Boonton residents John and Wendy Crans are grateful for the expertise, experience, compassion, and support that the Saint Clare’s Health team provided to John throughout his journey with prostate cancer.
According to the CDC, nearly 250,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, rendering it the second most common cancer among American males. For these individuals, the right treatment not only helps determine their survivability, but also their comfort and quality of life.
Providing the utmost in high-quality and compassionate care, the team at Prime Healthcare’s north Jersey hospitals — including Saint Clare’s Health (Denville/Dover/Boonton), Saint Mary’s General Hospital (Passaic) and Saint Michael’s Medical Center (Newark) — proudly deliver state-of-the-art treatment in a comfortable and convenient community environment and are setting a new standard of cancer care.
It’s an experience that 77-year-old Boonton resident, retired government employee, and active volunteer firefighter John Crans can attest to.
After a series of tests confirmed that his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels were on the rise, “my urologist, Dr. Vincent Cubelli, did a biopsy of my prostate and I was subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2020,” Crans said.
While surgery was an option, his team of specialists at Saint Clare’s Health advised against it based on his age and physical condition and instead recommended that he consider TrueBeam therapy, a radiosurgery treatment system that allows doctors to target hard-to-reach tumors and deliver safe, effective, and convenient treatment in just one to five sessions compared to as many as 45 sessions of conventional radiation therapy. Since completing five treatments in January 2021, Crans is now enjoying life cancer-free and couldn’t be more grateful for the expertise, experience, compassion and support that the Saint Clare’s team provided.
The Prime Health Care recommended that John Crans undergo TrueBeam therapy, a radiosurgery treatment system that allows doctors to target hard-to-reach tumors and deliver safe, effective, and convenient treatment in just one to five sessions.
An Optimal Solution
“We check the prostates of our older male patients through physical exams and blood testing on a regular basis and John has been a patient of mine for several years,” said Dr. Cubelli, MD, attending urologist with Morris County-based Garden State Urology, an affiliate of Saint Clare’s Health. “When his PSA results began rising, we decided that we needed to do a biopsy, which ultimately revealed a number of cancerous sectors of the prostate that warranted treatment.
“While we perform surgery for prostate cancer using a laparoscopic robotic approach and Saint Clare’s possesses the state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical system to accomplish that, our collaborative team agreed that surgery wasn’t ideal for John because it would pose extra risks/side effects and that radiation would be a more optimal alternative,” said Dr. Cubelli, who referred Crans to Anurag Chandra, MD, radiation oncologist at Saint Clare’s Health.
Among the radiation options available to treat prostate cancer, “stereotactic body radiation therapy, or ‘SBRT,’ is a higher-level technology that only a few of the hospitals in North Jersey have, but which is resident at Saint Clare’s,” Dr. Chandra said. “Through our TrueBeam system, we’re able to deliver precise, high-dose, pinpoint treatments of radiation to the prostate in just one to five sessions and significantly reduce the risk of collateral damage to adjacent organs.
“In addition to its low risk of toxicity, the main advantage of SBRT for patients is its convenience given that it’s delivered in just five or fewer sessions that are spaced out every three to four days,” Dr. Chandra said. “Studies reveal that at least half of all prostate cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are earlier-stage/lower-risk cases that would be great candidates for SBRT and John’s was one of them.”
An Excellent Prognosis
Since completing his TrueBeam sessions more than a year ago, Crans and his doctors have been thrilled with his progress.
“At the start, my PSA was 8.17,” Crans said, “and as of my last blood test, my PSA was .97 and I feel great.”
“For the right patient, TrueBeam can effectively address their treatment needs in a convenient setting, and John was an ideal candidate for this therapy,” Dr. Cubelli said. “Over a year after his treatment, he’s doing exceptionally well and I’m fairly confident that he’ll remain cancer-free for the long-term, though we’ll continue to monitor him in the event that anything changes.”
“John’s prognosis should be excellent,” concurred Dr. Chandra.
As they continue to enjoy family events with their children and grandchildren and prepare to celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary in May, John and Wendy Crans can’t thank the Saint Clare’s team enough.
“Every member of the Saint Clare’s team was awesome from start to finish and I truly appreciated Dr. Chandra’s honesty and the time he and my other doctors took to discuss my treatment options, their pros and cons, and the process involved,” Crans said. “I like to be close to home and after meeting with all of my doctors, there was no question that I was going to have my treatment at Saint Clare’s.”
“Equipped with the finest technologies available and a staff of doctors, nurses, and support personnel who love taking care of patients, Saint Clare’s provides exceptional oncology care,” Dr. Cubelli said. “We’re proud to offer top-quality care close to home in a comfortable, non-stressful environment.”
“We offer high-level technology like TrueBeam in the convenience of a community setting, which enables us to treat patients quickly, easily and safely,” Dr. Chandra said. “Along with so many other services that a patient might require in their cancer journey, including physical therapy/rehab, social work, nutritional counseling, speech and swallow services and more, we have all of the medical and ancillary support onsite to be able to offer patients everything they need right in their own backyard.”
Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 46 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.6 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation’s leading health systems with nearly 50,000 employees and physicians dedicated to providing the highest quality health care.
Patients participating in clinical trials gain access to groundbreaking therapies that could improve — or even save — their lives.
More than 1,800 studies of new or existing medications are happening throughout the Garden State, according to the federal research site ClinicalTrials.gov. New Jersey’s teaching hospitals are leading many of these studies (called clinical trials), and smaller community medical centers are referring their patients to them.
Both the physicians who lead these trials and the patients who participate in them are pioneering medicine. The results that stem from these studies will help doctors learn whether and in which cases a new medication is a viable treatment option. In return, participating patients gain access to groundbreaking therapies that could improve — or even save — their lives.
“Study participants are the unsung heroes of medical advancements,” said Robert W. Frenck Jr., director of the Vaccine Research Center and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati. “Without them, things like penicillin and mammograms would have never made it to clinical practice.”
Both the physicians who lead these trials and the patients who participate in them are pioneering medicine.
How Clinical Trials Work
The National Institutes of Health describes the clinical trial process as follows:
A new drug compound or combination therapy is first tested in the laboratory, then in animals. If the treatment shows promise, it will then be tested in humans for safety, effectiveness and optimal use.
Usually funded by a drug manufacturer, a clinical trial enrolls patients from all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. But because these studies are expensive (costing between $1.6 million and $19 million based on industry figures), they focus on a highly specific disease type and, therefore, enforce strict enrollment criteria. Prospective participants undergo a rigorous screening process to determine if their condition meets the study criteria.
Hospitals and treatment networks refer patients to a clinical trial if they feel the patient’s condition matches what researchers are investigating, if the patient could benefit from the study drug and if previous treatments have been unsuccessful.
‘Should I Participate?’
If your doctor refers you to a clinical trial, you should weigh the study drug’s potential side effects against your past treatments, currently available treatment options and your prognosis. You also need to find out your responsibilities as a trial participant, and how participation will affect your daily life. The research team will review these considerations with you during the registration process.
Before you agree to enter the trial, you will need to sign an “informed consent” form, which spells out the trial’s purpose, duration, required procedures, risks and potential benefits of the studied treatment, and who to contact if a problem arises. The research staff also will explain that information throughout the screening process. Once you sign the form, you can still leave the trial at any time.
Throughout the trial, medical research team members will administer the drug and periodically examine you to gauge its effects. If a complication arises, the trial team will cover the cost of treatment. Some trials also cover patient transportation and meal costs.
New Jersey hospital emergency departments treat and comfort 3.8 million individuals annually, according to the New Jersey Hospital Association.
When a pressing medical issue such as fierce pain just can’t wait, New Jersey hospitals’ emergency departments are there.
And when mental health crises emerge, particularly among youths, New Jersey hospitals’ emergency departments are on the job as well.
Hospital emergency departments are on the front lines of care 24/7, ready to handle every situation from the simple to the complex. They do so by maximizing advanced diagnostic and treatment protocols, equipment and technologies. But their patient-first care also prioritizes dignity, a personal touch, and empowering patients and families as partners in care and recovery.
And this specialized health care, imbued with hope, compassion and a commitment to healing and well-being, is always available close to home, no matter where you are across the Garden State.
New Jersey hospital emergency departments treat and comfort 3.8 million individuals annually, according to the New Jersey Hospital Association. Overall, these hospitals care for more than 15 million patients each year.
Each year, one in five Americans visits an emergency department at least once, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a department within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its December 2021 report encompassed 2018 data.
While trauma and other urgent situations are common, most patients seen in an emergency department are treated and discharged without hospital admission, the agency reported. Many individuals seek care for non-urgent conditions that may reflect limited access to primary and preventive care, lack of a regular health care provider, or minimal or no health insurance.
The coronavirus pandemic prompted hospitals and emergency departments in New Jersey and nationwide to quickly innovate. They mobilized to devise workflows and therapy protocols to safely accommodate an influx of patients with a highly contagious infection about which little was known. Services remained open as hospitals, including emergency rooms, stood tall to save lives. And emergency caregivers’ heroic efforts often included personal sacrifice as they put patients first: time away from families, risks to their own health care, frequent stress, and constantly dealing with the unknown factors and dangers about the virus.
While trauma and other urgent situations are common, most patients seen in an emergency department are treated and discharged without hospital admission, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Now, it’s clear that the pandemic is exacting another toll. A trend identified in 2020 emergency department data continues to grow: Youths ages 12 to 17 are seeking hospital care at a rate well beyond pre-pandemic levels for mental-health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and eating disorders, New Jersey Hospital Association data show.
The concern, also seen in the association’s analysis of 2021 hospital visits, is driving an increase in inpatient hospital admissions. The proportion of depression-related hospitalizations increased 25% from 2019 to 2021, the association’s analysis shows. The statistics also reveal that anxiety increased 54%, self-harm cases jumped 95%, and eating disorder-related hospitalizations were approximately 2.5 times higher in 2021 compared with 2019. Females sought care for eating disorders far more often than males, according to the data.
“We are witnessing the extended impact of the pandemic years on the demand for mental health services,” said NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett. “The emergency department is very often the first point of contact for youths in mental-health crisis, but now we see that journey continuing into inpatient care in our hospitals. This is an important early indicator of the need for better access to mental health services for New Jersey’s youth.”
Another trend in emergency departments is a priority gaining prominence in general hospital operations: the importance of a positive experience. Hospitals are restructuring operations to ensure that emergency patients see a provider as quickly as possible.
Part of the reason is that “emergency rooms face a Herculean task,” according to a study published in The Conversation, an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. “They are asked to be prepared for anything and everything, keep wait times down and costs low. They are mandated by law to treat and stabilize anyone who walks in the door regardless of their ability to pay.”
It is that dedication to patients and to community health that powers emergency departments around the clock, 365 days a year.
Hospitals are restructuring operations to ensure that emergency patients see a provider as quickly as possible.
Emergency Departments by the Numbers in the United States
In 2018, there were 143.5 million emergency department (ED) visits, representing 439 visits per every 1,000 residents.
14% of ED visits resulted in a hospital admission. Circulatory and digestive system conditions were the most common reasons for these visits.
86% of ED visits resulted in treatment and release. The top reasons for these visits: Injuries and poisonings and troublesome symptoms, signs and abnormal findings.
The highest rates of ED visits were among females 65 and older, and individuals living in low-income or rural areas.
Those treated and released from EDs came in due to abdominal pain, acute upper respiratory infection and chest pain.
Reasons for treat-and-release ED visits by patient group:
Males: Wounds to limbs and the head or neck
Females: Urinary tract infections, headache, and pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting
Children: Ear infection or inflammation, a viral infection and fever
Older Adults: Dizziness/hallucinations and fainting
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, within the United States Department of Health and Human Services, December 2021 report on 2018 data
When to Go to the Emergency Department
The following health issues require emergency care. To secure immediate assistance, dial 911.
Chest pain
Choking
Poisoning (Call the Poison Control Center first: 800-222-1222)
Serious injury
Head injury
Broken bones
Problems breathing
Severe burns
Severe dizzy spells, fainting or blackouts
Drug overdose
Loss of speech or slurred speech
Change or loss of vision
Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes
Bleeding that does not stop
Fever higher than 101 and vomiting more than 3 hours
Vomiting blood or coughing up blood
Confusion
Sudden loss of feeling or not being able to move
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Suicidal feelings
Other problems that you think cannot wait
Source: Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey, a nonprofit affiliate of the New Jersey Hospital Association
Resources for Parents of Teens with Mental Health Issues
The New Jersey Hospital Association has produced a reference sheet, “What Should I Do,” for parents of children struggling with mental health issues. It identifies resources for mental health care, questions to ask and more. Download it at njha.com/what-should-I-do.
Hospital caregivers are prioritizing compassion, helpful services, empathy and innovation to ensure patients have a strong, satisfying patient experience.
When you need a hospital’s care, you’re already vulnerable. Hospital caregivers realize this, and are now embracing an approach to provide holistic care that supports not just the patient, but also the person.
Hospital caregivers are prioritizing compassion, helpful services, empathy and innovation to ensure patients have a strong, satisfying patient experience.
It’s all part of the health care industry’s ongoing transformation to boldly strategize a resilient clinical and economic future — and to nurture community health overall, one patient at a time, while seamlessly delivering the integrated multidisciplinary care and services communities need, deserve and value.
A study by the Beryl Institute, comprised of health care professionals around the globe who advocate for transforming the human experience in health care and hospitals, found that 96% of health care consumers ranked a positive experience as important or very important.
Quality care, delivered efficiently with plain-talk communication, is just the start. This focus also manifests itself by prioritizing dignity, integrity and service, as well as commitments to advocate for, empower and educate patients and communities.
“Powerful market and regulatory trends, combined with increasing evidence linking patient experience to important clinical and business outcomes, make a compelling case for improving patient experience,” according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
How is this taking place? Hospitals’ innovations now include helpful digital services. Patients can access online summaries of their care, medication information, patient records, payment histories and more through apps, for instance. They can make appointments for follow-up care, learn more about their physician teams and even renew prescriptions.
A January 2022 Harvard Business Review column reported that digital approaches designed to aid patients’ experiences also can aid hospitals’ internal workflows by sharpening efficiency. “Research and hospitals’ experiences show that they can make a big difference in such areas as the management of the patient flow, staffing, scheduling and the supply chain,” the report said. “The result can be improvements in the quality and efficiency of care and patients’ access to it.”
For hospitals, the COVID pandemic inspired even more aligned, cohesive, system-wide opportunities for care while retaining a patient-first focus. This vision also includes renewed attention on community wellness, prevention, education, resources and vitality. This is being achieved by increasing access to services, promoting health equity and reducing health disparities. Such cultural competence ultimately results in improved care and trust.
These relationships also can benefit New Jersey hospitals, which would gain insights about community health priorities and voices, all to inform decision-making and further position hospitals as neighbors and friends robustly invested in New Jersey’s overall well-being.
Suddenly, over the course of a few weeks, New Jersey’s 113 hospitals were in an unexpected spotlight. The coronavirus was raging in the summer of 2020, with courageous doctors, nurses, technicians and staff members working 24/7 on the front lines in the midst of what would become a worldwide pandemic.
The disease was new, the challenge unprecedented. But at their heart, hospital staffs understood the stakes: Protect and save lives. And soon, grateful communities would recognize the extraordinary care, the fierce dedication, the vast personal sacrifice — and generously thank their health care heroes in ways large and small.
Recognition well deserved? Yes. But hospitals are powerhouses for communities in so many additional ways. Their culture of care and scientifically and technologically advanced therapies of all types, conveniently close to home, blend with their commitment to be economic engines that provide jobs, services and so much more for the state’s 9.2 million residents.
Indeed, hospitals are “anchor institutions” that are vital influencers of community health. They are committed to building trust and promoting well-being through innovation, education, investment, partnerships, engagement and advocacy. These responsibilities provide vast safety nets and lifelines that are even more crucial as our region continues to rebound from the pandemic.
Anchor institutions are physically and permanently rooted in the communities they serve and have a direct stake in the sustainability of those communities and their health. Hospitals embrace this responsibility by investing in cutting-edge medical advancements, recruiting top-flight physicians and specialists, expanding training for staff members, and taking bold steps to upgrade services. Clinical excellence drives success and fuels a culture of possibility that seeks to capitalize on health care’s rapid, nonstop evolution. This dramatically increases quality, integration, influence and economic strength — while positioning hospitals to be health care providers of choice seeking to provide equitable access to care for all.
New Jersey hospitals’ impact on communities is massive. Together, they care for more than 15 million patients each year. In 2020, they provided $27.8 billion in direct economic activity while providing a total economic infusion of $62 billion. That’s because spending by hospitals has crucial ripple effects that provide lifeblood for other industries, fuel job growth and create business across New Jersey. These data points are outlined in the New Jersey Hospital Association’s March 2022 annual Economic Impact Report, covering 2020.
Additional key findings in the report further detail New Jersey hospitals’ seismic importance:
They provide nearly 119,000 full-time-equivalent jobs and total direct employment of over 154,000 full- and part-time employees. In addition, the hospitals create about 200,000 jobs across other sectors — resulting in an overall employment impact of 355,000 jobs statewide.
Hospitals purchased $3.9 billion in goods and services from other businesses. The majority of that number, $1.8 billion, represented direct purchases of pharmaceutical drugs, and $1.7 billion was spent on contracted labor.
Hospitals provided more than $10 billion in employee salaries, generating $500 million in state income taxes.
Hospitals delivered $671 million in charity care to the working poor and uninsured patients.
“New Jersey’s hospitals have made their mark throughout the pandemic by saving more than 105,000 lives among seriously ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. While the value of a life saved is immeasurable, we can quantify the economic impact of hospitals that touch our lives every day,” said NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett. “The direct economic impact of $27.8 billion reverberates throughout New Jersey to support other businesses, income and jobs — creating a multiplier effect of $62 billion in economic support across sectors and communities.”
New Jersey hospitals’ value across the state mirrors the premium importance hospitals provide nationally. In 2020, hospitals across the United States purchased more than $1.1 trillion in goods and services, according to the American Hospital Association. The nonprofit trade group also reported that hospitals had 6.3 million employees overall, supported 17.6 million total jobs (about out of every eight jobs in the country) and engineered $3.6 trillion in economic activity. njha.com/resources/economic-impact-report
Still, clinical excellence and safety, as part of a continuum of care, are paramount because residents of New Jersey and nationwide are living longer and require sharply advanced care. Every aspect of a patient’s health care journey can be life-changing, and caring for the person is as essential as caring for the patient.
New Jersey Hospitals by the Numbers
There are 113 hospitals statewide, including specialty hospitals. There are 72 acute-care hospitals.
New Jersey hospitals employ more than 150,000 individuals. Health care is the largest private sector employer in New Jersey and ranks second only to government as the state’s largest employer.
· New Jersey hospitals provide $23.6 billion in jobs, spending and other economic benefits to the state’s economy.
· New Jersey hospitals provide about $1.9 billion in free and discounted health care annually to the uninsured, senior citizens and those in financial need.
