FEATURED PHOTO: Representing the Monmouth Park Charity Fund on CM’s cover this month are (left to right) Maria Farhat Tanzola, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF; Maureen Lloyd, President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF; and Carol Stillwell, Proud Supporter of MPCF. | CREDIT: Carmela Caracappa Photography

Having raised nearly $9.9 million for those at risk or in need in the community, the MPCF is a reliable partner for local charities that have come to count on its financial support through Traditional Legacy Grants and several other grant programs. But 2020 is proving to be a year like none other, and the MPCF now finds itself in need of help more than ever before.

“With the cancellation of our Kentucky Derby (event) we are appealing to our supporters to pivot their sponsorships and reservations and make a straight donation to Monmouth Park Charity Fund,” said Debi Heptig, MPCF Director of Operations. “We have $115,000 toward our goal of $265,000. The success of this effort will determine our ability to distribute grants in 2020 so this is a truly important campaign for us, and for the 50+ local charities that count on our grants to run their programs.”

MPCF’s 17th Annual Kentucky Derby Party was postponed from May to align with the new September date for the Kentucky Derby race, but with the current state of the pandemic the event has been cancelled entirely. An elegant affair that draws more than 400 attendees annually, it is one of the most anticipated events each year in Monmouth County. Known for its Derby Hat Parade and Contest, raffles and auction, and specialty cocktails and cuisine, it is a true Derby celebration often attended by the sitting Governor and other notable figures. But more than a fun and exciting party, the day at the races is the main fundraiser for MPCF. Last year a new record was set with more than $417,000 raised, and those funds provided 99% of the 58 grants that were awarded by MPCF to local non-profits.

“In Monmouth County there is a diverse group of populations that use non-profit agencies to get their medical and mental needs met, food to put on their tables for family members, and an array of support services,” shared Maureen Lloyd, President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF. “In recent months, with the pandemic not seeming to leave us alone anytime soon, these agencies have been working around the clock. Our goal at MPCF is to continue our legacy of giving even during this dire time. We ask the community to continue to support MPCF! Although we have had to cancel our biggest event, we still are asking our past donors, attendees, and sponsors to support our goal of raising more than $265,000 by donating to our organization in the next few months so that the non-profit agencies we support through grants will be able to receive their check at MPCF’s Annual Tea in late October and carry on their service to our most vulnerable citizens.”

The Kentucky Derby Party and the fall Breeders Tin Cup Team Challenge for Charity are the two main fundraising events hosted by MPCF each year, while the Winner’s Circle Society Membership Reception and the Roberta O. Fox Annual Distribution Tea are held to honor members and award grants. On average, 80 non-profit agencies apply to MPCF each year for funding. A review committee determines which organizations receive grants, with typically 50 awarded annually. By bringing the leaders of various non-profits together in one room, the Annual Tea fosters a way for greater needs to be met.

“I was Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters for 20 years,” shared Heptig. “Every year all the (non-profit) agency Directors would attend the Annual Tea. It was our day to receive much needed funding, and it was our day to shine and share. So many of our most vulnerable in the county need a myriad of services, at the Tea we talked and figured out ways to do more by working together.”

The Annual Tea is an afternoon of giving and collaboration that sets the work of the Fund apart from what many other charities are doing, but it’s also a day of great emotion.

“One of my favorite parts of working with MPCF is presenting our Legacy Grants at our Tea,” said Maria Farhat Tanzola, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of MPCF. “Every recipient shares how the grants help their constituents and often there isn’t a dry eye in the room.”

An all-volunteer leadership, the Fund is run by a Board of 18 trustees and one staff member. With Monmouth Park Racetrack donating office space for the organization, 83% of all monies raised go directly to financial support of human service programs throughout Monmouth County. Strategic partnerships with New Jersey Natural Gas, the Grunin Foundation, CentraState Medical Center, and Hackensack Meridian Health have afforded even more opportunities for giving.

“Since learning of their mission, I have always been proud to support the Monmouth Park Charity Fund. The vision of MPCF to aid Monmouth County charities so they may carry out their diverse objectives in assisting the most vulnerable in our community aligns perfectly with my core beliefs and values,” said Carol Stillwell, President of Stillwell-Hansen and proud supporter of MPCF. “Many of the charities that benefit from MPCF are organizations that I already serve and truly speak to my heart, making MPCF a natural and ideal fit for my philanthropic endeavors.”

