband, Eric, are longtime partners with Bob and Ginna Nugent, who opened Ship Bottom Shellfish in 1981. Eric is a childhood cancer survivor, so their desire to give back is heavily rooted in his experience; they understand first-hand the value in coming together to bolster other businesses, families and individuals. The Magaziner and Nugent families fully believe in the old adage “A rising tide raises all ships” and continually invest in their local community. Their very first fundraising event was held just after September 11, 2001 at Mud City Crabhouse, and they haven’t slowed down since.

Tide Table Group’s roster of support has grown quite extensive, including the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Surflight Theater, The Girl Scouts of America, Alliance for a Living Ocean, The Oyster Farmers film, Stafford Township Environmental Commission, the Oyster Shell Recycling Program, Waves of Strength, The Reynolds Family Foundation and David’s Dream & Believe. “As a restaurant, we felt a call to support the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean County,” Magaziner adds, giving

her time to serve on their board of trustees. Tide Table Group also fundraises for Bellarine Theater Company, donates sixty hams and again sixty turkeys to Southern Regional High School’s twice yearly food drive, and provides thousands of gift cards each year for various events. They even offer scholarships for their employees. Whether serving on a leadership board, sharing their resources or promoting local fundraising events, it’s always about paying it forward.

A great many of their fundraising efforts are in union with the Jetty Rock Foundation, where Magaziner also sits on the board of the 501(c)(3) non-profit arm of the surf apparel brand. “We essentially ‘grew up’ alongside each other,” she explains, “so it’s a natural partnership.” Local favorites like Clam Jam, Coquina Jam, and Hop Sauce Festival receive a great deal of support from Tide Table Group. “Many of the events that we host have important backstories,” Magaziner shares, “so we feel the call within our hearts.” Arctic Outreach honors a past employee and dear friend Mallory McBrien, who in-

spired so many through her fight with cancer. Crabbin’ for a Cure, also rooted in memory of someone special, raises money for cancer relief efforts.

Magaziner is quick to point out that they are just one of many businesses on and around the island who draw together to support the community. Many would agree that LBI often feels like one big family, and it’s through these concerted efforts from our local businesses to support good causes that this feeling comes to life. Tide Table Group takes very seriously their responsibility to be leaders in looking after our environment and those in need.

Stated quite frankly, Magaziner summarizes “We’re nothing without them; it’s not about us, but the people we get to serve at our restaurants each day.” Tide Table Group brings their appreciation full circle in their commitment to a very hands-on approach with local philanthropy and fundraising.

THE BREAKWATER PILOT PROJECT

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

Adjacent to the Long Beach Township Field Station in Holgate lies a beautiful pocket of the bay named Clam Cove. Its purpose serves much deeper than its charming moniker may initially suggest—far beyond simply a nice place to kayak or watch the sunset. Clam Cove provides important habitat for creatures and plants critical to the health of our bay, and by extension, to the wellbeing of our entire island. If the ecology within this cove—and all of the bay marshland along the western coast of LBI—can grow more robust, it will reduce the constant erosion now typical of the area, which in turn helps a great deal with flooding. This particular location is also the spot of an important project being conducted, dubbed “The Clam Cove Hybrid Oyster Breakwater Pilot Project.” It is funded in part by New Jersey Resources and New Jersey Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership as part of the initiative to “advance environmental restoration, preservations and stewardship in our coastal communities.”

In conjunction with Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute and Stockton Coastal Research Center, this project was also granted funding by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the full shoreline. How incredible to have a study of this magnitude being conducted right here on our precious island! Angela Andersen, Field Station Manager, describes the project as “an incredible intersection of both engineering and art informed by close observation and connection with the cove.” The goal is to create a thriving living shoreline, thus creating a natural defense system.

The shoreline gives home to hermit crabs, diamondback terrapins and various shorebirds, including egrets, oyster catchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Unfortunately we are losing tidal marsh areas like Clam Cove at a rapid rate bay-wide, which means these precious creatures are losing their habitat. Through the Breakwater Pilot Project, Angela and her team are working to repopulate the marshland with native oysters in order to combat the dangerous erosion. The overall idea is to construct “oyster castles,” essentially ten-by-ten squares with little peaks locked together by concrete, mimicking oyster shell

content in hope of attracting spat (baby oysters).

The framework for the breakwater consists of the castles, loose and bagged oyster and clam shells which have been collected from restaurants along our island by the township DWP. They are experimenting with four different materials for the bags to discover which is strongest while using the least amount of plastic. The bags need to last long enough for the structure to become part of the reef, but will ideally dissolve without negatively affecting the ecosystem. Currently most oyster bags are made of plastic, which is less than desirable due to the harmful chemicals and micro plastics they can release into our sensitive waters. Many alternative options, which are less harmful, are often not strong enough to last as long as needed to solidify the castle to continue growing naturally. However, Angela is thrilled to use basalt bags as part of their study, made by a young start-up company in the Chesapeake Bay region. Basalt is a natural, marine-friendly fiber known for exceptional durability. “These bags show extremely promising results, but are currently a bit cost-prohibitive to use on such a large scale,” explains Angela; they ultimately want to build these oyster castles among 900 feet of shoreline. She hopes that their intensive study will help to highlight a solution that is both good for the environment and achievable on a large scale.