· New Jersey hospitals care for more than 15 million patients each year.
· New Jersey hospital emergency departments serve 3.8 million individuals annually.
· New Jersey hospitals provide $2.8 billion in community benefits annually, including health clinics, screenings, education and free and discounted care for the poor and uninsured.
If you think you know Atlantic City, think again — or, better yet, look again. This venerable seaside beauty attracts almost 27 million visitors a year, and, after the pandemic slowdown, its visitation numbers have increased by 17%. Casino revenue from in-person gambling increased slightly, but there were extraordinary gains from online and sports betting (the opening of sportsbooks was a boon) that pushed AC’s gross operating profit to $766.8 million in 2021, far surpassing the $117.5 million they made in 2020. There’s a new spirit in town, with remarkable developments at some of the classic hotels and a boom in nongaming amenities powered by imaginative entrepreneurs who believe in Atlantic City’s future. Visitors have thatmany more entertainment options on and off the boardwalk. And let’s not forget: There’s always that wide beach, which, as opposed to most other seaside resorts in New Jersey, is free.
Resorts Casino Hotel just added the $35 million Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville-themed entertainment complex and its beach bar, the LandShark Bar & Grill. Photo courtesy of Resorts Casino Hotel
The original game changer was Resorts Casino Hotel, which brought gambling to Atlantic City in 1978 — the first American casino outside of Nevada. With 21 prime, oceanfront acres on the boardwalk in North Beach, Resorts has close to 1,000 rooms in two towers connected by an 80,000-square-foot casino. It’s just added the $35 million Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville-themed entertainment complex and its beach bar, the LandShark Bar & Grill.
The Hard Rock Hotel franchise always adds a thoughtful, upscale luster and vibe to any of its locations. AC’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (once the Taj Mahal) devoted April to its “Save The Planet” initiative. For Earth Day, Hard Rock team members worked together to clean up the Atlantic City shoreline during a beach clean-up partnership with Stockton University. Over the past few years, team members have removed hundreds of pounds of trash and other environmental hazards during this event. The resort also partnered with Atlantic County sustainable farm, Reeds Organic Farm, as well as its partner charitable organization, A Meaningful Purpose, to plant trees and vegetation and donated $5,000 to help the organization further the mission. There’s also an oyster shell recycling program that keeps oyster shells out of landfills.
Headline entertainment at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena will continue to roll in once again as part of the 365 Live initiative. Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Of course, Hard Rock has its headline entertainment, too, and the venue will continue its commitment to live performances 365 days a year, seven days a week with the 365 Live initiative. Guests can check out performers in the Lobby Bar, Council Oak Steaks & Seafoods and the Hard Rock Café, boasting performances from local, regional and national entertainers all year long. Headline entertainment at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena this summer includes New Kids On The Block on July 3, Kevin Hart on July 8 and 9, Alicia Keys on Aug. 6 and Rod Stewart on Aug. 19.
Hard Rock had another record-breaking year and gave bonuses to over 2,000 of its employees. “We look at things differently here at Hard Rock, and that’s been the root of our success. Our mottos of ‘Love All-Serve All,’ ‘Take Time To Be Kind,’ ‘Save The Planet’ and ‘All Is One’ have been around for decades and we continue to live by them today,” said chairman of Hard Rock International, Jim Allen. “We want to focus on building companionship at work and creating a sense of family among our Hard Rock team members.”
The newest eatery at Bally’s is The Yard, a beer garden-style restaurant and bar that occupies the courtyard space between the famous Dennis Hotel towers. Photo courtesy of Bally’s
Bally’s has $100 million in renovations in the works and has added another twist to its eclectic mix of dining options, which include Guy Fieri’s Chophouse and Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis. The newest eatery is The Yard, a beer garden-style restaurant and bar that occupies the courtyard space between the famous Dennis Hotel towers. It’s spacious: over 10,000 square feet with 5,000 square feet of new construction. There are ’90s-themed arcade games, lounge-style seating and an indoor and outdoor stage for live entertainment. “The inspiration came from a collection of Philadelphia- and New York-style beer halls, and we took it to the next level,” said Paul Juliano, senior vice president of operations at Bally’s Corp. In addition, Bally’s has its new Carousel Bar, a 24-seat rotating bar with spectacular, 360-degree views of AC and beyond.
Bader Field has become a multipurpose space but there are rumblings that the site could be used as a motorsports facility, a technology hub or for hundreds of condos. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
In the “No news is … no news” department, there were a flurry of reports earlier this year about a new use for neglected Bader Field. (“Vacant Atlantic City airport could become car lover’s dream” was an Associated Press headline in February.) Bader Field (named after a former mayor) was once a city-owned, public-use airport. In its heyday, every United States president, from Theodore Roosevelt to Gerald Ford, flew to the airport during their terms. The words, “air port,” were used for the first time in 1919 by a reporter to describe this new, Atlantic City phenomenon. Bader’s decline began in 1958, then private planes used it until 2006. After that, this 143-acre tract in a prime location was used sporadically for a minor league baseball team, a skating rink and for concerts by Dave Mathews, Metallica and Phish. The South Jersey Region of the Sports Car Club of America hosts autocross events at Bader Field during the warmer months. There are new rumblings of classic car-related activities, with stories featured in the press about a motorsports facility, a technology hub and hundreds of condos — but the developer is not talking right now.
North Beach Mini Golf is the perfect recreation for adults and the kids who love them. Photo courtesy of North Beach Mini Golf
There are some exciting developments along the boardwalk that have nothing to do with casinos. One of them, North Beach Mini Golf, is at 120 Euclid Ave. next to the Altman Playground and just a few blocks from the Absecon Lighthouse. Two brothers, Mike and Nick Intrieri, revitalized a formerly vacant, 8,500-square-foot property into an 18-hole miniature golf course. Mike, who lives close to the course, is an engineer, and Nick, who lives in Rutherford, is in finance. Originally from Harrisburg, Pa., they moved to New Jersey after college, but before that spent happy summers at the Jersey Shore and loved playing miniature golf as kids. They rediscovered mini golf during the pandemic and realized it was a safe, socially distanced way to have fun and thought about creating their own course. Five years ago, they got involved in real estate in Atlantic City, rehabbing buildings and turning some of them into Airbnbs, though they were warned it was too dangerous for anyone to stay outside of the big hotels. They came to love the neighborhood and the AC community’s enterprising spirit.
The Intrieris are giving the course a distinctive AC flavor with some genuine artifacts, including a replica of the Absecon Lighthouse, a craps table and a slot machine. The plan was drawn up by Miniature Golf Solutions, a Florida-based company that has been designing courses for over 25 years. The course will connect to the boardwalk via a pedestrian bridge, and its rustic, natural theme includes greenery, streams and a pond. The Intrieri brothers plan to offer seasonal bicycle rentals at North Beach Mini Golf (which is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.). A fun alternative to the casinos, surrounded by a more residential neighborhood, North Beach Mini Golf is the perfect mini golf course for adults and the kids who love them (or vice versa).
Pat Fasano, the bold, charismatic developer who reenergized Asbury Park, has turned his talents to AC, which has a surprising amount of vacant land. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
AC’s hot, new neighborhood is poised to be The Orange Loop, where the streets are named after those on the orange section of the Monopoly board: Saint James Place, Tennessee Avenue and New York Avenue — three respectable blocks but not prime real estate — until now. Pat Fasano, the bold, charismatic developer who reenergized Asbury Park, has turned his talents to AC, which has a surprising amount of vacant land. It’s like the Wild West of the East Coast. His restaurant, Bourré, is the anchor of the neighborhood and serves Cajun cuisine. (That alligator sausage you’ve been craving is on the menu.) The day I spoke to him, he was onsite setting up for 420 Fest, celebrating the legalization of cannabis. His big plans for the area include a 15,000-square-foot, multiuse structure that will house apartments and stores.
Awhile back, Fasano saw a hotel in Costa Rica made of shipping containers, so he bought some for The Orange Loop and plunked them down in the courtyard outside Bourré. The containers house a bar, food outlets and a bridge. (Yes, all made from shipping containers.) There is a stage for live entertainment, picnic tables and a fire pit — perfect for a summer night hang. Fasano is in constant motion and knows how to make things happen, so there’s no doubt he will build that shipping container hotel.
Bourré is the anchor of The Orange Loop neighborhood with its vibrant nightlife and Cajun cuisine. Photo courtesy of Bourré
Fasano started in real estate at age 19 in New Brunswick, where he rehabbed buildings and rented apartments to Rutgers students. Later, he began transforming buildings in then-downtrodden-but-now-very-hot Asbury Park. “I’m the guy who started it,” he said. His entrepreneurial zeal is now focused on Atlantic City, where he has invested about $4 million in real estate, with another $4 million in improvements planned. AC has some assets not found in Asbury, including a wealth of parking and those free beaches, among other things.
“Atlantic City is electric, but it doesn’t have a downtown, so my vision begins by creating a downtown area in The Orange Loop, bringing restaurants, entertainment and shopping to an area that has the greatest natural resource at its feet: the Atlantic Ocean. Live music and great food are going to put Atlantic City back on the map. This is an exciting time for the city!”
One of the things Fasano is excited about is the Frantic City Festival, an all-day music festival to be held Sept. 24 at the Orange Loop Amphitheatre, featuring a sensational array of bands, including Yo La Tengo, Car Seat Headrest, Snail Mail and a host of others. Fred Armisen will be the host.
Fasano and the Intrieri brothers are passionate about Atlantic City and not afraid to gamble on the beautiful city they love.
Manuel Igrejas has worked in the theater as a playwright and a publicist on and off-Broadway. He was the publicist for Blue Man Group for 15 years, and his other clients included Richard Foreman, John Leguizamo, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, STREB, Julie Harris and Peak Performances.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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New Jersey is home to many historical aviation advancements, and there are quite a few museums throughout the state that let visitors see captivating and impressive evidence of that past. Not only can it be fun for the whole family, but they all offer an unforgettable learning experience.
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located in a World War II hangar and has historical aircraft and artifacts. Photo courtesy of Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Wildwood Aviation Museum is located in a World War II hangar and is open year-round. It offers hands-on exhibits, a wide range of historic aircraft and artifacts, and is also filled with fun activities. You can even climb into a real air traffic control tower!
From a Grumman F-14 Tomcat to a Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter, among other types of aircraft that are on display, you’re sure to learn and see impressive history.
Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children under age 2 as well as military members.
For hours of operation and more information, visit usnasw.org.
Address: 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, 08204
The Millville Army Air Field Museum offers a variety of preserved, World War II aviation history. Photo courtesy of Millville Army Air Field Museum
Millville Army Air Field Museum
Officially known as “America’s First Defense Airport,” this museum offers a variety of preserved, World War II aviation history. The historic location once served as a training facility for over 1,000 pilots in the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, an advanced fighter aircraft used during World War II.
The museum also hosts a variety of amazing airshows displaying authentic World War II Warbirds as well as other activities that are fun for the entire family, like programs and tours that have chronicled the importance of New Jersey’s aviation past.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
For hours of operation and more information, visitp47millville.org.
Address: 1 Leddon St., Millville, 08332
The AEREON 26 aircraft, which is on display at the Air Victory Museum, has a special place in UFO and conspiracy lore, since enthusiasts have drawn parallels between the shape of this aircraft and some reported UFOs from around the same era. Photo courtesy of Air Victory Museum
Air Victory Museum
The Air Victory Museum showcases a variety of historical aircraft, vehicles and other aviation-related memorabilia. Established as a museum in 1989, the site has accumulated artifacts and memorabilia over time, so visitors can see authentic aircraft as well as some replicas and learn about high-flying history.
Admission is $10 for ages 13 to 64, $7 for seniors and military members and $5 for children ages 8 to 17. Children ages 5 and younger are free.
For hours of operation and more information, visitnjavm.org.
Address: 68 Stacy Haines Road, Lumberton, 08048
A little boy stares into a glass display case featuring model airplanes and aviation memorabilia at the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey
From remarkable aircraft to helicopters, this aviation museum offers a variety of aviation and space history. Experience some interactive exhibits and enjoy the amazing displays, like sitting in the cockpits of aircraft at its Open Cockpit Day. Be sure to keep an eye on the events page and check its website for museum exhibit openings.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and children ages 3 to 12, and children under age 3 are free.
For hours of operation and more information, visit njahof.org.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Hangar No. 1 was the first major facility constructed at Lakehurst NAS, and, today, it is a registered National Historic Landmark. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Pivotal moments have propelled many advances in human history. The Lakehurst Naval Air Station (NAS) has been one of those places forever etched in the minds of mankind, and not just for the unfortunate crash of the Hindenburg.
“Although Navy Lakehurst will always be remembered as the site of the Hindenburg disaster, many other significant events have taken place here,” said Jennifer Suwak, senior vice president for the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society. “Airships Shenandoah, Los Angeles, Akron and Macon all called the NAS home. Navy Lakehurst was also the first international airport in the U.S., plus the first Navy Helicopter Squadron and the first live ejection seat test were at Navy Lakehurst.”
Before it became the Lakehurst NAS property, it originally began in 1916 as an ammunition testing site for the Imperial Russian Army. The property was then purchased by the U.S. Army, later naming it Camp Kendrick. Additional acres would be purchased by the Navy, transitioning the Camp Kendrick property to the Navy over time. In 1921, it was finally renamed Lakehurst Naval Air Station.
After the Wright brothers’ successful conquest of pioneering flight by a motorized airplane in 1903 with the heavier-than-air Wright Flyer (aka Kitty Hawk), interest had surged for more aviation innovations — now knowing that human flight was indeed possible.
In the early 1900s, Germany pioneered the development of zeppelins, a type of rigid airship noted for its lighter-than-air concept, introduced by inventor Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin.
The success of the rigid airships became of great interest to the United States. The aircraft was used primarily for patrolling and bombing missions by Germany; the United States would use them for coastal patrols and keeping American ships protected from submarine attacks. Throughout the 1920s and ’30s, the United States started constructing many rigid airships at the Lakehurst NAS. Navy pilots and crew would be trained to operate the dirigibles.
The first rigid airship constructed at Lakehurst NAS was the USS Shenandoah. Its first flight was in September of 1923. Photo by Rell Clements
Airship Activity Ascends
Hangar No. 1 was the first major facility constructed at Lakehurst NAS, and, today, it is a registered National Historic Landmark. At a construction cost of $4 million, the enormous structure housed helium-filled blimps. The massive steel doors are mounted on a trolley-track system that open with two 20-horsepower motors.
The first rigid airship constructed at Lakehurst NAS was the USS Shenandoah. Its first flight was in September of 1923. It was unfortunately destroyed in September 1925 when passing through a squall-line storm. Caught in a violent updraft and beyond the pressure limits of the gas bags, it tore apart and crashed near Caldwell, Ohio in several pieces.
Hangar No. 1 was also home to the USS Akron and the USS Macon, two rigid Akron-class airships constructed in the early 1930s. Designed to recover heavier-than-air planes, they were both equipped with their own hangar that could store up to five aircraft.
The USS Los Angeles, right, was another airship that was housed at Hangar No. 1. Photo courtesy of U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
The USS Los Angeles was another airship that was housed at Hangar No. 1. It was built by Germany in 1923-24 and was originally known as LZ-126. It was ultimately delivered to the United States as part of the German war reparations from World War I, and the United States mainly used it for tests.
Lakehurst has a total of six, large hangars — the largest blimp complex in the United States. Construction for Hangar No. 2 was completed in 1942 and was used for blimp maintenance. Hangar No. 3 was completed not too far after the completion of Hangar No. 2; it also housed blimps. Hangar No. 4 stored hot air balloons, and Hangars No. 5 and 6 housed additional rigid airships and blimps.
On May 3, 1937, at 7:25 p.m., the Hindenburg caught fire and was quickly consumed by flames. Of the 97 people that were on board, 62 people survived. Photo courtesy of San Diego Air and Space Museum Archives
The Hindenburg: A Fiery Fate
Germany’s prized dirigible, the Hindenburg, was the largest ever to have been constructed by the German Zeppelin Co. Lakehurst NAS was the only airbase suited to serve as a port for rigid airships in the United States. On May 3, 1937, the Hindenburg started its 63rd flight. It left the Frankfurt Airfield in Germany and made its way over the Atlantic Ocean. Once it reached the East Coast, it flew over Boston and then New York, finally arriving at Lakehurst NAS on May 6 just after 4 p.m. Poor weather was a concern, so a recommendation was made to the Hindenburg’s captain to delay the landing. Capt. Max Pruss flew the passengers over New Jersey’s seaside to wait for the weather conditions to improve at Lakehurst NAS. Around 6 p.m., weather conditions improved, and it was suitable for landing. Just after 7 p.m., the Hindenburg started its landing procedures, known as the flying moor. Mooring cables and landing ropes were dropped, and, at 7:25 p.m., the Hindenburg caught fire and was quickly consumed by flames. Of the 97 people that were on board, 62 people survived.
In 1951, the Naval Air Technical Training Center was established at Lakehurst NAS. Now known as Naval Aviation Technical Training, it had trained sailors “to serve as aviation boatswain’s mates, aircrew survival equipment men, aerographer’s mates, naval security guards and Marine Corps expeditionary airfield technicians.”
All operations with airships were ceased in 1962 by the Navy. The last nonrigid airship was built by the Goodyear Aircraft Corp. and was the world’s largest. It was stored for many years at Lakehurst NAS, but it currently resides at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla.
A replica of the Hindenburg’s control gondola sits inside Hangar No. 1, which was created for a 1975 movie about the disaster. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Suwak
Keeping A ‘Local Legacy Alive’
The Navy Lakehurst Historical Society (NLHS) is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the history of the Naval Air Station Lakehurst.
“NLHS is a group of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers that work tirelessly to preserve this history,” Suwak said. “From giving tours and educating the public on the fascinating and important history, to restoring aircraft to military specifications for preservation and education, to creating engaging films to preserve stories of the base and former personnel, the NLHS volunteers help keep history alive at Navy Lakehurst. New members are welcome, and donations are appreciated to help keep this local legacy alive.”
The organization offers free tours, but visitors must be pre-registered. Visit NLHS.com for more information or call 732-600-8055.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Twenty-five years ago on July 4, a historic event took place on the red planet: NASA’s Mars Pathfinder spacecraft touched down on the surface. Onboard was the Sojourner rover, the first wheeled vehicle to be used on another planet.
The Sojourner rover atop a Martian dune. Part of the Pathfinder mission, Sojourner was the first wheeled vehicle to be used on another planet. Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL
There was nothing ordinary about the Pathfinder mission. It had a unique delivery system that utilized a parachute, rockets and airbags to soften the landing. Once it was cut loose from its parachute, it dropped 100 feet to the surface, like a giant beach ball. Pathfinder bounced more than a dozen times up to 50 feet into the air before coming to rest in an ancient flood plain named Ares Vallis.