Beyond attending or supporting MPCF events through purchases or direct donations, as of 2018 a $500 individual donation offers membership into the Society. The Winner’s Circle Society, chaired by Sandy Mullaney and Anita Roselle, is a new initiative of the organization where members participate in determining how and to whom an annual grant called the Transformational Grant will be distributed. The first grant of the group was awarded this summer to The Arc of Monmouth for $13,750. The Society is currently 51 strong, and MPCF is looking to bring on 50 new members in time to complete its 75th Anniversary in July of 2022 as part of its planned year-long celebration.

For more information, to donate, or secure membership, please visit MPCharityFund.org.

The History of MPCF

In 1946 a group led by the late Amory L. Haskell of Middletown began a restoration of Monmouth Park Racetrack, which had been abandoned for 50 years. Under the new leadership of then-President Haskell, the Monmouth Park Jockey Club was born. In an effort to show their gratitude to the residents of Monmouth County for their assistance in making the dream of a revitalized racetrack a reality, Haskell and his partner, Philip H. Iselin, assembled a committee of 15 area women to plan a charity ball and carnival to be held at Monmouth Park. It was decided the money raised from the first charity ball in 1947 would be given back to the community by way of support for local charitable endeavors, a tradition that is honored by The Monmouth Park Charity Fund to this day.

Betty Iselin, wife of Philip, became the first president of the Charity Ball Committee, an office she held for 50 years. Haskell’s daughters, the late Anne Haskell Ellis of Middletown and Hope Haskell Jones of Rumson, were a vital part of the fundraising committee for more than 30 years. Hope Haskell Jones continues to be an active member of the Monmouth Park Charity Fund.

For many years, the Committee worked with the support and cooperation of the Monmouth Park Racetrack administration and enjoyed the many courtesies available to them. The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority purchased Monmouth Park in 1986 and continued to support the activities of the Fund. Today, Monmouth Park Racetrack is managed by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NJTHA) and the organization continues the tradition of honoring the work of the MPCF.

FEATURED PHOTO: This is where caption text will go for featured photo. As a general note, captions should also be inputted into the caption section within the media library to help meet ADA compliance. CREDIT: Photographer Name (hyperlinked to their website or whichever landing page they prefer).

Did you know that government subsidies do not cover the cost of soap and other essential toiletries? Stacy Wiener learned this when volunteering at the Bradley Pantry where she witnessed families requesting soap and shampoo along with food. She found a way to distribute soap to the underserved population in a way that is kind, and preserves the dignity of the recipients. Stacy put her talent for knitting and crocheting to good use and created Soap S.A.C.K. (Supporting A Community with Kindness) three years ago. The concept is simple. Festive soap sacks are crocheted or knitted, filled with a bar of soap, and completed with a tag containing a heartfelt message. They are then distributed to food pantries, housing centers, veterans clinics, social service agencies, relief efforts and charities. What started as a local effort has blossomed into a national and international phenomenon. Meet Stacy Wiener to learn how a simple idea in Monmouth County gained traction around the world.

CM: How did S.A.C.K. initially get the sacks made and distributed, and how has it grown?

Stacy Wiener (SW): When I started S.A.C.K. in 2017, I was the only one crocheting/knitting sacks and purchasing the soap to fill them. After reaching out to several local knitting/crocheting groups and explaining the S.A.C.K. mission, they began to make soap sacks for me. However, I was the only one who was donating soap sacks to shelters, pantries and social service agencies, primarily within Monmouth County. A local story was picked up by USA Today two years ago, and within hours, I was receiving emails from all over the country asking me if they could do the same for shelters and pantries in their communities. As you can probably guess, I said YES!! Now there are volunteers in EVERY state as well as Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia. More than 100,000 soap sacks have been donated globally! I am so incredibly lucky to be part of this important mission of extending kindness, one sack at a time.

CM: Tell us about your family and whether they are involved in helping.