Other towns up and down the Atlantic are taking notice, as they face similar issues with coastline degradation and more frequent flooding. “Few municipalities have done what we’ve done,” explains Angela. “It’s an honor to share what we are learning so that other coastal towns can also improve their resiliency against flooding.” Their observations and experiments within the Clam Cove Hybrid Oyster Breakwater Pilot Project will inform a bigger, federally funded shoreline restoration effort. Permits are coming in and a September start date is anticipated.

This innovative study is truly a win-win; it holds enormous economic value for Long Beach Island residents, while offering critical rewards for the local ecosystem. Get more information on the website www.lbtfieldstation.com.

NATURE’S NURSERY

Written by Jenna Cowperthwaite

The iconic silhouette of salt marsh grasses against the deep blue of the bay is the unofficial welcome sign that you have reached Long Beach Island, and it also holds a much deeper significance. This estuary contains a precious habitat – salt marsh -- that plays a critical role in the resiliency of our coastal homes and businesses, reflects the health of our greater ocean waters, and perhaps most importantly, functions as “nature’s nursery” with environments that marine life and birds require to survive.

Three shark species—sandbar sharks, sand tiger sharks and smooth dogfish— are among the diverse wildlife that rely

on New Jersey’s salt marshes to thrive. Adult females give live birth and immediately leave their offspring in these protected, resource-rich areas. Pups spend their first few months alone in the habitat, eating, resting, growing, hiding from predators and learning to be sharks before venturing out to sea.

The Nature Conservancy has partnered with Monmouth University to gain more insight into the abundance and movement patterns of these sharks in New Jersey’s salt marshes and along the Atlantic Coast. Scientists catch and release specimens, unharmed, under a special permit, outfitting them with electronic acoustic tags that are read by underwater sensors when they swim by (like EZ Pass without the tolls) so they can monitor migration trends.

For many people, the five-letter word—shark—is a four-letter word…and their hackles are immediately raised. But as Dr. Keith Dunton, associate professor at Monmouth University who leads the research program in New Jersey, carefully explains, “These waters without sharks would be much scarier than they are with sharks.”

Sand tigers, sandbar sharks and smooth dogfish are not aggressive to humans and mostly feed on fish and crustaceans—we have coexisted with them peacefully for hundreds of years. They balance the food chain in both directions, help maintain the integrity of seagrass beds and shellfish reefs and are both an umbrella species and key environmental indicator. This means if they are doing well, the habitats they use (which are also critical for other creatures, including people) are in good condition. It also means that protecting their habitat is beneficial for other plant and animal species that share their environment.

Three years into the study, researchers have recorded the sharks returning to New Jersey each July and migrating south to warmer waters in the fall. “They enjoy summering at Long Beach Island, just like so many of us!” said Adrianna Zito-Livingston, New Jersey Climate Adaptation Project Manager for The Nature Conservancy. The insight underscores the need for strong and healthy local salt marshes.

Unfortunately, much of this vital habitat is eroding, sinking and drowning from storms, rising sea level and human activities. As salt marshes degrade and disappear, so do their nurturing and

protective benefits for people and wildlife, including the sharks. Without action, New Jersey’s 200,000 acres of crucial salt marsh will continue to decline.

There is a sensible solution, though. State agencies regularly dredge sand and mud that has eroded from the marshes to keep boating channels passable. Historically, once removed it has been stored in tall piles on or near marshes or transported inland—neither an ideal use for this valuable resource.

The Nature Conservancy and partners have demonstrated success with an innovative restoration approach that uses that sand and mud beneficially within the salt marshes. The technique, similar to the regular nourishment of oceanfront beaches, involves using the dredged sediment to repair and protect drowning salt marshes, giving grasses an elevation boost and a foothold to persist or regrow. “At first it kind of looks like the surface of the moon,” explains Zito-Livingston, “But the native marsh grasses grow quickly, revitalizing the degraded areas of marsh. Recent projects in the Cape May Wetlands have revegetated within one to two years.”

The New Jersey Department of Transportation recently adopted a framework that will enable use of this “marsh nourishment” technique throughout New Jersey’s

Atlantic bays, which is good news for the sharks and other species that rely on those habitats, and for the neighborhoods they buffer. Marsh grasses slow and disperse wave energy before it can reach land, much like a marble would slow and stop when rolling from a hard floor to a shag carpet.

Public and legislative support will be key for implementation of the framework. “While New Jersey’s state budget has supported dredging to maintain boating channels, we need to continue advocating for marsh nourishment,” says Zito-Livingston. “It is a smart investment in nature that protects critical habitats, enhances coastal resilience and safeguards communities and wildlife, including sharks,” says Zito-Livingston.

The Nature Conservancy is encouraging everyone to learn about the sharks and important habitats of Barnegat Bay and Great Bay. For a limited time they are offering shark adoption packages for either Pork Roll the sandbar shark or Taylor Ham the sandbar shark—casting your vote for the name of New Jersey’s famous breakfast sandwich while supporting coastal marsh restoration in the Garden State. Adopters get fun materials and email updates on the adventures of their chosen shark in the bay and beyond. More information is available at nature.org/njsharks.