Because the engineers couldn’t be sure which way the spacecraft would be oriented after landing, they designed it to open like a flower. The pyramid shape allowed it to automatically flip itself right side up. The petals carried solar panels, which provided power for the spacecraft. The rover was named Sojourner, after the 19th century abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Sojourner Truth. Two days after landing, this little, six-wheeled vehicle rolled down a ramp and across the surface to begin taking images and analyzing the soil and rocks. Originally scheduled for a mission of seven days, the rover went on to operate for 83 days.
Pathfinder was a spectacular success that resulted in 16,500 high-resolution images, more than a dozen chemical analyses of rock and soil samples, as well as 8.5 million weather measurements. This data helped provide evidence of the planet’s warm, wet past. The spacecraft operated until NASA lost contact after Sept. 27, 1997, most likely due to battery failure.
The Pathfinder mission paved the way for more sophisticated rovers, including NASA’s latest Martian explorer, the Perseverance rover, which landed in February 2021. Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Although its lifespan was short, Pathfinder blazed a path for the Mars rovers that followed. NASA landed much larger more sophisticated rovers in 2004: Opportunity and Spirit. These were followed by Curiosity in 2012 and then, last year, by Perseverance. Curiosity and Perseverance continue to explore Mars today.
In addition to NASA’s spacecraft, the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) landed a rover of its own named Zhurong last year. It exceeded its initial 90-day mission but, last month, was shut down due to a dust storm and the weak sunlight during the Martian winter. If the rover survives the cold weather, it may be able to resume exploring later this year.
Both NASA and CNSA have plans to retrieve samples of Martian rock and soil in the near future. These robotic missions are trailblazers for possible human exploration of Mars.
The L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair is a quintessential summer tradition.
Along with a daily lineup of live entertainment, the 2022 L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair is bringing two premier country concert events to the Garden State this summer: the “Roots & Boots Tour” featuring Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye with Tequila Rose on Sunday, June 26, and “Southern Rock Fest” featuring the Marshall Tucker Band, Kentucky Headhunters and Southern Steel on Saturday, July 2.
“These incredible concert events undoubtedly will provide two spectacular days of amazing entertainment, and we are thrilled to be able to bring these talented and award-winning country music artists to the L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. executive director. “Each year, our No. 1 goal is to make the State Fair bigger and better. This year we feel we’ve succeeded in creating an affordable event that truly has something for everyone.”
The 11-day State Fair takes place from June 24 to July 4 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township. Presented by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), all L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives. The Allentown-based nonprofit’s programs help to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying and violence.
The Roots & Boots Tour on June 26 promises to be a powerhouse country concert where Kershaw, Tippin and Raye headline an evening filled with stories, songs and modern country sounds. The trio has amassed almost 70 combined Top 40 hit singles, becoming among the most sought-after country and folk artists on the 2022 music scene. Classic rock and new country group Tequila Rose kicks off the show from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by Roots & Boots from 8 to 10 p.m.
From a first-class Kiddie Land to super-spectacular thrill rides and everything in between, L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair has it all.
On July 2, “Southern Rock Fest” brings another great day of country music to the State Fair. Southern rock tribute band Southern Steel takes the stage from 3 to 5 p.m., followed from 6 to 7:30 p.m. by the Kentucky Headhunters, who created a musical hybrid of honky-tonk, blues and southern rock. Headlining the day are southern rock pioneers The Marshall Tucker Band from 8 to 10 p.m.
Gate admission to the State Fair is $5 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. General admission, ride tickets, Mega Passes and reserved seating for the Roots & Boots Tour and Southern Rock Fest can be purchased in advance online at www.theleadfest.com. Concert tickets include gate admission.
There will be no shortage of delicious food during this year’s L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair.
Family-Friendly Fun
The L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair is a quintessential summer tradition. This year, the jam-packed event will be open Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., and weekends and July 4 from 1 to 11 p.m.
Favorite attractions making a return include Robinsons Racing Pigs, the always-popular pie eating contest, a petting zoo, educational puppet Granpa Cratchet and Cowtown U.S.A., an all-day exhibit that contains an old-time creamery where patrons participate in preparing a cow for milking by hand. The State Fair’s midway provider, Reithoffer Shows, will ensure there’s plenty of delicious food, carnival games and prizes, and rides for children and adults alike — from a first-class Kiddie Land to super-spectacular thrill rides and everything in between. A new addition to the State Fair this year is a Business and Craft Vendor Tent on the weekends.
L.E.A.D. FEST Carnival
L.E.A.D. FEST carnival will bring the fun to East Brunswick this summer. General admission and ride tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.theleadfest.com.
The carnival schedule is as follows:
Brunswick Square Mall (755 Route 18, East Brunswick) from July 21-31. Hours are Monday to Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m. Midway provided by Reithoffer Shows.
For more information and tickets, visit theleadfest.com. For more information about L.E.A.D., visit leadrugs.org or email info@leadrugs.org.
If you’re a movie fan, you should know that films are being made all over New Jersey, with prominent directors, well-known actors and seasoned crews crisscrossing our state. If you were thinking of going to Hollywood for a studio tour, sit tight: There is probably a new film studio opening in your neighborhood.
A photo from 1915 of the Triangle Film Corporation Studio in Fort Lee, which was the birthplace of American film. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Where It All Began
When Thomas Edison and William Kennedy Dickson invented the movie camera or, as they called it, the kinetoscope, in West Orange in 1891, New Jersey became the birthplace of American film. Then, the action moved to Fort Lee, where some of the greatest silent films with the greatest actors were filmed; and, for a time, Fort Lee was known as the “movie capital of the world.” That all started to change in 1921 when filmmakers headed to California, lured by the temperate climate, cheap land and because it was “where nobody could reach them and they couldn’t be prosecuted for patent violations,” according to Steven Gorelick, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission.
After that, New Jersey sightings on film were rare for many years and, except for occasional disparaging remarks, the state was wiped from Hollywood’s vocabulary until the classic “On the Waterfront” was filmed in Hoboken in 1954. Its after-effects lingered in Hoboken for decades, illustrating the lasting power of cinema magic. When I worked there in the ’70s, there was an older dockworker everybody called “Marlon” because he was an extra in the film.
Things changed when Gov. Brendan Byrne established the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission in 1977 with the idea of boosting the economy (there was a recession) and bringing the film industry back home. There were skeptics. “It seemed very poetic, and pie in the sky. Nonetheless, the poets won,” Gorelick said. Some of the films shot here after that include “The Amityville Horror,” “Annie,” “Stardust Memories”and “Atlantic City.”
‘Army of the Dead’ was partially filmed in Atlantic City’s Showboat Hotel, the site of a former casino that closed in 2014, as well as in the empty former Atlantic Club Casino Hotel. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission
Incentives Pay Off
Gorelick has been with the commission since 1980. His first assignment was to visit the set of Milos Forman’s “Ragtime”in Spring Lake and make sure things were going well. That day he knew he would love his job. Still consistently upbeat, the New Brunswick native has an evangelist’s fervor for his mission. The commission’s smart, user-friendly website is worth exploring.
Playwright Sidney Kingsley, who lived in Oakland with his actress wife Madge Evans, was the founding chairman of the commission, and his job was to entice filmmakers back to New Jersey. Kingsley (“Dead End,” “Detective Story”and the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Men in White” are his best-known plays) used his showbusiness savvy and moxie to get the commission off the ground. Filming in-state continued at a slow and steady pace until filmmakers started heading to Canada, which was offering lucrative incentives, and Toronto became New York City’s unconvincing body double. Filming flowed at a trickle until 2006, when the state began offering a 20% tax credit on expenses incurred while filming here, with a $10 million cap annually. When the incentive program ran out of money in 2018, Gov. Chris Christie chose not to renew it, and filming languished.
‘The Many Saints of Newark’ movie was shot in Newark as well as other New Jersey locations, such as Bloomfield, Jersey City and Paterson in 2019. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission
Fade Out, Fade In
Enter Gov. Phil Murphy, who actively supports film making in New Jersey. “We’ve got an incredible diversity of look and feel — urban, suburban, rural, shore, mountains, everything in between,” the governor has said. Another plus is that you can traverse the state in a couple of hours.
Murphy has met with studios in California, and the dynamic New Jersey State Film Commission has been luring filmmakers back to New Jersey at an incredible rate. Michael Uslan, its current chairman, is a native and film veteran who has produced every “Batman” movie so far.
Today, for productions with a budget of more than $1 million, the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program provides a transferable credit of 30% of qualified film production expenses against the corporation business tax and the gross income tax. For any project under $1 million, the credit can be used if at least 60% of the production expenses are in New Jersey. In addition, there is a diversity incentive of 2% for hiring minorities and women; 5% more is tacked on when production is within the state’s eight southernmost counties. The current system is in place through 2028.
In 2018, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved a program, the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, which provides up to $75 million per fiscal year to film and television projects. There is a $10 million yearly cap per project/series. On Jan. 21, 2020, the incentive was extended until 2028. In yet another smart, pay-it-forward move, the state has been working with NBCUniversal on production assistant bootcamps from which graduates are able to leap straight into a production.
Gorelick said that, since the incentive was enacted last July, it has worked brilliantly.
“We’ve been flooded,” he said.
New Jersey has made filmmakers an offer they can’t refuse.
Steven Spielberg shot his 2005 version of “War of the Worlds” in Bayonne, Newark and southern New Jersey. Thanks, in part, to the film commission’s incentives, Spielberg returned in 2019 to shoot many scenes of his acclaimed “West Side Story” here, with Paterson and Newark doubling for Manhattan. (Take that, Toronto!)
Steven Spielberg shot many scenes of his acclaimed ‘West Side Story’ in New Jersey, with Paterson and Newark doubling for Manhattan. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Landscape Is A Draw
New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission has a smart and engaging short film on its website, hosted by Neptune’s Danny DeVito. It features clips of the many films shot here and includes interviews with industry pros, like producers and location scouts, touting the advantages of shooting in our state and the commission’s extreme user-friendliness. “You can scout New Jersey without having to leave your computer,” Gorelick said in the film. Producers talk about the variety of New Jersey’s landscape, proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, and the talented technicians and artists who live in the state.
In the film, Paterson’s charismatic mayor, Andre Sayegh, rhapsodizes about the charms of his city. “We’re known for our beautiful bones,” he said. For Al Pacino’s “The Hunters,” “We turned the front of City Hall into Warsaw, Poland. The back was Zagreb, Croatia and the side was London, England.” Now, that’s versatility. The video makes it all seem so enticing that you’re tempted to grab a camera and start making your own film.
I live in photogenic Montclair, where a lot of filming happens. William Macy and Diane Keaton were just here filming “Before I Go.” A few years ago, I found a note in my mailbox from a location scout who was interested in my house for a film. I was thrilled. When I called back, some other home had gotten the part, dammit. The commission has a section on its website with photos of prime New Jersey locations in various categories (cities, suburbs, farmland, etc.) to attract filmmakers. If you think you have or know of one, you can upload a photo and submit it to them.
Boasting 70,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production facilities, Cinelease Studios Caven Point is the first purpose-built facility of its kind in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Cinelease Studios
State Seeing Plenty of ‘Action’
Those pie in the sky poets gambled back in the 1970s, and, eventually, the gamble paid off. But leaving the poetry out of it, the surest sign that movies are back in the Garden State and here to stay is real estate. Filmmakers may love our exotic locations, but one way to keep them coming back and potentially sticking around is to have studio sound stages for all aspects of film production at their fingertips. “You want to build brick-and-mortar businesses that can support, long term, the industry by creating permanent jobs. That means attracting studios, equipment houses, post-production facilities, all of which we’re getting now,” Gorelick said.
In August 2021, Gov. Murphy cut the ribbon on the largest film studio in the state (so far), Cinelease Studios Caven Point, in Jersey City. Boasting 70,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production facilities, it’s also the first purpose-built facility of its kind in New Jersey. In its scope, dimensions and functionality, it is gorgeous.
Now, there are studios all over New Jersey, most of them concentrated in northern sections of the state, including places you might not imagine, like Moonachie and Passaic. Palisade Stages and 10 Basin Studios are two, new, state-of-the-art studios in Kearny with 50,000 square feet of studio space combined — just 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. Palisade Stages just completed filming on its first production, “Bros,” cowritten by and starring Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane. It’s the first rom-com from a major studio about a relationship between two gay men. Now filming there is “The Best Man,” a limited series based on the popular films that featured Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut. Palisade was created by Jamie Payne, who was born in the UK, where he worked in film. When he came to the United States 20 years ago, he was surprised that there were no soundstages in New Jersey, so, taking a giant leap, like the poets and gamblers before him, he built one at the peak of the pandemic.
Hill Theatre Studio has 6,000 square feet of studio space just across the river from Philadelphia in Paulsboro. Photo courtesy of Hill Theatre Studio
All the studio action isn’t only in northern Jersey. Paulsboro in Camden County has Hill Theatre Studio — 6,000 square feet of studio space just across the river from Philadelphia. The new South Jersey Film Cooperative was created to benefit both the communities within Camden and Gloucester counties. Commissioner Director Lou Cappelli said, “Camden County has a unique geography that can serve as the setting to a variety of film projects. Whether it’s the urban backdrop on the Delaware River or the rural terrain in the Pine Barrens, Camden County has much to offer.” More permanent facilities could be on the way in South Jersey; studio developers are looking at locations in South Jersey’s Cumberland County, the Atlantic City area, and Malaga, near Rowan University in Glassboro.
Netflix has been eyeing historic Fort Monmouth (and its hundreds of acres) in Monmouth County as the potential headquarters for its East Coast operation. Nothing could be confirmed at press time, but its addition to the state’s current and planned movie production soundstages makes Warner Bros.’ measly 62 acres in Burbank, Calif. look like a parking lot.
And, to bring it all back home, Fort Lee, the birthplace of American film, will have the Barrymore Film Center, a 21,500-square-foot, 260-seat cinema, museum and movie archives building, scheduled to open in October. When an interviewer called New Jersey “Hollywood East,” Steven Gorelick countered that he preferred to think California as “New Jersey West.”
“These are historic times for the state’s motion picture and television industry,” he said. “Our amazing diversity has made New Jersey a highly desirable place to work, and the financial incentives that Gov. Murphy signed into law opened the floodgates for production. Revenue from production work in 2021 soared to half a billion dollars, an all-time high, and we expect to exceed that in the years to come. New Jersey has become one of the busiest states for production overnight.”
Take that, Hollywood!
Manuel Igrejas has worked in the theater as a playwright and a publicist on and off-Broadway. He was the publicist for Blue Man Group for 15 years, and his other clients included Richard Foreman, John Leguizamo, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, STREB, Julie Harris and Peak Performances.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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The first veterinary school in New Jersey is expected to open at Rowan University in 2025, and its founding dean, Dr. Matthew Edson, has several goals: to help ease a critical shortage of veterinarians; to give New Jersey residents the opportunity for an affordable veterinary education; and to have them remain in the state once they graduate.
But Edson especially wants Rowan-trained veterinarians to be able to start work from the day they graduate, by providing not just medical training but also the social skills and business expertise needed to run a practice.
“It’s important to view the different aspects of veterinary experience, which is not just puppies and kittens. It’s also the humans they’re attached to,” he said. “Pets don’t come with their own credit card. It’s a human-centric career.”
Edson, a veterinarian for more than a decade, is founder and owner of Rancocas Veterinary Associates of Mount Laurel and Tuckerton. In his new role as the veterinary school’s first dean, Edson said he wants to develop a “less traditional curriculum, incorporating clinical skills” instead of a lecture-based education.
Plans for Rowan University’s new veterinary school were announced at an outdoor event where animals were among the invited guests. Photo courtesy of Rowan University
There are only 33 veterinary schools currently in the United States — and only five on the East Coast. Students from New Jersey who have to pay out-of-state tuition are often left with large tuition debts and cannot afford to return to the state. By offering in-state tuition, Rowan may be able to keep more vets in the Garden State, where almost 60% of households have a pet.
The Rowan School of Veterinary Medicine is still in the design phase, and the New Jersey Legislature approved $75 million for constructing the new school. The 100,000-square-foot facility will have academic classrooms, educational and diagnostic laboratories, a small animal teaching hospital, and administrative and faculty offices. Students will learn hands-on skills at the school’s veterinary facilities, plus some at affiliated practices.
Once the school is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education, the first class will have 60 students, and eventually increase to 90 students.
Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan University, noted that Rowan will be “one of only two institutions in the country to offer allopathic, osteopathic and veterinary science medical degrees.
“We are creating a destination of choice for students who share a passion for animal health and who want to pursue careers in veterinary-related studies at all higher education levels,” Houshmand said. “Our curriculum will emphasize developing career-ready professionals to address shortages of animal health care providers in New Jersey and throughout the United States.”
The first veterinary school in New Jersey is expected to open at Rowan University in 2025. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
A less traditional curriculum
Edson noted that many veterinary schools “are heavily lecture-based, providing lots of information” but little hands-on skills. “For us at Rowan, incorporating clinical skills is very important,” he said.
Online, virtual reality and simulation models will also be part of the student learning experience. Students will rotate through all aspects of veterinary medicine — not just small pets, like dogs and cats — and Edson hopes some of Rowan’s new vets will specialize in treating larger animals such as horses and exotics.
Rowan University’s veterinary curriculum will combine teaching, research, clinical observation and evidence-based approaches, with the goal of developing capable veterinarians who are prepared for the rigors of the profession. This approach will differentiate Rowan “from current and costly models of veterinary medical education while bringing innovation in curriculum delivery, operational cost efficiency, affordability and job readiness,” as touted by the university when announcing the new school.
Rowan’s veterinary curriculum will also endorse the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) One Health Concept. One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach — working at local, regional, national and global levels — with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment.
A looming shortage
Rowan’s new veterinary school may help ease the national shortage of veterinarians. According to the AVMA, about 1 in 3 current veterinarians are expected to retire in the next decade, and many own their own practices. The AVMA’s career center website has had more than five times the number of searchable jobs than the number of job seekers.
“Right now there is a huge demand for vets, and we probably won’t have enough vets to meet the demand,” Edson said. “There are people who don’t stay in the profession for lots of different reasons: stress, the work-life balance, the cost of starting out and starting with big student loans that don’t match the ratio of a vet’s salary post-graduation.”
The Rowan School of Veterinary Medicine, led by Founding Dean Dr. Matthew Edson, will pioneer student scholarly research and the discovery of new knowledge in basic and applied sciences. Photo courtesy of Rowan University
From farm kid to founding dean
Edson says his childhood — living on a farm with a variety of animals in Burlington County — influenced his future career. “It was an interesting way to grow up,” he said, adding that he still has many animals: “A few dogs, one cat that lives in my office, a goat, horse, a donkey and a mule, a steer, a camel — a little bit of everything.”
Edson said he hopes to attract “a very diverse group of people to be vet students, with different life experiences.” He graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in animal science, then earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. His own path to becoming a veterinarian was preceded by a variety of jobs, including a cow milker at a New Jersey dairy, a lifeguard at the Shore in Long Beach, a paramedic and an adjunct professor in the science, math and technology department at Burlington County College.