SW: My son, Aron, 18, just graduated from the Engineering Academy at Red Bank Regional and will be attending University of Pittsburgh as a Chemical Engineering student.  My husband, Bob, retired from Johnson & Johnson two years ago. We have two coonhound pointer dogs—Choliy and Molae. Aron coordinated a soap drive at RBR during his junior year. Bob is the “back office guy” (his words) for S.A.C.K. He has been solely responsible for the paperwork to get the 501c3 status, trademarking the logo, setting up and maintaining the website, etc.

CM: What are some of the challenges of S.A.C.K.?

SW: I am always in need of soap. It has been especially challenging since COVID—personal hygiene is more important than ever.

CM: What would be your dream way of advancing S.A.C.K.?

SW: I want to continue to inspire people to be part of the S.A.C.K community…and have soap sacks donated all over the world, so a corporate sponsorship, or an appearance on television, or other way to reach a large audience and advance the cause is my dream.

CM: Do you have any hobbies when not working on S.A.C.K?

SW: Besides knitting and crocheting, I love to read and walk the boardwalk. I live two blocks from the beach—I am definitely a Jersey Shore Beach Girl.

CM: Favorite quote?

SW: “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.” Kevin Heath

CM: How can CM readers get involved?

SW: We appreciate the help! Readers can visit SoapSacks.com for sample patterns and information. They can coordinate soap drives, donate to S.A.C.K. through the website, donate soap through Amazon, (where we also have a Wishlist) as well as donate craft store gift cards to help offset the cost of yarn. We are also on Facebook (@SoapSACK) and Instagram (@soapsacks).

FEATURED PHOTO CREDIT: Cathy Padilla

After twenty years in the corporate world, Laura leveraged her teaching and mentoring skills to open Class 101 Monmouth County in Hazlet to help families and students navigate the college admissions process. Laura is passionate about helping high school students find their future, and shared information and tips about college planning and applications.

CM: How does Class 101 help students and families?

Laura Ciccone (LC): Simple – we make college planning simple! We are the first comprehensive college planner in our region.The admission process has become so complex it is hard to know WHERE and WHEN to start. As a mom to a high school-aged child, I know how time consuming and frustrating the process can be. As parents, we do not want to be nagging our kids for three to four years to keep on top of planning for college. At Class 101, we work with students 1:1 to connect all the dots and make the process enjoyable for families – no nagging involved!

CM: What are students/parents most surprised to learn about the college admission process?

LC: For parents, it is how much has changed. Back in the day, we started the process at the end of junior year/beginning of senior year, received all communication via US mail, either hand wrote or typed our application, applied to a couple of schools and visited those schools maybe once before accepting. Today, students apply to an average of six to ten colleges, write anywhere from one to fifteen essays, and visit their top colleges two to three times. For students, it is how many colleges are actually out there. I spend many months with my students helping them find which of the 4000 colleges are a good fit for them.

CM: What is the benefit of working with Class 101 during the college planning process?

LC: For 23 years, Class 101 has been providing personalized, 1:1 services to help students and families navigate everything from identifying a college major to developing a college list to the presentation of their college applications. Our expertise and passion have helped more than 6,500 students attend over 400 colleges and universities, and earn more than $482 million in scholarships!! We are here to manage and guide you through the process, so your family can spend time together on what really matters.

CM: When should students start planning activities for college?

LC: Ideally freshman year. I know, kids are just learning how high school works! But your college application is a summary of ALL your high school years, not just junior year. Freshman and sophomore years are all about laying the foundation. I frequently get calls from juniors in January, asking what they need to be doing before applications open in August. It is hard to go back in time to create a good foundation. <h5″>CM: With the current pandemic, how has college planning changed? LC: Unfortunately, the Class of 2020 is taking the brunt of pandemic impact. We are seeing many recent graduates decide to attend college closer to home, either community colleges or state schools, than originally planned. For the Class of 2021 and those thereafter, not much has changed – we continue to help them find the right college fit – academically, personally and financially.

CM: Favorite quote?

LC: “Do something today your future self will thank you for.”

CM: What one tip should readers remember about the college application process?

LC: Early engagement in the process is a game changer! When it comes to maximizing college and scholarship opportunities, the earlier the better.

CM: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

LC: I love to travel but definitely do not do it as often as I would like right now. Work and kids keep me busy at the moment. When I am not working you will usually either find me on one of the many east coast soccer fields watching my daughter play, or entertaining family and friends in our backyard.

Your pets can be celebrities too.