Before becoming the founding dean of Rowan’s veterinary school, Edson held many posts related to the care of animals: He was president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, a site visitor for the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, chair and large animal representative on the AVMA Committee on Disaster and Emergency Issues, and vice chair of the AVMA Practice Advisory Panel Pilot.
Although Edson’s veterinary practice treats many family pets, he also specializes in equines, small ruminants, camelids and pot-bellied pig medicine and surgery. He is a national speaker on the care of miniature pigs, backyard poultry and backyard livestock.
Joyce Venezia Suss is a freelance writer and native Jersey girl who has worked for the Associated Press, The Star-Ledger and North Jersey Media Group. She was nominated for a James Beard Journalism Award for a 19-part series on ethnic foods in New Jersey.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
“Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty. And meet me tonight in Atlantic City,” Bruce Springsteen sang. Atlantic City, that perennial damsel in distress, is putting on its makeup yet again, softer and more natural this time, to attract a new kind of customer: families.
For a natural beauty, endowed with all of nature’s gifts — miles of wide, soft, camel-hued sand hugging a spectacular stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, and the 4-mile-long boardwalk with all its attractions — Atlantic City has had its share of costume changes, reinventions and facelifts. Its first hotel was built in 1853, when the town officially got its name. The first boardwalk was built in 1870 along a portion of the beach to keep sand out of the hotel’s lobbies. (The name “boardwalk” doesn’t come from its wooden planks but from its inventor, Alexander Boardman.) A building boom in the late 19th and early 20th century saw the creation of enormous luxury hotels with the most updated amenities. The popular Parker Bros. game, Monopoly, made AC world famous; everyone knew the names of all the squares from Baltic Avenue to Boardwalk. In 1921, this proud, sun-kissed beauty became the home of the Miss America pageant.
Island Waterpark will be the largest destination of its kind in the world, expanding Atlantic City’s quest to become a family-friendly locale. Photo courtesy of SOSH Architects
The Rise Of Casinos
For a long time, AC was the premier vacation destination in the United States, when Orlando and Las Vegas were just sleepy backwaters. The 1920s, with tourism at its peak, are considered by many historians as Atlantic City’s golden age. Prohibition was a boon to AC where it was unenforced, attracting racketeers and assorted lowlifes. It was a good place to be bad. “During Prohibition, Atlantic City created the idea of the speakeasy, which turned into nightclubs and that extraordinary political complexity and corruption coming out of New Jersey at the time.” Martin Scorsese has said.
As air travel became easier and cheaper, people could fly to more exotic, and, in winter, warmer locations. There were some downward stumbles until 1976, when New Jersey voters legalized casinogambling in Atlantic City, and the first casino, Resorts International, opened in 1978. Then, like crocuses in spring, one casino after another sprouted along the boardwalk, and AC had a new identity, look and mission.
The Showboat opened as a casino hotel in 1987 and closed in 2014 when its parent company, Caesar’s Entertainment, decided to pull the plug — even though the hotel was making a profit — to stabilize its other AC casinos. Stockton University purchased the Showboat with the idea of turning it into a full-service residential campus, but the deal got tangled up in legal issues.
AC took a beating from Hurricane Sandy, but recovered. Then, the pandemic affected business at all U.S. resorts and, on this newly leveled playing field, opportunities arose for AC when the casinos reopened in July 2020, in reduced circumstances. In a 2021 survey from the website, DO AC, in which half of all respondents lived in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, 42% of respondents reported at least one visit to Atlantic City since the reopening of casinos. Concern about COVID-19 was the primary reason the others didn’t visit.
Showboat has opened New Jersey’s largest arcade, The Lucky Snake, with over 100 games and attractions such as video games, golf, bowling, Skee-Ball and others. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
A Different Type Of Gaming Destination
AC got high marks for its COVID-19 safety protocols. According to ABC News, “Atlantic City’s casino earnings have surpassed where they were before the coronavirus pandemic broke out.” With the pandemic easing and people returning to AC, the time was right for some big, new developments.
Enter Bart Blatstein, a Philadelphia developer with Tower Investments. Blatstein announced in June 2016 that the Showboat would reopen as a nongaming hotel.In December 2020, the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved Blatstein’s request for financial assistance to turn the space originally intended for a casino into a $100 million indoor waterpark. Blatstein also sought to have the park designated as an entertainment retail district project, allowing the park to qualify for up to $2.5 million in annual sales tax breaks for 20 years. One of his dream projects, Island Waterpark, will open in May 2023. This 103,000-square-foot park will feature water slides, pools, lazy rivers, lounges, party rooms and a family entertainment center. Its retractable glass roof will make it an all-season game changer. Showboat has opened New Jersey’s largest arcade, The Lucky Snake, with over 100 games and attractions such as video games, bowling, Skee-Ball and others. The area also includes a sports bar with large screens and a full-size boxing ring.
The Raceway at the Lucky Snake is a custom-designed, 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, indoor, electric go-kart track. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Another of Showboat’s family-friendly components is the recently opened The Raceway at the Lucky Snake, a custom-designed, 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, indoor, electric go-kart track. Racers of all ages will travel through the theme of “escaping Las Vegas” on high-performance, electric go-karts, custom manufactured in Italy. Racers can film their ride experience with helmets equipped with 4K cameras, which will allow them to immediately post their experience onto social media. Island Waterpark and The Raceway at the Lucky Snake will offer distinctive group packages to accommodate corporate events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, bar and bat mitzvahs and private parties.
There will also be an educational component to the track, where schools and summer camps can be trained on the mechanics of the go-karts by licensed professionals. Additionally, The Raceway at the Lucky Snake will host its own go-kart racing league, where racers can join and win prizes to the Lucky Snake Arcade, as well as vacation packages to the Showboat Hotel.
Philadelphia-based developer, Bart Blatstein, spent many happy times in AC growing up and is passionate about the city. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
‘An Investment In The Future’
On a chilly morning, Jan. 12, at an empty lot next to Showboat, Blatstein, the mayor of Atlantic City, Marty Small, and a host of others broke ground on Island Waterpark. The silver-haired Blatstein has a showman’s charisma, and a dimpled, megawatt smile. At one point in the ceremony, someone ironically called out, “Smile!”
“I always knew we had to diversify our offers, and this is doing it in a big way,” the mayor said that day. “Investing in our community through growth will bring jobs and economic recovery to our area. We have lacked family entertainment, and this waterpark is the catalyst to draw more families to our great city and give families who live here something great and fun to do!”
Bart Blatstein is not a 21st century Barnum selling hokum, but a savvy businessperson with the chops, the capital and track record to back up this bold venture. The Showboat’s enormous arcade, The Lucky Snake Entertainment Center and Sports Bar, has been a smashing success. Blatstein spent many happy times in AC growing up and is passionate about the city. When I talked to him, he had the same missionary zeal that he had at the press conference.
“I’m looking to plug in the pieces and create things that AC needs and has never seen before,” he said. “This city is 168 years old, and it’s had its ups and downs. Its population was once 65,000, now it’s 39,000. Eighty percent of the homes were built before 1970. Twenty percent of the land is vacant. Still, it draws 25 million visitors a year.” One of Blatstein’s missions is to connect the dots and change the equation with bold new ideas.
“This shows me that there’s a hunger out there for nongaming amenities,” Blatstein said at the Island Waterpark groundbreaking. “This will be the first year-round, family-friendly resort,” he added. Why this push toward family friendliness? It’s good business, an investment in the future.
“People keep having kids,” Blatstein, a proud grandfather, said.
Island Waterpark will be a 103,000-square-foot paradise with water slides, pools, lazy rivers, lounges, party rooms and a family entertainment center. Photo courtesy of Showboat Hotel
A True Family Road Trip Contender
I was with Blue Man Group in 2000 when they were invited to Las Vegas in one of its waves of family friendliness. Vegas was playing it both ways: Sin City’s “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” campaign was immensely popular then.
On my first day in a cab from the airport, the cabdriver was a grizzled guy in his 50s who looked like an extra in a bar-room scene in Tombstone. He loved Vegas, where he moved 20 years before from Wisconsin.
“I like smoking, drinking, hookers and gambling,” he said. “This town is perfect for me.” It was his own Wild West. High rollers are few and far between, and Vegas’ take from that cabdriver was minimal. AC’s version of the cabdriver are the busloads ($21 round trip from northern New Jersey) of day-tripping seniors with their quarters or vouchers, hugging their favorite slot machines. It’s not big business, but it is a reason to keep the lights on during the day.
You compare that to a family of four and that’s four more seats, T-shirts and souvenirs to sell, mouths to feed — and the profit margin rises exponentially.
Orlando, Fla. is still the premier family destination, and Las Vegas is in the mix as well, but classic, indestructible, shapeshifting Atlantic City is hot on their heels, thanks to Blatstein and his team. The Lucky Snake Arcade, The Raceway, Island Waterpark and that retractable roof, make Atlantic City a contender in the “where can we go as a family” sweepstakes. A family that lives in the Northeast can pile into their Subaru Outback for a beach-bound, Island Waterpark, Raceway road trip and save on all that airfare and hassle.
Also planned inside the waterpark is a boardwalk with the typical boardwalk games and electric atmosphere one often finds at the Jersey Shore. Photo courtesy of Showboat Hotel
Putting His Money Where His Mouth Is
Back at the Jan. 12 press conference, Blatstein buoyantly asked, “How do I know it’s going to happen? It’s my money going into this place. I promise you; it’s going to happen.” This was a great day for Blatstein and AC, and he couldn’t stop smiling. “Atlantic City has a long and rich history as a premier tourist destination. Showboat is committed to bringing nongaming, family-friendly entertainment back to Atlantic City, and the waterpark is one more piece to that puzzle.”
Atlantic City has taken Bruce Springsteen’s advice, fixed up its hair pretty and is ready to welcome a whole new, younger, crowd of friends.
Manuel Igrejas has worked in the theater as a playwright and a publicist on and off-Broadway. He was the publicist for Blue Man Group for 15 years, and his other clients included Richard Foreman, John Leguizamo, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, STREB, Julie Harris and Peak Performances.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Enjoy a hydrobike tour through Lake Hopatcong Adventure Company this summer.
Explore the great outdoors in New Jersey’s beautiful Sussex Skylands Region this season.
If you’re looking for some great escapes close to home this summer, look no further than scenic and spacious Sussex County. Tucked away in the state’s northernmost county and offering a plethora of great outdoor adventures sure to please every palette, New Jersey’s famed Sussex Skylands Region is the ultimate destination this season.
“What makes summer in the Skylands so special? In a word, it’s the ‘outdoors,’” confirmed Tammie Horsfield, president of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and Sussex Skylands Destination Marketing Organization in Newton. “If being outside gives you a happy heart, then the Sussex Skylands is just the place for you.”
Following are some of the not-to-miss outdoor activities that Sussex County has to offer this summer:
Make Time for Mountain Creek — “Mountain Creek is summer central,” said Horsfield of this four-season “mountain playground” located in Vernon (mountaincreek.com). “Head to the waterpark that’s carved out of the mountainside or the Mountain Creek Bike Park where rentals are available.” Need breeze and speed? “Zip over to the Mountain Creek ziplines, which range from 200 to 1,500 feet in length and are suspended high above a mountaintop lake,” she said.
Savor the State Parks — “State parks are ‘the gold mines of good times’ in the Sussex Skylands and this summer they’re all free,” Horsfield said. “Hit the parks for swimming, fishing, picnics (some parks have charcoal grills), hiking, kayaking and more, and also be sure to explore hidden treasures like Kittatinny Valley State Park’s beautiful Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden in Andover,” she said. Walkers and hikers also will relish the Skylands Regions’ tons of trails, including miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Enjoy a cruise around Lake Hopatcong on the 57-foot Miss Lotta.
Don’t Miss Nolan’s Point on Lake Hopatcong — The scenic drive up to Nolan’s Point opens up to a range of fun adventures on and around Lake Hopatcong, the largest lake in New Jersey.Among the fun activities there, “check out Lake Hopatcong Golf, where you’ll enjoy playing mini golf among miniature replicas of the lake’s historical landmarks,” Horsfield said. “Take in magnificent views of Lake Hopatcong aboard the ‘Miss Lotta’ (lhcruises.com), a state-of-the-art, 57-foot Skipper liner which offers a variety of themed, meal and private cruises.” If you’re interested in fun activities around the lake, Horsfield recommends checking out the Lake Hopatcong Adventure Company, where you can get out on the water and enjoy nature on a Hobie Mirage Eclipse stand-up pedal board, which enables effortless aquatic adventures without a paddle. “Thirty- and 60-minute water adventure tours are led by experienced guides and combine fitness and fun,” she said, noting that pedal-powered hydrobike and kayak tours as well as biking and hiking adventures also are available.
Get Wet and Wild— Enjoy water rides, a picnic grove where you can bring your own cooler full of food, water slides, a sand beach featuring a crystal-clear 20-acre lake for swimming and boating and an 18-hole miniature golf course at the 200-acre Tomahawk Lake Waterpark in Sparta (tomahawklake.com).
A featured work by Elizabeth Belz at ‘Making Matters: Fresh Perspectives in Fine Craft,’ an exhibit on display at Peters Valley School of Craft in the Delaware Water Gap through Aug. 7.
Enjoy the Arts — Through Aug. 7, enjoy “Making Matters: Fresh Perspectives in Fine Craft,” a wonderful exhibit on display at Peters Valley School of Craft (petersvalley.org), an immersive craft school in the Delaware Water Gap. Held in the school’s Sally D. Francisco Gallery, “the exhibit showcases the talented visiting instructors and artistic staff who will be teaching the variety of classes offered in each of the studios at Peters Valley,” Horsfield said.
Cascade Golf Course, one of six golf courses at the 4,000-acre Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg.
Spread Your Wings at Crystal Springs — “Crystal Springs Resort (crystalgolfresort.com) offers the ultimate staycation, no flights required,” said Horsfield of the 4,000-acre destination in Hamburg that features two hotels (the Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel), great golfing, 10 restaurants (including its Crystal Tavern, 4-star Restaurant Latour and seasonal farm-to-table Chef’s Garden), two spas and a variety of seasonal activities. “There’s golf galore on six unique courses, amazing indoor and outdoor pools (including the Biosphere Pool at the Grand Cascades Lodge), canoeing, kayaking, hiking, basketball, tennis and a range of special on-site activities this summer, including fishing, archery, horseback riding, animal educators, art classes, goat yoga, axe throwing, paint and sip events, and much more,” she said.
The patio of the famed Windlass Restaurant overlooking Lake Hopatcong.
Enjoy the Culinary Scene— Sussex County offers a wide variety of cuisine and culinary experiences, from lakeside dining at The Windlass in Lake Hopatcong, Andres Lakeside in Sparta, or The Carriage House in Branchville to The Biergarten at the St. Moritz Grill and Bar in Sparta or beautiful meadow views at The Walpack Inn in Walpack. This summer, diners will also enjoy expansions to popular Krogh’s Restaurant and Brew Pub in Sparta that will include a new rooftop bar (“The Krogh’s Nest”), a new patio and additional indoor/outdoor dining.
Sample Nature’s Bounty— Enjoy the best of the Garden State’s farm-fresh produce at the Sparta Farmer’s Market, the Sussex County Farmer’s Market in Augusta or the Farmer’s Market at the Shoppes at Lafayette.
Settle in to Fun Summer Events— Summer in the Skylands Region is all about special events, including the 12th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta June 24-26, the New Jersey State Fair at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Aug. 5-13, and a great lineup of summer performers at the Newton Theater in Newton (skypac.org).
For More Information
The Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and Sussex Skylands Destination Marketing Organization are located at 120 Hampton House Road in Newton and can be reached by calling 973-579-1811 or visiting sussexskylands.com for travel information.
Red knots gather near Norbury’s Landing in Middle Township along the Delaware Bay. Photo courtesy of The Wetlands Institute
New Jersey is well-known for packing people into its roughly 7,300 square miles, but a lesser-known fact is the state burgeons with wildlife, boasting more than 500 species.
“Considering we are the most densely populated state per square mile by human population, we have more diversity of species per square mile than any other state,’’ said Diane Nickerson, director, Mercer County Wildlife Center, which rescues wild animals from across New Jersey.
This wildlife abundance is thanks to a diversity of habitats — coastal, wooded, farmlands and pinelands. Following is a look at some of the interesting creatures that love Jersey as much as we do.
Conservation efforts have spurred an increase in humpback whales along the Jersey Shore, especially in spring, when these majestic creatures feed right off the shore. Photo courtesy of Jersey Shore Whale Watch
Conservation efforts have spurred an increase in humpback whalesalong the Jersey Shore, especially in spring when these majestic creatures feed right off the shore, munching on bait fish, as they migrate north to birth their calves.
“Whale watching trips are growing out of this,’’ said Tim Dillingham, executive director, American Littoral Society, which has partnered with the SeaStreak ferry company to offer sea cruises where guests can see whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds.
With 30-some species of waterfowl that winter in New Jersey and others that make a spring stopover on their way north, the state is humming with all varieties of these colorful creatures.
Cape May is the one of the best spots to see red knots. Photo courtesy of The Wetlands Institute
Cape May is home to the largest stopover site of red knots in the Western Hemisphere. These pretty, plump sandpipers are drawn by an abundance of horseshoe crabs that lay their fatty eggs in the spring, giving the birds the lipids they need to complete their long Arctic migration.
Visiting from early May to early June, thousands alight on bay beaches and in Cape May Point State Park, leading conservations to joke that Cape May is the “last stop before the Turnpike,’’ Dillingham said. “That’s a worldwide recognized phenomenon.’’
In the winter, the Atlantic brant, a small sea goose slightly larger than a mallard, hangs out along the Jersey coast, mostly in back bay inlets, departing around the beginning of May for the Arctic, while the colorful harlequin duck can be found in Barnegat Light.
The Pine Barrens treefrog is one of New Jersey’s most colorful amphibians. Photo courtesy of The Wetlands Institute
The Pine Barrens treefrog is one of New Jersey’s most colorful amphibians, thriving on the area’s unique ecosystem, said Brian Williamson, research scientist, The Wetlands Institute. These little green and purple guys — about 2 inches long — live here all year long, but are hard to find except during mating season, which starts in April, when their honking calls echo throughout the Pine Barrens.
“They are the iconic frog species in New Jersey,’’ Williamson said. “It’s the only place in the Northeast where you find them.’’
The eastern box turtle is the most terrestrial turtle found in New Jersey. It likes water but is not adapted for swimming in water. Photo courtesy of The Wetlands Institute
Another species unique to Jersey is the endangered eastern tiger salamander. Measuring about 13 inches long, it is the largest salamander in the state and is seen mostly from late fall until early spring during breeding season. Also found in abundance in South Jersey are the eastern box turtle, northern pine snake and diamondback terrapin turtle.
“It’s especially unique,’’ Williamson said, ‘’that we have wildlife you can’t find a state north or south of us.’’