Send in a photo to info@communitymagazinenj.com!

Get social with your pet celebrity! #CMPetCelebs

TZ: What is your proudest achievement in business?

SI: Being named in the Who’s Who in Men’s Hairstyling in 1970 after winning second place in Hairstyling for the State of New Jersey in 1968. Also, cutting a client’s hair until he was 104 years old.

TZ: What was your biggest challenge?

SI: There was no hairstyling for men in Monmouth County in 1963. We were the first to introduce it. We heard someone in Patterson was doing it and we went to him and to NYC for training. It was not easy at first. Men resisted the change. We held classes at Red Bank High School and once the mothers saw their sons with new haircuts, they started sending their husbands. The phone rang off the hook! There was also no hairspray for men. One of our clients was a chemist and made the product for us that we used.

TZ: What has changed with cutting hair through the years?

SI: Many stylists only use clippers. I still use scissors as a way to get a better cut and layering for my clients.

TZ: What has been your philosophy in business?

SI: My motto has always been to treat people with respect. As a result, clients are more like good friends than customers

Your pets can be celebrities too.

Send in a photo to info@communitymagazinenj.com!

Get social with your pet celebrity! #CMPetCelebs

FEATURED PHOTO: Franki DeSaro & April Martines | CREDIT: Abby Devey

The divine and destiny are constants throughout their story and led them to cofound a sanctuary for single mothers, children, and animals, firmly based in faith and positivity. The Sanctuary is already helping families, and the vision is to expand to a residential program.

CM: What is the mission of Light to Earth Sanctuary?

Our daily mission is to lovingly awaken each person towards their God-given purpose, by supporting their inner healing journey- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Our organization also helps animals and is Christian based, although we joyfully serve single mothers, children, families, and welcome volunteers, from all faith backgrounds. All feel welcome and at peace on the land; we are family.

CM: What types of events/services are held at the Sanctuary?

Many families at our farm have endured domestic violence, addiction, poverty, homelessness, loss of a loved one and much more. Presently, we offer one day workshops on art, cooking, and fellowship, and host retreats of various kinds on the farm for single mothers and their children. This year we created an organic community garden and all of the harvest will be donated to local families. Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at the farm are magical experiences full of so much joy, gratitude, and love. Fellowship gatherings are personally one of our favorites. Believers of all denominations join to sing, make music, and pray for one another. Afterwards we all feast, laugh, rest, and enjoy life together over a shared meal.

CM: Describe the farm, and how it became the location.

The farm is surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling hills, a true oasis of God’s creation on earth. Although we do not yet own the farm, the owner, Avram Schmied, a 72-year-old Jewish man, has lovingly allowed us to serve families here since 2018. He told us, “This is a very special piece of heaven right here on earth” and is grateful that his vision for the land’s “destiny and greatness” will continue. We are presently seeking to raise three million dollars to purchase the farm and call it our home! There is a custom built 6,500 sq. ft. three story home with apartment quarters, an 18, 000 sq. ft. barn/meeting space, two cottages, two working windmills, spring fed pond site and two fenced in pastures for horses, a shed with a root cellar, organic herb and vegetable garden, one acre poplar forest, and an underground fresh spring.

CM: What is most rewarding?

We love seeing people from all walks of life: diversity in ethnicities, faith beliefs, and experiences coming together to serve and support alongside one another. We did not realize we would also touch the lives of many of our team members and volunteers, who also have shared the varied struggles of our families. Some special memories include a young boy’s declaration that this had been the best day of his life and the other children begging their moms to stay or return soon. Some children had never seen the stars, the moon, or horses before! One mother shared she had not seen her daughter this happy in a long time. Another was hosting a fellowship gathering for women in recovery and seeing their hope. There is no greater reward than knowing and seeing love, joy and healing on the faces and hearts of those we serve.

CM: What is the biggest challenge?

Raising the funds to purchase our farm, and gathering the needed people-a grant writer, non-profit accountant, and a professional fundraiser-in order to reach the next level of our mission to create a 1-5-year residential program. Please visit our website to read our full miracle story and for ways to donate, join our team, attend our gala and more: lighttoearthsanctuary.org, or email us to schedule a farm visit or learn more here.

CM: Favorite Quote

“Faith doesn’t make sense, it makes miracles.”

FEATURED PHOTO CREDIT: Cathy Padilla

His recently released book, 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before You Die, is a handy guide for fun days and exciting nights all along the New Jersey Coast. Listed below are great Monmouth County spots you may drive by often but infrequently stop to enjoy, as well as a few day trips a little to our south. Let’s raise a glass to a healthy, happy July and reacquainting ourselves with all our area has to offer.

Allenwood General Store

There’s a long tradition of general stores throughout America but they have gone by the wayside courtesy of Walmart and Target. The Allenwood General Store bucks that tradition having stood roughly in the same place since the 1850s. The Herbert Family reinvigorated the general store in 1972 and family members still run it today. When you walk in, you will be greeted by the deli counter staff who wear t-shirts that read, “Got pork roll?” In addition to that famous Jersey specialty item, they have a full menu for take-out or eating outside. Don’t miss the back rooms! There’s an amazing collection of antiques, brick-a-brack, and craft items typified by the humorous sign, “This isn’t a museum. It’s junk for sale.”

Visit: AllenwoodGeneralStore.com

Classic Boat Rides

On Captain Dan’s Classic Boat Rides get a peek into the homes of those who live quietly at the shore but regularly commute to the craziness of New York City. From May to October, jump onboard to sail from Atlantic Highlands in the Sandy Hook Bay and venture south into the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers by Red Bank, Rumson, Fair Haven, Middletown Township, and Sea Bright. You see the current homes of Jon Bon Jovi and Jon Stewart, the former homes of Telly Savalas and Geraldo Rivera, and the beach house featured in The Sopranos. Tours are two to three hours with live music Thursday evenings, a sunset cruise on Fridays, and a mansion tour Sunday afternoons. The newest boat is a 100-passenger paddle wheeler, the Navesink Queen, with a heated indoor space and a bar with drinks and snacks. This summer, Captain Dan is mostly offering small group cruise charters, morning trips for fishing, or afternoon, evening, and weekend trips under the Highlands Bridge.

Visit: ClassicBoatRides.com

Englishtown Auction and Flea Market

Despite the name, Englishtown Auction is not an auction, but a giant flea market that has been a fixture of Monmouth County for more than 90 years. What began in a rural farmland and orchard as a place to buy, trade, and sell livestock, farm equipment, and produce, is now a place to buy all those things (maybe not livestock) plus antiques and collectibles, clothing, tools, and much more. Open every Saturday and Sunday year-round, the flea market features five indoor buildings with about 300 vendors and a variety of taquerias and food stands. The action really takes place in a large open lot marked by temporary “streets” such as Fifth Avenue. With a low-cost seller price, Englishtown attracts all kinds of sellers from people looking to sell used items from attics or garages to vendors selling new products like iPads.

Visit: EnglishtownAuction.com.

Henry Hudson Trail

Imagine English explorer Henry Hudson anchoring his boat and walking along the peaceful southern shore of Sandy Hook Bay. He would have seen vibrant trees and fauna as they rose on a hill up to the highlands overlooking the bay. You can have a very similar experience on a two-mile section of the 24-mile-long Henry Hudson Trail that follows a former railroad right-of-way along the shoreline from the marina in Atlantic Highlands to Popamora Point in Highlands. Walkers, runners, and bikers will find a well-tended, gravel and dirt path that was reopened last year after parts of it were washed away in Superstorm Sandy in 2012. In the heat of summer, head there for a cool morning walk in the shade. If you start in Highlands, you can finish your workout with a refreshing dip in the Sandy Hook Bay or join the faithful in throwing out a line in hopes of catching fluke, striped bass, or bluefish.

Visit: MonmouthCountyParks.com.

Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash

He’s a filmmaker, actor, comedian, podcaster, and comic book writer from Monmouth County and his name is Kevin Smith. Not sure who he is? You’ve probably seen one of his movies such as Clerks, Mallrats, or Chasing Amy or his reality cable TV show, Comic Book Men. Although he lives in Los Angeles, his heart is still in Monmouth County as evidenced by his store Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash. Growing up in Red Bank and Highlands, Smith dreamed of owning a comic book store. With profits from his movie Clerks, he opened up Secret Stash in 1997. At this one-of-a-kind store in Red Bank, geek out and buy merch and apparel related to Smith’s films and characters, like Jay and Silent Bob. If you’re into comic books and collectibles, then stop by and enjoy what one fan calls the “Disneyland for nerds.” Make sure to stop in the rear of the store to take a selfie with props from Kevin Smith’s movies including Buddy Christ from Dogma.