Nancy Parello writes frequently for NJ Advance Media/Jersey’s Best. A former statehouse reporter, she previously worked for the Associated Press and The Record.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Delivered to your inbox every other week on Thursdays, Jersey’s Best is pleased to offer a FREE subscription to Garden Statement, highlighting the most popular Jersey’s Best content.
The Earth reaches the Summer Solstice on June 21 at 5:14 a.m. At this point, the Sun reaches its northernmost point and the days are longest. Photo courtesy of Przemyslaw Idzkiewicz/Blueshade
Most consider Memorial Day Weekend the official start of the summer season. Meteorologists use June 1 as the beginning of the season, based on annual temperature cycles.
To astronomers, summer doesn’t officially begin until the solstice, which occurs on June 21. The sun has been climbing even higher in the sky since the equinox on March 20. It reaches its northernmost point at 5:14 a.m. on March 21.
As a result, the days have been getting longer and have increased from 12 hours in March to 15 hours in June. Near the solstice, the day is longest of the year at 15 hours 6 minutes.
After the solstice, the sun loses altitude and the days will gradually get shorter through the summer months. So, if the sun is highest and the days longest in late June, why are July and August the hottest months?
It takes time for the oceans and atmosphere to heat up. This makes the temperatures lag about four to six weeks, generally coming to a maximum in late July or early August.
The moon passes near some of the planets in the morning sky. It is near Jupiter on June 21, Mars on June 22 and Venus on June 26. Starrynight.com
Morning Planets
The parade of planets in the morning sky continues. If you face the eastern sky between 4:30 and 5 a.m., you can see up to five planets with the naked eye.
On the morning of June 21 the moon is near Jupiter. By June 22, the moon reaches Mars. At the end of the week, the moon has shrunk to a thin crescent near Venus.
The Grand Hotel features attractive year-round theme escape packages including Girlfriends Getaways, holiday specials and midweek and other weekend promotions.
The Grand Hotel, Oceanfront in historic Victorian Cape May, is the perfect choice for your next seaside getaway or family vacation. The hotel is located at the southernmost point of New Jersey approximately two-and-one-half hours from the heart of New York City. Friends will tell you it’s an easy drive down the Garden State Parkway to Exit Zero, where the beach and fun begin!
The Grand Hotel offers a variety of lodging accommodations including double, queen and kingsize bedding, some with efficiency units included. There are several different suite options available, perfect for the whole family. Ask about the hotel’s newly renovated Two-Story Townhouse Suites. Resort Amenities include an Olympic-size heated outdoor and heated indoor pools and large Jacuzzi, professional fitness facility, family fun game room and more. Try Hemingway’s, a steak and seafood restaurant, during your stay and enjoy hearty breakfast, unique lunch and affordable family dining with dancing on the weekends throughout the year.
Resort amenities at the Grand Hotel include an Olympic-size heated outdoor and heated indoor pools and Jacuzzi, professional fitness facility, family fun game room and more.
The Grand Hotel features attractive year-round theme escape packages including Girlfriends Getaways, holiday specials and midweek and other weekend promotions. The hotel is a few steps from the beach and minutes from local boutique shops, quaint streets to tour and casual eateries in which to feast.
Visit either GrandCapeMay.com or on the Facebook page: The Grand Hotel of Cape May for daily specials and future promotions. The Grand Hotel is located on the Oceanfront at 1045 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204.
For more information or reservations, call 609-884-5611.
Integrated with partners in both the public and private sectors, Choose New Jersey enables businesses to take advantage of all the Garden State has to offer. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Whether companies are looking to relocate, expand their footprint or enhance their workforce within the Garden State, Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit economic development organization, is ready and able to provide free-of-charge resources to ensure the organizations they work with thrive.
Choose New Jersey’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Wesley Mathews, explained that since the organization’s inception in 2010, it has assisted a total of 335 companies, resulting in nearly 39,000 new and retained jobs and generating $7.7 billion in capital investment.
Even when faced with unique challenges brought on by COVID and its related variants, Choose New Jersey celebrated a record year for job creation.
“I am impressed with what the Choose New Jersey team was able to accomplish in 2021 in the midst of a global pandemic,” Mathews said. “Last year, Choose New Jersey assisted 32 companies in relocating or expanding to the state, resulting in 7,629 new and retained jobs and generating $1.6 billion in capital investment.”
What’s driving businesses, both domestic and international, to relocate or expand within New Jersey? Mathews outlined the benefits to putting down roots and growing in the Garden State.
Choose New Jersey is focused on strengthening the state’s key industries, like technology, and positioning New Jersey as an innovation hub with company partnerships such as Audible. Photo courtesy of Audible
Location Coupled with Key Connections
New Jersey’s location and infrastructure appeals to employers and employees alike.
“New Jersey is blessed to be centrally located in the heart of the Northeast Corridor — from Boston to our north and Washington, D.C., to our south, we are right in the middle of the most important economic corridor in America,” Mathews said. “New Jersey businesses have access to these key markets and can reach 38 million consumers within a two-hour drive.”
From local travel offered by NJ Transit, the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system, to global access at regional airports and proximity to the second-largest port in the United States, New Jersey moves people and products like no other state, he added.
When a company is interested in relocating or expanding in New Jersey, Choose New Jersey provides complimentary and confidential advisory services to ensure a steady landing.
“We offer market intelligence, including labor, utility and transportation information based on their needs,” Mathews said. “Choose New Jersey can then work with companies to find the right site in the state. Our team helps businesses understand and take advantage of New Jersey’s generous financial incentives and workforce development programs. We also make introductions to public and private entities within the state, including higher education partners, staffing companies and accounting firms.”
Once a location decision is made, Choose New Jersey offers public relations support to help companies share their good news.
“Choose New Jersey continues to nurture our clients long after they have made the decision to grow in New Jersey as we want companies to feel welcome and at home here,” Mathews explained.
New Jersey’s location and infrastructure appeals to employers and employees alike — so much so that Choose New Jersey celebrated a record year for job creation in 2021. Photo courtesy of Choose New Jersey
Accommodating New Jersey’s Hybrid Work Model
The pandemic continues to have a major impact on how and where employees work.
As many companies face challenges hiring and retaining talent while balancing relocation considerations, New Jersey is well-positioned to address these realities as hybrid work becomes the norm.
“We are already seeing some companies shed their expensive New York office space and open satellite offices in New Jersey, where much of their workforce lives,” Mathews said. “At the same time, the state’s commercial real estate sector is hot as demand for suburban office parks, coworking spaces and innovation hubs are all growing.”
New, state-of-the-art work centers can be found throughout the New Jersey, allowing businesses the flexibility needed to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of their workforce.
As the pandemic has shifted perspectives on the importance of work-life balance, the Garden State offers an excellent quality of life, and many people are now recognizing the benefits of both living and working here, Mathews added.
From an employer’s perspective, New Jersey’s talent pool runs deep thanks to the presence of top institutions such as Montclair State University. Photo courtesy of Choose New Jersey
Homegrown Talent
From an employer’s perspective, New Jersey’s talent pool runs deep.
“Our educated, skilled labor is the best in the nation bar none,” Mathews said. “In the current tight labor market, this is crucial for companies looking for a specialized workforce.”
To underscore his point, Mathews noted that 42% of New Jersey residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to the national average of 33%. New Jersey also boasts the highest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile in the country.
“We have some of the best universities in the world including Princeton (ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for 11 years in a row) and Rutgers,” he said. “Our higher education institutions not only produce top talent — companies also collaborate with them for research opportunities and partnerships.”
Choose New Jersey led its fourth consecutive trip to Israel in November 2021 with a delegation of state officials and higher education representatives, making visits to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Photo courtesy of Choose New Jersey
At the Forefront of Innovation, Entertainment and Clean Energy
From Edison’s lightbulb to breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy, New Jersey is home to ingenuity and groundbreaking discoveries, Mathews pointed out.
“We are seeing more and more companies attracted to the entrepreneurial spirit we possess in our great state and want to take part in shaping tomorrow’s world,” he said.
With that in mind, Choose New Jersey is focused on strengthening the state’s key industries and positioning New Jersey as an innovation hub.
In the life sciences sector, 14 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies already have a presence in New Jersey.
“Titans such as Merck and Johnson & Johnson as well as startups, like Visikol and PharmaNest, exemplify how New Jersey remains a global pharma and biotech powerhouse,” Mathews said. “Our top hospital networks, labs and research universities help get lifesaving medicine from theory to practice.”
In addition to the health care sector, Choose New Jersey is also “laser-focused on accelerating growth in technology, with Newark taking a lead as one of New Jersey’s emergent tech epicenters,” Mathews explained.
“Companies such as Audible, Verizon and Samsung call New Jersey home with more such as WebMD, Fiserv and HAX recently locating here,” he said. “For young companies looking to scale, New Jersey’s vibrant innovation ecosystem includes incubators, accelerators, programs from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and connections to venture capital firms.”
New Jersey is also rolling out the red carpet in the film and digital media sector.
“The state offers competitive film and digital media tax credits for productions that shoot in New Jersey,” he said, noting that, most recently, Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning “West Side Story”was filmed in Paterson utilizing this program. “We’ve also seen a handful of studio and sound stages open in New Jersey to build up the entertainment industry here.”
Renewable energy is an important, growing sector for the state going forward.
“We have set some ambitious goals in New Jersey that exemplify the state’s deep commitment to clean energy,” Mathews said. “They include becoming 50% renewable by 2035 and 100% by 2050. Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is emerging as the capital of offshore wind in the U.S. We have made historic, once-in-a-generation investments in developing offshore wind that will become a huge economic driver for the state. New Jersey is home to the largest offshore wind project currently under development and the first port dedicated to offshore wind assembly and production in the U.S.”
Integrated with partners in both the public and private sectors, Choose New Jersey enables businesses to take advantage of all the Garden State has to offer.
Liz Alterman’s work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents magazine and more. She lives in New Jersey where she enjoys reading, writing and failed attempts at gardening.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
New Jerseyans from Bergen County to Cape May are never far from high-quality cancer care with a healthy dose of compassion. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
If you or a family member have cancer, you need an expert and a compassionate treatment team, as well as a healthy dose of hope. And there’s no better place to find both than in New Jersey.
The Garden State is home to some 500 oncologists and hematologists — nearly double the per-state average, based on American Society of Clinical Oncology workforce statistics. An estimated 150 radiation oncologists also practice here, as do many oncological surgical specialists.
Unlike remote parts of the country, where some people live hundreds of miles from the nearest oncologist, New Jerseyans from Bergen County to Cape May are never far from high-quality cancer care. Everything from major teaching centers, to community-based cancer treatment networks, to local private practices, are within reach. Our leading oncologists treat the toughest cases throughout New Jersey, using the latest evidence-based treatments and technologies. For the most challenging cases, New Jersey oncologists also can draw from the vast expertise available at world-renowned cancer treatment centers in New York and Philadelphia.
Aside from its reputation in cancer treatment, New Jersey also hosts many cancer-related clinical trials. These investigations, unfolding here and throughout the world, are uncovering valuable information about genetic, environmental and other factors behind tumor formation and growth, and have led to new medications and combination therapies that are improving outcomes in many cancer types. Oncologists also can use the ever-expanding bank of genetic knowledge to target treatment to each patient’s specific cancer type, further increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.
Oncologists have access to an ever-expanding bank of genetic knowledge to target treatment to each patient’s specific cancer type. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
So, rest assured, you can find an oncologist who will be with you throughout the turns of your cancer journey. But, with the many oncologists and treatment options within commuting distance, the search for the right fit can be daunting.
For roughly 30 years, Castle Connolly Top Doctors lists have been trusted resources for health care consumers searching for a primary care physician, oncologists or other specialists. The lists consist only of doctors who have been nominated by a peer physician and who have undergone a detailed review of their qualifications and expertise.
Castle Connolly, a nationally recognized leader in health care research, each year asks physicians across the United States for Top Doctors nominations. When considering which colleagues to nominate, participating physicians ask themselves: “If I or a family member needed care, which doctor would I choose?”
Thus, recognition as a Top Doctor is a mark of excellence in the profession. And for patients, the Top Doctors list helps them quickly pinpoint a doctor who can best meet their needs.
That is why — as a service to people battling cancer and their families — Jersey’s Best once again has partnered with Castle Connolly to provide information on dozens of New Jersey-based oncologists who are recognized as “Top Doctors.”
Each Castle Connolly Top Doctor is nominated by a peer, then undergoes a rigorous vetting process by a medical review board. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Why choose a ‘Top Doctor’?
Unlike other doctor-search sites that simply list physicians by city or region — or list only doctors who pay to be included — each Top Doctor is nominated by a peer, then undergoes a rigorous vetting process by a medical review board consisting of expert physicians from the nation’s leading teaching hospitals.
Doctors cannot nominate themselves, nor can a doctor pay to be on the list. And, once nominated, a doctor is accepted for inclusion only after approval by Castle Connolly’s review board, chief medical officer, chief research officer and research staff.
Not every doctor reaches the Castle Connolly Top Doctors list: Of the more than 850,000 practicing doctors in the United States, about 60,000 — only 7% — are hand-selected each year. So, patients will know they are perusing a list of top-level providers.
Castle Connolly continually reviews and modifies its Top Doctors review process based on changing health care trends and emerging research. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
How the List is Developed
Each year, Castle Connolly sends a survey to tens of thousands of medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs), asking them to nominate a peer to the list. The survey process is anonymous and confidential: Each survey recipient is assigned a unique access code to the nomination website to keep the process confidential and to ensure that doctors do not nominate themselves.Castle Connolly also seeks Top Doctor nominations from leading specialists, clinical department chairs and medical affairs executives at hospitals nationwide.
Once a doctor is nominated, Castle Connolly’s physician-led research teams evaluate the candidate’s:
Current and valid board certification in his or her specialty
Experience within the specialty; the doctor must have worked a minimum number of years in practice, depending on the specialty
Medical education and training
Hospital staff appointments
Administrative posts held
Professional achievements
Disciplinary/malpractice history
Access to the latest treatment technologies
Participation in research
Outcomes history and procedure volume, to the extent available
Importantly, Castle Connolly’s medical board also considers a physician nominee’s interpersonal skills such as listening, communication, empathy and patient confidence. While these skills are necessary in any specialty, extensive research shows that trust between oncologist and patient is especially critical to the patient’s day-to-day cancer battle.
Once selected and approved, each Top Doctor submits a comprehensive professional biography for inclusion with the listing.
The Top Doctors list is updated annually and can be modified between yearly updates if key information in the physician’s biography changes, or if the doctor’s status changes. Castle Connolly also continually reviews and modifies its Top Doctors review process based on changing health care trends and emerging research.
But, while the oncologists on Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors list are among the best in the field, the list is not an exhaustive directory of top-level doctors. Many excellent oncologists in New Jersey and elsewhere are not included on the list.
Also, while the Top Doctors inclusion criteria are rigorous and thorough, they are not the only metrics that should figure into choice of physician. When choosing an oncologist, patients also should consider insurance plan participation, practice location and ease of access; first impression of doctor and facility; recommendations from a primary care provider for specialist care; and recommendations from family, friends and colleagues.
Following is the complete list of Top Cancer Doctors in New Jersey for 2022.
Ajay Choudhri, Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Middlesex County
Daniel Feingold, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Brian Keegan, Dermatology
David Wrone, Dermatology
John Vine, Dermatology
Santiago Centurion, Dermatology
Murray Becker, Diagnostic Radiology
Robert Epstein, Diagnostic Radiology
James Aikins, Gynecologic Oncology
Andrew Evens, Hematology
Roger Strair, Hematology
Biren Saraiya, Medical Oncology
Bruno Fang, Medical Oncology
Deborah Toppmeyer, Medical Oncology
Gregory Shypula, Medical Oncology
Howard Hochster, Medical Oncology
Michael Nissenblatt, Medical Oncology
Gregory Przybylski, Neurological Surgery
Gabriel Pivawer, Neuroradiology
William Grubb, Pain Medicine
Nicola Barnard, Pathology
Margaret Masterson, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Richard Drachtman, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Philip Wey, Plastic Surgery
Richard Agag, Plastic Surgery
Robert Herbstman, Plastic Surgery
Steven Shoen, Plastic Surgery
Bruce Haffty, Radiation Oncology
Edward Soffen, Radiation Oncology
John Baumann, Radiation Oncology
Mark Macher, Radiation Oncology
Robert Cardinale, Radiation Oncology
Ronald Ennis, Radiation Oncology
Adam Berger, Surgery
David August, Surgery
Kumar Dasmahapatra, Surgery
Lawrence Jordan, Surgery
Lisa Hopkins, Surgery
Susan McManus, Surgery
John Nosher, Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Michael Censullo, Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Monmouth County
Michael Arvanitis, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Thomas Lake, Colon and Rectal Surgery
David Picascia, Dermatology
Jason Miller, Dermatology
Kenneth Grossman, Dermatology
Harriet Borofsky, Diagnostic Radiology
Stephen McManus, Diagnostic Radiology
Mark Borowsky, Gynecologic Oncology
Thomas Hackett, Gynecologic Oncology
Denis Fitzgerald, Medical Oncology
William Rafelson, Medical Oncology
Ty Olson, Neurological Surgery
William Maggio, Neurological Surgery
Stanley Lu, Neuroradiology
Darsit Shah, Otolaryngology
Kenneth Newkirk, Otolaryngology
Arvind Prabhat, Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery
Brian Erler, Pathology
Andrew Elkwood, Plastic Surgery
Caroline Glicksman, Plastic Surgery
Michael Nagy, Plastic Surgery
Michael Rose, Plastic Surgery
Peter Hetzler, Plastic Surgery
Stephen Chidyllo, Plastic Surgery
Tushar Patel, Plastic Surgery
John Gibbs, Surgery
Emad Rizkala, Urology
Morris County
Bernard Maria, Child Neurology
Brian Machler, Dermatology
Eric Huang, Dermatology
Laila Almeida, Dermatology
Lauren Cooper, Dermatology
Christel Bauer, Diagnostic Radiology
Robyn Murphy, Diagnostic Radiology
Simon Ryoo, Diagnostic Radiology
Isaac Galandauer, Gastroenterology
John Dalena, Gastroenterology
Daniel Tobias, Gynecologic Oncology
Kenneth Adler, Medical Oncology
Muhammed Abbasi, Medical Oncology
Sarada Gurubhagavatula, Medical Oncology
Steven Papish, Medical Oncology
Catherine Mazzola, Neurological Surgery
John Knightly, Neurological Surgery
Louis Noce, Neurological Surgery
James Wittig, Orthopaedic Surgery
Erik Cohen, Otolaryngology
Tom Thomas, Otolaryngology
Marcello Sammarone, Pain Medicine
Steven Halpern, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Farhad Rafizadeh, Plastic Surgery
Francisco Colon, Plastic Surgery
Hakan Kutlu, Plastic Surgery
Isaac Starker, Plastic Surgery
Renee Comizio, Plastic Surgery
James Wong, Radiation Oncology
Eric Whitman, Surgery
Federico Steiner, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery
Ayal Kaynan, Urology
Rahuldev Bhalla, Urology
Ocean County
Lynne Einbinder, Cardiovascular Disease
Apurv Agrawal, Medical Oncology
Evan Naylor, Medical Oncology
Girish Amin, Medical Oncology
Jatin Desani, Medical Oncology
Jayne Pavlak-Schenk, Medical Oncology
Paul Chung, Medical Oncology
Tricia Morino, Medical Oncology
Christopher Godek, Plastic Surgery
Russell Ashinoff, Plastic Surgery
Passaic County
Jonathan Gold, Dermatology
Neelam Todi, Medical Oncology
Paul Figlia, Plastic Surgery
Timothy O’Donnell, Pulmonary Disease
Arvin Adler, Radiation Oncology
Somerset County
Amy Pappert, Dermatology
Monib Zirvi, Dermatology
Richard Eisenberg, Dermatology
Jeannete Greer, Diagnostic Radiology
Roger Yang, Diagnostic Radiology
Charles Accurso, Gastroenterology
Audrey Hamilton, Medical Oncology
Ellen Ronnen, Medical Oncology
James Salwitz, Medical Oncology
Kathleen Toomey, Medical Oncology
Henry Tsai, Radiation Oncology
Joel Braver, Radiation Oncology
Paul Bergh, Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility
James Gervasoni, Surgery
Anthony Catanese, Urology
Sussex County
Jumana Chatiwala, Medical Oncology
May Abdo-Matkiwsky, Medical Oncology
Union County
Bertram Chinn, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Farshad Abir, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Michael Rokhsar, Diagnostic Radiology
Sue Jane Grosso-Rivas, Diagnostic Radiology
Adam Barrison, Gastroenterology
Amber Khan, Gastroenterology
Pradeep Mahal, Gastroenterology
Tamir Ben-Menachem, Gastroenterology
Nana Tchabo, Gynecologic Oncology
William Kessler, Hematology
Barry Levinson, Medical Oncology
Bonni Guerin, Medical Oncology
Dennis Lowenthal, Medical Oncology
Gerardo Capo, Medical Oncology
Lisa Mills, Medical Oncology
Michelle Cholankeril, Medical Oncology
Robert Aiken, Neurology
Heidi Hullinger, Orthopaedic Surgery
Richard Scharf, Otol
William Drake, Otolaryngology
Paul Carniol, Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery
Eric Chang, Plastic Surgery
James Gardner, Plastic Surgery
Jerrold Zeitels, Plastic Surgery
Reza Momeni, Plastic Surgery
Robert Sussman, Pulmonary Disease
Julia DiGioia, Surgery
Marc Mandel, Surgery
Margaret Sacco, Surgery
Rebecca Yang, Surgery
Andrew Bernstein, Urology
Bernard Lehrhoff, Urology
Domenico Savatta, Urology
Kenneth Ring, Urology
Mark Miller, Urology
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
The distinction of being named to the list of Top Workplaces carries weight as employees seek out companies recognized as leaders that operate by a strong set of values. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
The pandemic provided people with ample time to evaluate their lives and careers. Many who realized they were unfulfilled or undercompensated decided to leave their posts, sparking what has become known as the “Great Resignation.”