Visit: JayandSilentBob.com

JBJ Soul Collective, Red Bank

“Where there is love, there is plenty.” That’s the manifesto of JBJ Soul Collective restaurants in Red Bank and Toms River. Run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, these unique restaurants are part of an ongoing commitment by Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, to provide food for those in need, as well as job training for people interested in being part of the food industry. At these restaurants anyone can partake, choosing from a set menu. You pay what you want with a recommended price of around $25. You may rub shoulders with the rock star and his family or share a table with in-need customers.

Visit: JBJSoulKitchen.org.

New York Skyline, Keyport and Atlantic Highlands

Grab a blanket, a great book, and your favorite four-legged best friend for a walk along the water in either Keyport or Atlantic Highlands. Both towns offer marinas with views of the New York skyline dotted with elegant sailboats and the sound of gulls overhead. Open to the public year-round, bring along some quarters for the tower viewers in Keyport and see the Freedom Tower up close. Numerous local restaurants are in walking distance in both towns offering adult beverages and food with a view.

Ocean Grove Auditorium

Few American concert halls have featured concerts by John Philip Sousa, Enrico Caruso, Kenny Rogers, and The Beach Boys. Even fewer have natural acoustics that conductor Leonard Bernstein once compared to Carnegie Hall. More than 120 years ago, Ocean Grove’s founders built this amazing, mostly wooden building, originally with 10,000 seats. Eventually, they reduced capacity to 6,000 but it’s still one of the largest auditoriums in the state. Among its features are one of the world’s largest pipe organs and a huge painted American flag (circa 1916) at the back of the stage with light bulbs that flash in an undulating manner. Throughout a typical summer, the Auditorium hosts Sunday worship services, classical concerts, and a few pop rock vocalists and bands. Because the Auditorium has no air-conditioning, the barn-like sides of the Great Auditorium are often open for concerts. While many events have been rescheduled this summer, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has tentative plans for concerts and worship services later this summer.

Visit: OceanGrove.org/shows

Pine Creek Railroad

The history of New Jersey Museum of Transportation’s Pine Creek Railroad is more complicated than switching trains in Grand Central Station. It starts with a group of railroad enthusiasts who rescued a steam-powered locomotive from the Raritan River Sand Company around 1950, renaming it Pine Creek No. 1. After some fits and starts trying to operate a little narrow-gauge railroad as an amusement attraction along two different state roads, the Museum finally found a home at Allaire State Park, which already was established as an 1830s historic iron works village. Today, the Museum operates a steam train on a narrow gauge, half-mile track that runs through part of the park. The train yard is home to rare vintage pieces of railroad equipment, and admission is required for the train ride. If you want to see the Pine Creek No. 1 train, however, you’ll have to travel out west. It was sold more than 60 years ago and restored so it could operate at Disneyland.

Visit: njmt.org

The Breakers Hotel

There’s not one dominant architecture style that stands out in Spring Lake as much as the idea of the Gilded Age of American wealth and splendor exemplified in the choice of Spring Lake for scenes in the movies Ragtime and Once Upon a Time in America. Along the wide streets and tree-lined sidewalks sit majestic turn-of-the-century buildings, grand cottages, and historic bed-and-breakfast inns. At The Breakers on the Ocean Hotel, lean back in a chair on the veranda, close your eyes, and taste the ocean air while you imagine a simpler life.

Visit: BreakersHotel.com

Day Trips

Doo Wop District, the Wildwoods

Taking its name from the rock sound of Chubby Checker and Bobby Rydell, the Doo Wop Motel District in the Wildwoods celebrates the mid-century or space-age architectural style of that era. With Vegas-like neon signs and giant plastic palm trees, these still-operating motels feature exotic names such as the Caribbean Motel and the Bel Air Motel, with more than 50 in Wildwood Crest alone.  Stop by the former Surfside Restaurant, which has been turned into the Doo Wop Experience, including a retro-style malt shop and outdoor neon garden. New this summer is the Doo Wop Drive-In offering breakfast and lunch. In the parking lot, they are serving dinner with a projected movie two nights a week.