As employees sought increased levels of flexibility and improved work-life balance, employers found themselves faced with two options: adapt to accommodate the changing needs of their workforce or risk a mass migration that could potentially leave them scrambling to fill positions.
To find out which small, midsize and large companies did a great job navigating these tumultuous times according to their associates, employee engagement platform, Energage, reached out to New Jersey-based employers with 50 or more employees and surveyed staff members to determine the state’s Top Workplaces. Public and private companies, nonprofit organizations and government entities were eligible. This is the fourth year of the initiative, which is run in partnership with NJ.com and Jersey’s Best.
One area where employees nationwide expressed more positive sentiment in 2021 was inclusiveness. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Bob Helbig, media partnerships director of Pennsylvania-based Energage, explained that a free overview of results from the Top Workplaces survey is provided to employers. This data can help employers assess their company’s health as findings validate achievements, reveal problem areas and assist in establishing a foundation for new goals.
“We invited 6,197 companies to participate and have surveyed 149 of them,” Helbig said. “The surveyed companies employ 79,661 people in New Jersey; 42,498 New Jersey employees have received surveys, and 20,135 have responded — double last year’s figure.”
And what was the universal theme among respondents? Based on results, it’s fair to say 2021 was a year of reflection.
“People were asking, ‘Is this really what I want to be doing with my life?’ ” said Lisa Black, director of data science at Energage.
Because the first half of 2020 was dominated by uncertainty in the job market as the pandemic sparked widespread layoffs, people wanted psychological safety in 2020 and avoided looking for new opportunities.
“People were happy to have a job,” Black said.
But, in 2021, many workers decided that if their employers were calling them back to the office, they no longer wanted to commute, or they didn’t want to give up the flexibility of working from home, Black added.
Family First Funding LLC (midsize, No. 3) has spent four consecutive years on the Top Workplaces list. Photo courtesy of Family First Funding LLC
At Toms River-based Family First Funding LLC, which has spent four consecutive years on the Top Workplaces list in the midsize category (150-499 employees), the “f” word — flexibility — is cherished by employees.
“We all work as a team and not against each other,” said an anonymous survey respondent. “I do not feel overworked and can balance work and family life so much better than before. I truly appreciate being part of the FFF Family.”
Chad Barris, branch manager and loan officer, noted that Family First Funding is consistently a Top Workplace because of the “positive company culture, bold mission to help others and passion for providing exceptional service.
“We are more than just a workplace; we are a family. I have been in the business for almost 20 years, and this company is by far the best place I have ever worked at,” Barris said.
That same commitment to employee satisfaction enabled SWK Technologies Inc., which also made the Top Workplaces list in the midsize category, to “come out of the two-year challenge stronger than ever,” according to Selya Stone, chief human resource officer. Stone shared how the business management software and IT solutions provider accomplished that feat.
“The nature of the economy over the past two years has been painfully unpredictable,” Stone said. “Instead of chasing market data or trends, we chose to focus on our employees. We delved deep into our ocean of culture, from where our success has always risen. What we found was a well-poised group of people more enthusiastic to work closer together than ever to support each other, our customers and our communities.”
An employee at SWK Technologies echoed those sentiments when explaining why they loved their job. “I am able to suggest ideas and projects and execute them to make the company better. I have a great team of people who are excellent in their jobs. We set goals and achieve them. It is very exciting!”
Bridgeway Senior Healthcare (large, No. 2) is honored to be one of the few family-owned and -operated health care providers in the state. Photo courtesy of Bridgeway Senior Healthcare
Finding Meaning in Helping Others
Responses from surveyed employees in New Jersey were in line with the rest of the nation when it came to the strong desire to find meaning and fulfillment in their work.
As the pandemic brought on an array of health-related concerns, employees in the caregiving sector saw their value and impact daily.
Named among the Top Workplaces in the large company category (500 or more employees) for the third consecutive year, Bridgeway Senior Healthcare is proud to be one of the few family-owned and -operated health care providers in the state.
“In our organization, our mission is to care for people like family in communities that feel like home — and this applies to our residents, patients and employees alike,” said Director of Business Development and Strategy Jessica Pelligrino Tsoukalas, a third-generation family member-owner. ”Health care is a particularly challenging field these days, but we are grateful for our amazing staff and employees who contribute to making Bridgeway one of the top senior living and care companies in the state.”
“I feel like I make a difference daily,” stated one of the Bridgewater-based employees in the survey’s comment section.
An employee at MTF Biologics, named to the list in the large company category for the third year in a row, also noted the importance of helping others. “To have the ability to be part of a foundation that saves and heals lives every day is priceless,” the respondent said.
Joe Yaccarino, CEO of MTF Biologics, added, “This is a survey of our employees, and it speaks to the importance that we place on employee engagement and satisfaction. We strive to constantly improve the experience of working at MTF Biologics where everyone on our team is part of saving and healing lives!”
AnnieMac (large, No. 1) President’s Club winners are recognized for their hard work and contributions to the company with a trip to an exotic destination. Photo courtesy of AnnieMac
Working as a Team
One area where employees nationwide expressed more positive sentiment in 2021 was inclusiveness.
Marty McGann, owner of Red Bank-based financial services firm PCI,said he’s “overjoyed” to see the company make its debut as a Top Workplace in New Jersey within the small company category (50 to 149 employees).
“We thrive on creating a comfortable culture for our employees, encouraging creativity, collaboration and growth,” he said.
AnnieMac CEO and Founder Joseph Panebianco noted that, beyond all the new branches, tools and programs the company has acquired, its most valuable resource remains its employees, whose responses saw the residential mortgage lender named to the list in the large company category for the second consecutive year.
“We wouldn’t be who or where we are without the hard work and dedication of the AnnieMac family, so knowing that we continue to provide them with a perfect place to work, to learn and grow fills me with pride,” Panebianco said. “I am truly thankful for our entire team’s dedication because we are just as dedicated to their success and fulfillment as they are.”
An anonymous employee described their feelings about the company this way, “AnnieMac changed my life, and I get to change others’ lives in the process.”
Areas that Need Improvement
While the views of New Jersey’s surveyed employees were mostly in line with those of workers nationwide, Garden Staters are far less positive when it comes to compensation and benefits.
Helbig said, given the cost of living and inflation, this isn’t surprising. Additionally, he noted that it’s rare to find an employee who wouldn’t appreciate an increase in pay.
Employees at MTF Biologics (large, No. 4) are proud to find meaning and fulfillment in their work. Photo courtesy of MTF Biologics
The Benefits of Recognition
With competition to hire and retain talent increasing, the distinction of being named to the list of Top Workplaces carries weight as employees seek out companies recognized as leaders that operate by a strong set of values.
“Companies need to authentically represent their brand to job seekers,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “The employee experience needs to be on the mission-critical list. Leaders who embrace a people-first culture will benefit greatly. By giving employees a voice and showcasing your authentic culture through employer branding, organizations can attract those job seekers who complement their culture. Culture drives performance.”
Helbig said he commends employers for not only being brave enough to ask their employees for feedback but also for listening to their staff members’ concerns and then implementing changes to enhance employee satisfaction.
“Companies really earn their way on to this list,” he said.
Liz Alterman’s work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents magazine and more. She lives in New Jersey where she enjoys reading, writing and failed attempts at gardening.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
Last summer, I took a trip Down the Shore to a place I can only describe as “an island unto itself.”
It was a weird feeling – driving along the coast with not a single boardwalk, Ferris wheel or high-rise hotel in sight. I remember pulling up to the parking lot and wondering “where the heck am I?” as nothing but a blanket of rolling dunes beckoned me to explore. I took up the offer and soon found myself in more of the unfamiliar: a twisting trail immersed in a dense maritime forest. With each step, I could hear the rustling of songbirds and foxes, the swooshes of ospreys in the air above. Then, finally, came the call of the ocean – and it contained some of the clearest and cleanest views I’ve ever seen in my life. This is the Jersey Shore? You better believe it.
For those “in the know,” you know I’m talking about none other than Island Beach State Park: a 10-mile-long, undeveloped piece of paradise just south of Seaside Heights. What you probably don’t know, though, is that the preserved gem is one in a laundry list of locales along the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, a 300-plus-mile route that winds from the Raritan Bay down to Cape May and stretches inland along the Delaware Bay. Each site along this “trail” stands as a living time capsule to the region’s rich natural beauty and history – something many of us so often overlook when visiting our famed shoreline.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, I invite you to take a journey off the beaten path and explore the wild side of the Jersey Shore. Listen to the chirps of the birds. Experience the majesty of a military fort at dawn or a lighthouse at dusk. Feel the freshness of untouched sand between your toes. A trip along the Coastal Heritage Trail will make you feel closer to the Shore than ever before. I promise you it’s worth every penny.
— Hunter Hulbert, Editor
Get ready to explore all the unspoiled beauty of the Jersey Shore in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Plus: A suburban garden of earthly delights, game-changing attractions in Atlantic City, extraordinary residents over age 70 and more. Subscribe here for access: bit.ly/JerseysBestMagazine.
Aspiring novelists are routinely advised to write about what they know, and Karen Winn has taken that advice to heart. Having grown up in Mendham, she has chosen her familiarity with the town and its suburban ambiance as the setting for her debut novel “Our Little World” (Dutton, 356 pp., $26) — thinly disguised in these pages as Hammend. (The spelling of geographically nearby Chester is similarly scrambled.)
Set in the mid-1980s, it is a coming-of-age story centering on two sisters, a tragedy and its shocking consequences.
Bea, the elder by a year, is finishing seventh grade when a new family moves in across the street. Bea is immediately attracted to Max, a boy her own age, but she has to contend with her beautiful, popular sister, Audrina, who is always the center of attention, even within her family. Max’s 4-year-old sister Sally worships Audrina from their first encounter.
One morning, as Max’s mother is driving the kids to the lake to swim, Bea notices Sally is wearing Audrina’s bracelet, and it’s clear Audrina has given it to her. Bea is stunned and devastated. She’s always coveted that bracelet, and Audrina knows it.
Max’s mother sets up her chair some distance from the water, telling the kids to keep an eye on Sally. They don’t, too immersed in frolicking in the water, all three knowing Sally never goes in the water, preferring to play at its edge. But when the child goes missing, the police are summoned, and everyone on the beach starts searching the lake and the woods adjacent to the beach.
While looking for Sally, Bea finds a piece of Audrina’s bracelet in the sand. She tucks it away and tells no one, but as guilt consumes her she vows to report her find. After passing up several opportunities, too much time passes for her to ‘fess up without looking culpable. When Audrina accidentally finds the bracelet in the sisters’ shared room, Bea is forced to go to Sally’s mother, then the police, to admit to having withheld information.
Bea is distracted by her sister’s sudden illness and feels it is bringing them closer. But when she makes a troubling discovery, everything she ever thought about her family changes.
Winn checks all the boxes with her first novel, its carefully constructed pacing guaranteed to keep you turning the pages — and eagerly awaiting her next.
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
It was clear from the get-go that David Baldacci was experimenting with something new in his first Aloysius Archer novel, and it worked. Now, with book three on the shelves, he continues to demonstrate he’s nailed the era, the 1940s-‘50s ambiance and the dialogue.
Book three in Baldacci’s Archer series, “Dream Town” (Grand Central Publishing, 417 pp., $29), opens on the last day of 1952. Archer, driving his cherished 1939 red Delahaye convertible, has just arrived in L.A. to spend New Year’s Eve with Liberty Callahan, his aspiring movie star friend. (Liberty figured prominently in both previous novels.)
The two head off to posh parties to which Liberty has secured invitations. At one of them, she introduces Archer to screenwriter Eleanor Lamb. When Lamb learns Archer is a detective, she wants to hire him to investigate perceived threats on her life. He’s unsure whether the threats are real, but when he phones her later that night and a surly man answers, he drives out to her Malibu residence to check on her safety. He finds no evidence of Lamb, and a dead man at the foot of her stairs, but before he can search further he is slammed in the head with a blunt instrument and knocked cold.
This will not be the only injury the 30-something private eye sustains in his investigation of a case that becomes more complex and perilous with each lead he follows. Archer will visit a questionable venue in L.A.’s Chinatown known as The Jade Lion; the homes of several movie moguls; and Las Vegas, where he still will fail to discover Lamb’s whereabouts while learning, once again, that some people aren’t to be trusted.
By my count, this is Baldacci’s 8th series, but it’s the first to channel Mickey Spillane, Raymond Chandler and other memorable crime fiction authors of the ’40s and ’50s. He omits none of the trappings: the cars, the booze, the mobsters, the hardboiled platinum blonds and, most of all, dialogue straight from the mouth of Mike Hammer or Philip Marlowe. He also has developed a whole new voice for the narrative, resurrecting the best of an era of crime fiction for a generation that cherished those vintage whodunits — and just maybe giving a new generation the satisfaction of a genre they haven’t encountered.
Fran Wood, retired Star-Ledger op-ed columnist and former books editor for the newspaper, blogs at jerseysbest.com.
Ospreys are a common sight up and down the New Jersey coastline during the summer months. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
An osprey swoops down to catch a fish, spreading its 5-foot-wide wingspan as it skates along the water. Further down the coast, a humpback whale breaches as seagulls circle overhead. The lighthouse flashes on its beacon, signaling dusk. Is this not the wild Jersey Shore you had in mind?
New Jersey’s coastal regions are home to abundant bird species, marine animals and other wildlife, in addition to nearly a dozen historic lighthouses — including the nation’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse. It makes sense, then, that the National Park service, in cooperation with the State of New Jersey, has designated the nearly 300 miles of the state’s drivable coastline the “New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route.” From Sandy Hook — just a stone’s throw from Manhattan — all the way down to Cape May and around the west to Deepwater on the Delaware River, the route passes through five main regions in one expansive celebration of the state’s diverse range of coastal scenery.
The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route was established in 1988 as a driving tour “to provide for public appreciation, education, understanding and enjoyment” of significant natural and cultural sites associated with the coastal area of the Garden State.
Additionally, New Jersey is home to eight scenic byways, with two of these routes — Bayshore Heritage and Pine Barrens — found along the Coastal Heritage Trail.
“Just one year ago, we proudly announced that four of New Jersey’s scenic byways earned the highly distinguished designation of National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. One of those national standouts included Bayshore Heritage,” said Jeff Vasser, executive director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.
Like a scenic byway, the Coastal Heritage Trail is not intended to be completed in a single day, but to serve as a way for both visitors and residents to appreciate a range of coastline activities and the rich history they provide. Starting with the construction of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse in 1764, road trippers along the route will time travel through more than 250 years of maritime heritage — and, hopefully, a turtle or a dolphin will be spotted along the way.
Following are the five regions of New Jersey’s Coastal Heritage Trail Route along with their defining characteristics, possible wildlife sightings and main cultural attractions.
The Henry Hudson Trail winds its way along Sandy Hook Bay into the heart of the northernmost region of the Coastal Heritage Trail. Photo courtesy of Monmouth County Tourism
Sandy HookRegion
The Coastal Heritage Route starts in Perth Amboy on the Raritan Bay in Middlesex County, but centers on Monmouth County and the Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area. The first region on the route, Sandy Hook also serves as the country’s earliest example of maritime history; the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and surrounding territory was seized by the British during the Revolutionary War on the summer solstice of 1776 and remained under foreign occupation longer than anywhere else in the nation.
Today, due to encroaching coastal currents, the lighthouse is about 1.5 miles from the tip of Sandy Hook (it was originally just 500 feet). From this safe distance, visitors can observe the classic white-and-red structure and the abandoned barracks and buildings of the surrounding Fort Hancock, which also includes hiking and bike trails that stretch around the peninsula. The oldest outfit of the United States Coast Guard has been stationed here since 1848 as well. Unfortunately, at press time, tours of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse have not reopened to the public, but access to the park is free year-round (a $20 parking fee is enforced from Memorial Day through Labor Day). Visitors will find spectacular views of the New York City skyline from the shoreline.
The Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook is the highest natural point on the Atlantic Seaboard at 266 feet. Photo courtesy of Monmouth County Tourism
The Sandy Hook region bends from Keyport down to popular boardwalk destinations, like Long Branch and Asbury Park. You can cruise along Ocean Avenue for most of the journey. Foxes and white-tailed deer call this area home, though it’s rare to spot the former. Harbor seals can be found in the waters here from November through March. Due to its location along the Atlantic Flyway, this region attracts birdwatchers who can spot more than 300 species, from those majestic ospreys to the threatened piping plovers whose nesting areas are federally protected.
Nearby, in Atlantic Highlands, is the Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. Its great views can be explained due to its location as the highest natural point on the Atlantic Seaboard at 266 feet. The park also contains a moving memorial to those who were lost in the 9/11 attacks.
A tremendous example of the ecosystem of the Pinelands is at Double Trouble State Park, a former cranberry farm that still features a historic village and mill set on 8,000 acres. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism
Barnegat BayRegion
The Barnegat Bay is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that runs for 42 miles through Ocean County, yet its watershed covers 600 square miles of changing landscapes from dunes and marshes to the protected Pine Barrens. A tremendous example of the ecosystem of the Pinelands is at Double Trouble State Park, a former cranberry farm that still features a historic village and mill set on 8,000 acres. The park’s Cedar Creek is popular with kayakers and canoeists.
Barnegat Bay is separated from the ocean by Island Beach State Park and Long Beach Island (LBI), two popular natural areas with pristine beaches. On the Coastal Heritage Trail, you’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot the Barnegat Lighthouse, located in the small city of Barnegat Light on LBI.
While access to the grounds remains free, tours of the lighthouse have been suspended through summer 2022 due to ongoing maintenance.
Island Beach State Park is a gem of the Barnegat Bay Region, thanks to its untouched dunes and dense maritime forests. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism
The Barnegat Bay, including Point Pleasant, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, down to Holgate, is an area known for its fishing and crabbing. Once, a more industrial fishing industry thrived here, but today it’s mainly recreational boats along the ocean and the bay, looking for striped bass or fluke.
Bird lovers will have to stop at the Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area in Little Egg Harbor, where 4,000 shore birds make their nests among the salt marshes. According to the National Park Service, “New Jersey’s 245,000 acres of salt marshes are a critical link in the coastal food chain. Their nutrient-rich muck and grasses provide habitat and food for crabs and other shellfish, baby fish, and shore and wading birds.”
Those more interested in manmade exploits can visit the Toms River Seaport Society & Maritime Museum in Toms River, open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays, with a $5 suggested donation. Founded in 1976, this nonprofit works to preserve Barnegat’s maritime history, including a collection of classic wooden sailboats.
New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, the Absecon Lighthouse, is here in the Absecon Region of the Coastal Heritage Trail. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
AbseconRegion
Brigantine, Atlantic City and Margate City are the three major cities of the Absecon region on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. Atlantic City perhaps needs no introduction as the world’s first and longest boardwalk, and an empire for entertainment. A family beach day is in order here; unlike many other locations throughout the state, the beaches in Atlantic City are free.
New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, the Absecon Lighthouse, is here in AC. At 171 feet, it’s the third-tallest lighthouse in the country and open to the public year-round for climbing its 228 steps to the top. Built in 1857, it predates the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
Just south is Margate, home to Lucy the Elephant, a 150-year-old elephant structure with a furnished interior that stands 6 stories tall. (Lucy is expected to reopen to the public for summer 2022 after some vital renovations.)
Corson’s Inlet State Park is one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along New Jersey’s waterfront. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
The main attraction for naturalists in Absecon is Corson’s Inlet State Park, one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along New Jersey’s waterfront, now a protected stretch of Atlantic shoreline from Atlantic City to Cape May. While swimming here is not allowed and dogs are restricted from April to September, it’s all to protect the endangered shore birds who nest here, including black skimmers and the least tern — the world’s smallest tern. Encouraged are boating, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, hiking or simply sunbathing.
The 3,600-acre Absecon Wildlife Management Area is recognized by the New Jersey Audubon Society for its prime bird viewing, especially of the region’s shore birds. At the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, those along the coastal route will be rewarded with nearly 40,000 acres of wetlands, primarily made up of salt marshes. In the spirit of this auto tour, the Forsythe Refuge offers a Wildlife Dive Loop, which takes about 45 minutes at 15 miles per hour — fees apply. According to the park’s website, a quarter-million people complete this drive, past marshes and former railroads, each year.
From Stone Harbor down to Exit 0 itself, the Cape May portion of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail provides day trippers with thousands of acres of coastal wetlands and wildlife refuges. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
Cape May Region
America’s first seaside resort town, Cape May came onto the scene in grand fashion when Congress Hall opened its doors in 1816. While Cape May proper — with its candy-colored Victorian homes and boardwalk — is still a top New Jersey destination 200 years later, the Cape May region along this coastal route begins in Ocean City, long considered an ideal Jersey Shore summer escape featuring Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.
From Stone Harbor down to Exit 0 itself, the Cape May portion of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail provides day trippers with two lighthouses, miles of fine-sand beaches and thousands of acres of coastal wetlands and wildlife refuges. Not to mention ample charming shops, restaurants, breweries and vineyards — and even a distillery. Historical sites include Cape May’s Harriet Tubman Museum, documenting her time in New Jersey to help fund the continuation of Tubman’s Underground Railroad efforts.
The Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway winds its way from Salem and Cumberland into Cape May County. “The Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway gives visitors the opportunity to experience the real beauty of our southern shores in South Jersey and a glimpse into our extensive history,” Michael Snyder, director of operations for Visit South Jersey, explained. “Along the byway, travelers can enjoy our downtowns, cuisine and, more notably, our award-winning South Jersey Wine Region.”
Cape May Point State Park includes trails that meander through 244 acres of freshwater meadows, ponds, forests, dunes and beach. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
“With over 122 miles, Bayshore Heritage is one of the most significant routes in the country, dating back to the American Revolution at sites, like Hancock House,” Vasser said. “Moreover, Bayshore Heritage is a ‘must-see’ and ‘must-experience’ journey, as it runs along the Delaware Bay, which is recognized worldwide by ecologists for its vital place on the globe, offering protection for migrating birds and other wetlands’ wildlife habitat.”
At the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, migratory birds are protected and can be observed best during their springtime migration; the refuge is the only stop for red knots and ruddy turnstone birds during their 6,000-mile journey. A great place to take a walk and a critical point along the flyway is the South Cape May Meadows preserve, which has trails that link over to Cape May Point State Park, where the Cape May Lighthouse is located.
The Nature Center of Cape May is celebrating its 30th year in operation as an environmental education campus with a focus on hands-on activities. Staffed by the New Jersey Audubon Society, the center offers ample education, a three-story observation tower, classrooms, gardens and a gift shop.
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in North Wildwood in 1874, and the 50-foot tower still shines its light today. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
Down in the land of Doo Wop, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is the only one of its kind created in a style called Swiss Gothic. It was built in North Wildwood in 1874, and the 50-foot tower still shines its light today.
Perhaps the headlining maritime attraction to the Cape May region is its whale- and dolphin-watching tours. Whales are spotted here year-round, but tours typically run from March through December. Humpback, finback and minke varieties are typically seen in this area of the Atlantic Ocean. Many local operators run these tours, including Cape May Whale Watcher.
The Maurice River is the heart of a wild and scenic designated tributary and water system in the Delsea Region of the Coastal Heritage Trail. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
DelseaRegion
Delsea, the final region in the journey of the Coastal Heritage Trail, leaves the East Coast and the Atlantic Ocean for the Delaware Bay along the southwest portion of New Jersey. It’s also the location of the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway, from the Mullica and Maurice rivers to the Delaware Bay and through the southern Pinelands.
“Coming from the Atlantic Coast, visitors have the opportunity to experience the unique history and beauty of the Pinelands region. Batsto Village in particular is known for its vintage appeal and historical significance, allowing visitors to take a step back in time in the Wharton State Forest,” Snyder said.
Starting with Delsea’s quaint, 160-year-old lighthouse in Heislerville at the mouth of the Maurice River, the East Point Lighthouse is recognized by New Jersey as an important navigation aid for boaters, fishers and oystercatchers. It’s now a museum open to the public for tours year-round. It more closely resembles a Cape Cod-style house with a red roof than a standard, tall lighthouse, making it a popular subject for local artists.
East Point Lighthouse resembles a Cape Cod-style house with a red roof than a standard, tall lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
At the Eldora Preserve in the southern Pine Barrens, visitors can hike through oak-pine forests and observe this precious, 950-acre habitat for fish, waterfowl and other birds, as well as 50 threatened and endangered plant species, including 27 types of wild orchids. Among Eldora’s endangered animal inhabitants are bald eagles and the Pine Barrens treefrog.
Elsewhere in the Delsea region, motorists can stop by Fortescue; surrounded on three sides by marshland, it considers itself a hidden beach destination with some of the best weakfish fishing anywhere. Inspired by the now-famous Boston Tea Party, the Cumberland County town of Greenwich staged what came to be known as the “Last Tea Party” on Dec. 22, 1774, to protest the Brits’ taxes on tea. Bridgeton is home to New Jersey’s oldest zoo, the Cohanzick Zoo. Salem is one of the region’s oldest settlements, sold to the Quakers by the Delaware Native Americans in 1675.
The Delaware Bay Shore Preserve in Fairfield is yet another natural haven for migratory shorebirds, but also aquatic turtles and American bald eagles. The coastal marsh and bay shore habitat hosts researchers, students from the nearby University of Delaware and, of course, tourists. During the full moon in late May/early June, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs climb ashore along the Delaware Bay to lay up to 1 billion eggs.
The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route passes through five main regions in one expansive celebration of the state’s diverse range of coastal scenery. Photo courtesy of Cape May County Tourism
The Road Less Traveled
Wherever New Jersey’s scenic roads and byways take you, the state’s coastal heritage and habitats will be sure to surprise visitors with something new on every road trip.
Brittany Chrusciel is a writer and editor specializing in travel, and a lifelong resident of Monmouth County. When she’s not trotting the globe, she calls Asbury Park home and enjoys seeking out new and quirky experiences around the Garden State.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Tops Diner in East Newark is embarking on a new chapter following a massive multimillion-dollar reconstruction that takes New Jersey’s diner concept to the next level.
New Jersey is regarded as the “diner capital of the world” and for good reason. Among the most iconic of these eateries is Tops Diner in East Newark, a destination dining experience that has become a statewide legend and garnered national recognition as one of the top diners in the country.
The Hudson County institution is embarking on a new chapter following a massive multimillion-dollar reconstruction that takes New Jersey’s diner concept to the next level. The original 5,000-square-foot diner was torn down and replaced at the same 500 Passaic Ave. address with the new Tops Diner, which celebrated its reopening last fall. At 15,000 square feet, it is three times larger than the original with seating for about 400 customers.
Although the aesthetics have changed, the high-quality food and service for which Tops Diner is known remains. “A diner is a place for people to relax, enjoy great food and feel comfortable. That was the atmosphere at the ‘old’ Tops Diner, and it remains in our new space,” said Jim Golemis, who owns and operates Tops Diner with his brothers, Van and John. The brothers inherited the restaurant from their father, George, who purchased it in 1972.
Golemis said plans for the diner’s rebuild have been in the pipeline for about a decade. “We collaborated with a world-renowned team of architects and designers to create an ambiance that instills the classic feel of a diner that has been here since the 1940s but with a modern twist. Tops Diner represents what a diner is in 2022. Although this is a state-of-the-art building with a completely different ambiance, we have maintained the integrity of the original restaurant in its design, menu and level of hospitality.”
Although the aesthetics have changed, the high-quality food and service for which Tops Diner is known remains.
The diner’s interior boasts an 18-stool counter adorned with black marble and serving a full selection of cocktails, beer, wine and spirits. Other features include a world-class kitchen, outdoor patio-style dining, an open-concept bakery, a Moët & Chandon champagne vending machine and coffee/espresso and ice cream stations.
Tops Diner’s elevated menu transcends “typical” diner fare and has kept patrons coming back for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks for decades. The diner’s supplier of meat and fish, along with all the other products and ingredients are carefully chosen for quality, freshness and flavor. The massive menu includes milkshakes and smoothies, appetizers, handcrafted burgers, soup and salads, sandwiches, pasta, chicken, steaks and seafood, house favorite entrees and more.
Customer favorites include “George’s Special,” farm fresh eggs, hash browns, two buttermilk pancakes, bacon and sausage; and “Big‘s Chicken & Waffles,” a half chicken fried in house, giant Belgian waffles and Mike’s hot honey.
“We serve more than 15,000 hungry customers every week,” Golemis said. “People are amazed at how many meals we serve and how many customers we take care of in an efficient manner — without sacrificing quality.”
Diner patrons enjoy live music from an in-house DJ Wednesday through Sunday from 7 to 11 p.m. “You could hear anything from ‘80s music to rock or jazz. We are always trying to evolve and elevate the experience for customers,” Golemis concluded.
Tops Diner is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Takeout and delivery are available.
Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are encouraged via the Tops Diner website at www.thetopsdiner.com.
This week, the moon and Mercury join the planets in the early morning hours before dawn. Photo courtesy of Starrynight.com
This week another planet and the moon joins the great display of morning planets that has been available for the past couple of months.
The best time to view these planets is about 30 minutes before sunrise (around 5 a.m.). The planets are spread out across the morning sky from east to south.
Saturn, Jupiter and Mars are the easiest to find: they are bright and high in the sky, as they have been all spring. Mars and Jupiter are still fairly close together. You can see them in the southeast sky. They are about 35 degrees above the horizon in the constellation Pisces.
If you look to the south, Saturn is in the constellation Capricornus. It is not nearly as bright as Mars or Jupiter but it is visible to the naked eye.
Venus is low in the eastern sky before dawn. It is about 14 degrees above the horizon and very bright so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding it. Uranus is here too but you’ll need a small telescope to spot it.
Below and to the left of Venus, Mercury is now joining the other planets in the morning twilight. The planet is at greatest elongation, its great angular distance from the sun on June 16.
By June 25 and 26 the thin crescent moon visits Mercury and Venus. Photo courtesy of Starrynight.com
On June 18, the moon joins this parade of planets. You’ll find the moon near Saturn on that date. Through next week you can watch the moon pass by these planets one by one. On June 21 and 22, the moon is near Jupiter and Mars, respectively. Then by June 25 and 26, the thin crescent moon will be near Venus and Mercury. Note you may also be able to spot the Pleiades star cluster (the Seven Sisters) above Venus.
We haven’t had much opportunity for the past few months to view planets in the evening sky, so take this opportunity to view them in the morning sky over the next two weeks. We can look forward to seeing some of these planets after sunset later in the year.
Kevin D. Conod is the Planetarium Astronomer at the County College of Morris and president of the North Jersey Astronomical Group.
When it comes to food and Cherry Hill, there is fact and fiction. First, let’s cover the fiction since it is a part of Jersey film lore.
Never mind that Cherry Hill is the location of a once-in-a-lifetime, alleged organized crime in the 1990 comedy, “The Freshman,” starring Marlon Brando and Matthew Broderick. More legendary is the 1994 “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” about John Cho and Kal Penn’s unlikely adventure to get to a White Castle in Cherry Hill. Unlikely, mostly because there was (and still is) no White Castle in Cherry Hill.
Today, Cherry Hill is a suburban community with a rich culinary heritage. Photo courtesy of Cherry Hill Township
Cherry Hill is one of the most populous townships in the state, and the largest in Camden County. Originally incorporated as Delaware, in 1961, the citizens of the town voted in a nonbinding referendum to rename as Cherry Hill, based on the historic Cherry Hill Farm (which, yes, had a prominent hill dotted with cherry trees) and the numerous businesses and locations that sprouted using the Cherry Hill name.
Today, Cherry Hill is a suburban community with a significant corporate and retail presence. One of those businesses is the U.S. roasting operation for German company, Melitta. While not technically food, many would agree coffee is at least its own food group to many. Prior to the post-World War II housing and business expansion seen in many towns, Cherry Hill was rural, with over 80 farms and orchards domiciled within the town borders in the early 1930s. Sixty years later, there is one farm, Springdale Farms — and it is thriving.
Springdale Farms has a garden center, fun family activities and bakery renowned for treats using seasonal fruits, like pies and cider donuts. Photo courtesy of Springdale Farms
Springdale Farms was purchased by Alan Ebert in 1949 after completing his Naval duty, and it is still family owned and operated. Not only is it a destination for fresh produce (growing 35 varieties of fruits and vegetables), but there is a garden center, fun family activities and bakery renowned for treats using seasonal fruits, like pies and cider donuts. The farm is also a member of the South Jersey Independent Restaurant Association’s “Farm to Fork” program, which provides locally grown produce to area restaurants.
The “Farm to Fork” restaurant closest to Springdale Farms, and located in Cherry Hill, is The Farm and Fisherman Tavern, an offshoot of Josh and Colleen Lawler’s acclaimed Philadelphia space that was once a big part of that city’s restaurant revolution. The Lawlers, teaming with Chef Todd Fuller, put out a menu that deliciously pulls together a load of ingredients sourced from the region in a convivial and casual atmosphere. Also of note in a food article is its drinks program under the guidance of Danny Childs. Childs incorporates a culinary mindset, producing everything from tinctures, syrups and bitters to beers, meads and amari that are often very much Jersey fresh.
The ‘Farm to Fork’ restaurant closest to Springdale Farms, and located in Cherry Hill, is The Farm and Fisherman Tavern. Photo courtesy of The Farm and Fisherman Tavern
But there’s more!
Although not having a brick-and-mortar presence in Cherry Hill, a resident has a big presence nonetheless in the food world. Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. was the winner of the fourth season of the Food Network’s “Next Food Network Star” reality show, garnering him his own show and launching a multimedia food career. His website features sauces and spice blends for sale that he has produced and recipes. A native of Camden, to this day he is still involved in giving back to that community.
Wine and spirits professionals often are trusted sources for knowing some of the best places to eat. Neither of these recommendations are clients of theirs. If you are dining out in Cherry Hill, one recommends Caffe Aldo Lamberti. Open for over 30 years, they feature well-executed Italian specialties, but it is the seafood selection that is especially noteworthy, as is the 15,000-bottle, award-winning wine collection. If you choose to cook at home, Arnie’s Gourmet Butcher & Culinaria is the place to go. Arnie is Arnie Madrigale, who hails from an Italian market food family in Philadelphia and also started his business over 30 years ago. Of note are the selection of dry-aged prime meats and a broad variety of prepared foods.
Chick’s Deli is known for having one of the best cheesesteaks anywhere. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Other close-to-Philadelphia influences can be found at Chick’s Deli. A landmark in town, it has been open since before Cherry Hill became known as Cherry Hill. It is also known for having one of the best cheesesteaks anywhere and was once named “Best Cheesesteak in Philadelphia,” despite its obvious suburban location.