Visit: DooWopUSA.org/project-02 and DooWopDriveIn.com

Howling Woods Farm, Jackson Township

More than a dozen wolfdogs and domestic-bred wolves at Howling Woods Farm have been featured in Vogue and Esquire, as well as music videos, television shows, and films such as Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. You can interact with, pet, and snap a selfie with the large, furry creatures during an hour-long tour. You can even practice your howling to get them to respond in kind with the classic wolf howl. Because New Jersey permits wolfdog ownership and surrounding states do not, this is the only related attraction within hundreds of miles. Reservations are required by phone, and the farm is open year-round every day except Monday. 

Visit: HowlingWoods.org

Island Heights

On busy Route 37 between Toms River and Seaside Heights, the turn-off sign for Island Heights is nearly invisible. Yet less than a mile south is the small river town of Island Heights, where a majority of its almost 400 structures were built during the Victorian era. Like Ocean Grove to the north, also on the National Register of Historic Places, the town grew from a Methodist camp meeting site in the late 1800s but never developed into a major tourist destination mostly because it sits on Toms River unlike its neighbors on the ocean. An outstanding example of the town’s architecture is the John F. Peto Studio Museum which the artist designed and built.

Visit: IslandHeightsBoro.com/history

Pine Barrens

With more than 1.1 million acres, the Pine Barrens make for a perfect outing and is closer to the Shore than you think. Created in 1978, it is the country’s first National Reserve. Despite its size, it can be challenging to figure out how and where you can explore this vast area of our state. One of the busiest outfitters close to the Jersey Shore is Mick’s Canoe & Kayak Rental. It provides online video instruction and, on site, points you to the best trails of the Wading and Oswego rivers.

For the more adventurous, check out Pinelands Adventures.

Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum

Long before boardwalks and amusement parks, most people along the Jersey Shore worked in the maritime industry. At the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum 20 minutes north of Atlantic City, explore the life of a boat builder, fisherman, decoy maker, fishmonger, or volunteer who rescued people and boats from the Atlantic Ocean. Climb to the top of the reproduction of the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse to see how these men and women sailed out of Tuckerton Creek to Tuckerton Bay and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. 

Visit: TuckertonSeaport.org

Whale Watching in Cape May

Whale watching in Cape May dates back to 1987, a decade after the city revitalized itself as a tourist destination with a nod to Victorian architecture. Captain Ron Robbins started whale watching trips, leaving bait and fishing rods home in favor of binoculars and suntan lotion. With his vessel, the Holiday, a former fishing vessel, Ron slowly plied the waters of Delaware Bay and the nearby Atlantic Ocean, with great success finding Humpback, Fin, and Right Whales. Since then, two other companies have followed in his footsteps, offering multiple two-to-three-hour trips per day in season. There are almost always dolphins diving in the waves at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, but the real stars of the show are the occasional whales.

Visit: CapeMayWhaleWatcher.com and CapeMayWhaleWatch.com

CM: Does Owen have any favorite things?

Lori: It is a toss-up which is his favorite food, either grilled chicken or turkey. He doesn’t have a best friend but loves to watch all the dogs walk by while he sits on the front porch. Of course, he sleeps in bed with us! You have to lift up the blanket and he burrows all the way under it. Sometimes I’m worried he can’t breathe. He loves to take walks. It doesn’t matter where we are going, I swear he could walk for miles if I let him. His favorite toy is a stuffed giraffe. He would make you throw it all day if he could.

CM: What do you love most about Owen?

Lori: There are so many things that he does that make us laugh. Any time we sit down to dinner he turns in circles at 100 miles-per-hour because he knows we will give him something to eat. Sometimes we just look at him and laugh because he’s so cute. He actually hates clothes! Even his little green boots. I’ll put a sweatshirt on him, and I’ll turn around for a second and the sweatshirt will be on one side of the floor and he’ll be on the other.

Your pets can be celebrities too.

Send in a photo to info@communitymagazinenj.com!

Below are certified therapy dogs with The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and schools. This amazing group even participates in the Read-to-the-Dogs program at the Holmdel Library!

 

Get social with your pet celebrity! #CMPetCelebs