There has been a growing Asian population in Cherry Hill, as reflected in the number of Asian food options. Hong Kong Fusion is just that — Chinese fare with other influences found on the menu, including Thai dishes. Also worth trying is the tea service, where top-quality tea from all over the world is brewed tableside in the traditional Chinese Gong Fu style.
That’s an eater’s look at Cherry Hill — lots of options; just no White Castle.
Hank Zona writes regularly about wine, spirits and a range of other topics such as food and culture. He also has been running wine and spirits events of all sorts for over a decade.
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Proceeds from the sale of every pinot grigio bottle go to nonprofit care providers and research institutions. Photo courtesy of Hopewell Valley Vineyards
Hopewell Valley Vineyards grows a little under 2 acres of pinot grigio, not commonly planted or easily grown in New Jersey. The blend includes 10% Cayuga, a hybrid grape developed at Cornell University that grows well under the unpredictably variable northeastern United States climate conditions. Cayuga also adds some structure and aromatics to the lighter pinot grigio. (By the way, a wine typically has to be 75% of a grape variety to bear the grape name on the label.)
At 90% of the blend, this wine retains the classic, fresh, crisp flavor profile of pinot grigio along with the name. It pairs especially well with classic New Jersey summer fare and works just as nicely as a porch sipper. Prominent on the label is the Autism Awareness ribbon; proceeds from the sale of every bottle go to nonprofit care providers and research institutions.
Annual production is 300 cases. Cost is $17.95 a bottle through the winery, online and in select retail and restaurant outlets.
Hank Zona writes regularly about wine, spirits and a range of other topics such as food and culture. He also has been running wine and spirits events of all sorts for over a decade.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
It has become less routine to remove tonsils and adenoids during childhood because surgeons today are taking a more conservative approach to performing routine surgeries, notes Dr. Scott Kay of of Princeton Otolaryngology Associates.
A generation ago, nearly every child had their tonsils removed. It was just part of childhood. But, in recent years, doctors have become more selective about removing this lymphatic tissue that lives inside your mouth.
Following, Dr. Scott Kay, a board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and founder of Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, answers common questions to help patients decide whether the tonsils and adenoids should stay — or go.
Tonsils, Dr. Kay explains, are similar to lymph nodes but are located in the back of the mouth, rather than inside the body. Adenoids are a patch of tissue that sits at the very back of the nasal passage.
While tonsils and adenoids are thought to help fight infection, Dr. Kay said they may have outlived their usefulness.
“They are supposedly the first line of defense in upper respiratory tract infections,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “But, in my opinion, I don’t think they serve a significant purpose, especially since they can get infected and make you sick.’’
What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil and Adenoid Difficulty?
“Tonsils have ridges and crypts (small pits), nooks and crannies, like an English muffin,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “They shed epithelial cells into these crypts and bacteria like to feed on those cells. If the bacteria are particularly bad, like strep, you can get recurring infections.’’
This condition is known as tonsillitis. In addition to recurring strep infections, symptoms may include swelling of the tonsils, a white or yellow coating on the tonsils, a slight change in the voice due to swelling, sore throat sometimes accompanied by ear pain, painful swallowing, swollen glands in the neck, fever and bad breath.
Ear infections, on the other hand, are typically caused by adenoids. Children are especially prone to ear infections caused by adenoids, which are positioned right behind the eustachian tube. When children are exposed to viruses they weren’t previously exposed to, the adenoids become chronically inflamed. That inflammation spreads to eustachian tubes, which block the ears from ventilating, allowing fluids to build up. Adenoids also can cause nasal obstruction
There are clear signs indicating a patient should consider a tonsillectomy, including more than six bouts of tonsillitis in one year or more than nine bouts in three years.
Despite all these risks, it has become less routine to remove tonsils and adenoids during childhood. That, Dr. Kay explained, stems from the fact that surgeons today are taking a more conservative approach to performing routine surgeries.
“If you’re doing operations without indications, the chances of complications are high,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “Generally, the trend has moved away from routinely removing tonsils and adenoids as it used to be.’’
That said, Dr. Kay frequently sees college-age patients who need tonsillectomies.
“College age is a big time for tonsil infections because of the high incidence of communicable disease in the dormitory setting,’’ Dr. Kay said.
The good news is that there are clear signs indicating a patient should consider a tonsillectomy, including more than six bouts of tonsillitis in one year or more than nine bouts in three years. Recurring strep infections are always an indication of tonsilitis, while recurring peritonsillar abscess, an infection between the tonsil and the pharynx, is a serious condition that can be life-threatening.
“This type of infection needs to be drained,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “If you have it more than one time, that would be an indication to have the tonsils removed.’’
Mononucleosis and obstructive sleep apnea may also be signals that the tonsils are causing problems.
“If a child is witnessed as having obviously trouble breathing at night, that child could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and should be evaluated,’’ Dr. Kay said.
The great news is that once tonsil or adenoid surgery is completed, nearly 100% of patients no longer experience recurring infections.
Dr. Kay’s Approach to Evaluating and Treating Tonsillitis
When Dr. Kay first sees a patient — child or adult — for recurring problems that may stem from the tonsils and adenoids, he takes a comprehensive medical history, including identifying the number of infections a patient has suffered and the patient’s sleep patterns. A thorough physical examination is conducted, in which Dr. Kay examine both the tonsils and adenoids.
Depending on the findings, he may recommend antibiotics or steroids. For serious, chronic conditions, surgery is typically the best treatment choice.
Tonsillectomies are performed under general anesthetic. In the vast majority of cases, both the tonsils and adenoids are removed. Once the surgery is complete, Dr. Kay typically injects the muscles with long-acting anesthetic so that the patient can go home to begin the recovery process without significant pain.
Typically, younger patients recover in five days or so. For patients older than 13 or 14, it can take 10 days for patients to be able to eat normally and they may experience pain for a few weeks, but the operation is just as safe for older patients as it is for children.
“A huge falsehood is that tonsillectomies are more dangerous for adults and that’s not true,’’ Dr. Kay said. “Recovery takes a little longer, but the procedure is not more dangerous.’’
While bleeding is the most common complication of tonsillectomies, it is extremely rare, with a tiny percentage of cases requiring a second visit to the operating room. Dehydration is a risk, since drinking can be uncomfortable after the operation. However, this can usually be managed with the appropriate pain medications.
“I have my patients taking Tylenol or Advil on a regular basis after surgery,’’ Dr. Kay said.
The great news is that once the surgery is completed, nearly 100% of patients no longer experience recurring infections.
“It is a great operation in the sense that it always takes care of the problems that the tonsils and the adenoids were causing,’’ Dr. Kay said. “So, if a patient is having these types of problems, there is a solution. The first step is to seek out the advice of an ENT.’’
For more information about the evaluation and treatment of tonsillitis and related conditions,
and other services provided by Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kay at the practice’s Monroe or Plainsboro offices, call 609-445-4445 or visit drscottkay.com.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards sits in a pretty setting at the base of the Sourland Mountains. Photo courtesy of Hopewell Valley Vineyards
We drink wine because it tastes good and feels good. Visiting wineries with family and friends is a good time. Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington — with its pretty setting at the base of the Sourland Mountains as well as a diverse roster of wines, quality food and live music events — certainly checks those two boxes. Perhaps most impressive, though, are the efforts of owners Sergio and Violetta Neri in support of autism research and intervention programs, showing that wine also has the potential to do good.
Master winemaker Sergio comes from an Italian winemaking family with ties to the storied Brunello di Montalcino area of Tuscany. A mechanical and agricultural engineer by education and trade, he has applied his family history and work experience to building a vineyard and winery with equal emphasis on both viticulture (growing) and viniculture (making). The vineyards were first planted in 2001 and sit on 74 acres, with almost one-third of that under vine. Sergio’s plan is to ultimately double the acreage of grapevines by expanding existing varieties and experimenting with new ones.
Violetta has played an equally important role in the growth and success of Hopewell Valley Vineyards. She hails from northern Greece, where her grandmother made, in her words, “strong wine and strong coffee.” Her influence can be seen in the striking design, in the event planning — which includes live music three days a week from a stage that holds a concert grand piano — and the attention to detail in guest relations, with striking spaces indoors and out for guests to gather. “Our challenge has been overcoming preconceptions of New Jersey wineries and helping our customers form an opinion based on a positive experience.”
The ‘A Team,’ a group of adults with autism, make products for Hopewell Valley Vineyards based on their ability levels. Photo courtesy of Hopewell Valley Vineyards
What elevates this piece beyond a cool day trip suggestion or a business success story is the Neri’s other important mission. Sergio has a son, Davide, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age and is now an adult. The plan has been, from the beginning, to not just build a winery operation but to find ways for it to aid autism care and research. Their efforts, which they call Project Autism, have been from the heart, but also have been fully and properly planned, licensed, staffed and overseen. Through their own experiences, the Neris know how vital it is to establish meaningful activities, teach functional life skills and improve communication for children and adults with autism. To that end, they have not just helped to raise money and start programs — they have provided both.
The vineyard afforded them enough space and revenue to set up equipment in safely controlled work environments for members of the “A Team,” a group of adults with autism, to make products based on their ability levels. The kindling boxes, made from recycled materials around the farm, are one of the bigger sellers, and profits get rolled back into more projects. The success of the A Team led to the development of other initiatives, like PALS (Pennington Adult Living Services) on Main, a workshop and community store right on North Main Street, where many of the items for sale are made by PALS participants. Want a real treat? Look for Jack’s Snacks: Italian Taralli crackers, traditionally served alongside wine, baked by Jack at PALS, and sold at the store and winery.
The Neri family created Pennington Adult Living Services (PALS) on Main, a workshop and community store right on North Main Street, where many of the items for sale are made by PALS participants. Photo courtesy of Hopewell Valley Vineyards
These programs help autistic adults participate in activities where they not only learn vocational skills but gain a sense of teamwork and self-esteem. “We allow those in the programs we support to do things within the spectrum of their ability. When that happens, it is amazing to see how it raises their energy levels,” Violetta said. She added that another goal is to raise not just their optimism, but funding to build a group home for independent adult living adjacent to the vineyard property.
Their most visible effort can be seen through the estate-grown pinot grigio. Winery visitors will notice the labels that distinctly display a graphic of the Autism Awareness ribbon. The front label also clearly states that net proceeds from every bottle sold benefit autism intervention, research and services.
The Neris consider themselves fortunate to have developed a business that both entertains and helps people. Violetta ended the conversation by saying, “Life is a beautiful thing.” What they have created and nurtured, what they do every day, is also a beautiful thing. Yes, wine can do good. It surely does at Hopewell Valley Vineyards.
Hank Zona writes regularly about wine, spirits and a range of other topics such as food and culture. He also has been running wine and spirits events of all sorts for over a decade.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Grace, age 4 in the photo, has a tantrum when out to lunch at Holsten’s in Bloomfield. Even sitting in the famous ‘Sopranos’ booth didn’t make her happy. Photo courtesy of Laura Adams Stiansen
Two years old wasn’t so terrible.
There, I said it.
Don’t be mad at me. But, I speak the truth. If you currently are battening down the hatches in the “terrible twos” phase, please don’t read any further. I don’t want to add any more anxiety to your parenting plate.
Let me preface: My daughter, Grace, was a wonderful baby. As I’ve said previously, she was (and usually is) always happy. That didn’t change for most of her toddler years either. Maybe that’s why it hit me so hard.
Then, she turned 4.
It was like a light switch. One that turned on the attitude.
“No!”
“I am not talking to you.”
Basically, a lot of talking back.
One time she said she wanted new parents. And all we wanted her to do was eat the veggies on her dinner plate. I’m not going to lie — that one hurt.
My husband and I would look at each other and think, “What happened to our sweet baby?” “Are we prepared for this?” “Is this what it’s going to be like when she’s a teenager — but 10 times worse?!”
I noticed that when I left her alone to have her tantrum by herself, she would eventually calm down and, later, apologize. When I would ask her why she was upset and/or not listening, she would (usually) say, “I don’t know.” Then, I would remember that she is still a little girl who is growing up and learning how to behave.
If adults can have “bad days” and an occasional meltdown, why can’t kids? Their world can be confusing and overwhelming. It’s our job as parents to figure out if there is a specific issue causing the behavior (and address it), or if they are processing all the emotions that come with growing up. Remember, people (especially children) respond better when you are speaking to them calmly. If you need a break, take a breath before you react to your child’s behavior. And, again, as I have said before, I think the best thing you can do is ask if you can hug them, and wrap them in your arms until they calm down. Sometimes, that’s all they need.
Grace is now 5 and adjusting to being the big sister of the house. She still has her meltdown moments, and we try our best to handle them appropriately. There is plenty of “I’m counting to three” in our house.
I thought I was going to be able to breathe a sigh of relief now that she’s 5. Wishful thinking.
Tweet me at @adamsstiansen and tell me: At what age did your children grow out of the tantrum stage? Please say it’s soon!
Born and raised in New Jersey, Laura Adams Stiansen is a mom of two. Her daughter, Grace, is 5 and her son, John, will turn 1 years old in the summer. She has been a writer and editor for more than 19 years.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
The underlying causes of hoarseness include everything from voice overuse to more serious conditions, including cancer.
Hoarseness is a common condition that can have various underlying causes, ranging from voice overuse to being an indication of more serious conditions, including cancer, according to Dr. Scott Kay, a board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and founder of Princeton Otolaryngology Associates.
Following, Dr. Kay offers advice to primary care practitioners about how to diagnosis and treat hoarseness and guidelines for when it’s time to refer patients to a specialist.
First, what is hoarseness?
“Any change in the voice that the patient complains about should get the primary care doctor’s attention,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “The problem may not always be consistent. Patients may complain about fluctuations in the voice. They may not be able to project, or their voice may sound spasmodic. Other times, patients experience a rough or breathy sound to the voice.’’
One of the most common causes of hoarseness is viral infections.
“Any kind of infection that causes even the slightest amount of edema to the vocal cords will cause a change in that person’s voice,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “Vocal cords are thin membranes that lay on top of a tendon. The way those membranes vibrate can be altered with the most minute fluid accumulations.’’
Another common cause is known as “singer’s nodules,’’ caused by repetitive overuse and misuse of the voice, including singing loudly for extended periods of time or shouting, Dr. Kay said.
“Any traumatic movement of the vocal cord can cause these conditions,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “Even a cough is pretty violent to the vocal cord.’’
Smokers and people who use their voice a lot often experience vocal cord polyps, while reflux is another common culprit, leading to vocal cord granuloma — small areas of inflammation.
Neuromuscular issues can cause vocal cord paralysis, which could be linked to a virus or a tumor elsewhere in the body, such as the lung, brain or neck. Thyroid surgery has also been known to cause vocal cord paralysis. Another common affliction is spastic dysphonia, a neurologic condition that causes a stuttering pattern to the voice.
Less-common causes, Dr. Kay added, are cancer, the HPV virus and antibiotics causing a yeast infection in the vocal cords.
If a patient’s hoarseness is constant, this suggests a nodule, tumor or polyp on the vocal cord or paralysis when one vocal cord is not working at all.
Tracking Down the Cause of Hoarseness
In the primary care setting, physicians can begin to identify the cause by determining whether a patient’s hoarseness is constant or fluctuating.
“If it’s fluctuating, then it’s more consistent with reflux,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “The same is true for people with neurological conditions.’’
If the condition is constant, this suggests a nodule, tumor or polyp on the vocal cord or paralysis when one vocal cord is not working at all, according to Dr. Kay.
Frequency of voice use, smoking and suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are other important factors to be explored, as is age, with older people more likely to experience hoarseness, especially if they go long periods without using their voice.
Absent an obvious finding, it may be difficult for primary care physicians to parse out the cause of hoarseness, Dr. Kay said. They can prescribe voice rest, but if that does not work, it is best to refer to a specialist.
“In cases where it’s thought to be due to voice misuse, prescribe voice rest for three days,’’ Dr. Kay said. “If it continues to be an issue, then a referral should be made because it could be indicative of more serious conditions.’’
In cases where the patient’s problem fluctuates and GERD symptoms are presented, primary care physicians can treat with a proton pump inhibitor such as Nexium or an H2 blocker like Pepcid.
Dr. Kay cautions against waiting too long to refer a patient to a specialist.
“If a patient experiences hoarseness that is constant for more than a few weeks, that should raise suspicion,’’ Dr. Kay said. “Even a patient who complains about their voice not being normal warrants further investigation.’’
Difficulty breathing or swallowing calls for immediate referral to an ENT or the emergency room, he added.
Listening to a patient’s voice provides immediate clues as to the cause of hoarseness.
Dr. Kay’s Approach to Evaluating and Treating Hoarseness
Listening to a patient’s voice is the first step that Dr. Kay takes when seeing a patient for hoarseness. This provides immediate clues as to the cause of the problem. Next, he uses a small device to examine the throat and larynx, a procedure known as laryngoscopy.
“That will tell me if there’s paralysis or a lesion on the vocal cord,’’ Dr. Kay explained. “Next would be to treat it or to move on to what’s called video stroboscopy.’’
This involves having a patient speak into a microphone that triggers a strobe light showing the movement of vocal cords in slow motion.
“Depending upon the results of those studies, I may order a CAT scan or an MRI if I suspect there is cancer or some sort of paralysis involved,’’ Dr. Kay said.
Depending on the cause of the hoarseness, Dr. Kay would employ various treatments, including antibiotics, antifungals or steroids and voice rest or therapy.
If a lesion, tumor, cyst or polyp is identified, microscopic laryngeal surgery is required to remove the pathology. While this procedure is done under general anesthesia in the hospital, it is minimally invasive, requiring no skin incisions. For cancer patients, removal of the lesion would be coupled with radiation therapy.
Another potential treatment is vocal cord injections for people with paralysis or weak vocal cords.
“I use hydroxyapatite, which is the same substance used for improving the appearance of facial wrinkles,’’ Dr. Kay explained.
Dr. Kay works closely with primary care physicians when treating patients for hoarseness and other conditions.
“When primary care physicians refer a patient, I always send a letter of my findings and how I’m managing the condition,’’ he said. “I keep them up to date with any developments and am always available to talk to physicians at any time.’’
For more information about the evaluation and treatment of hoarseness and other services provided by Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, or to make an appointment to see Dr. Kay at the practice’s Monroe or Plainsboro offices, call 609-445-4445 or visit drscottkay.com.
Americans do seem to come together on one important topic — 90% of our households eat ice cream. We are the largest producer and per capita consumer in the world, but it is in this season where ice cream goes beyond consumer product to something more evocative.
The Kohr Bros. Custard is an iconic Jersey Shore staple. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
A Shore Thing
Ice cream Down the Shore has an especially Jersey feel to it. In some Shore towns, it may look and feel as if you should be walking around with a beer go-cup or koozie. Stone Harbor looks like a Shore town you ought to be walking around while eating an ice cream cone, and if you are doing just that, it is likely you stopped in at Springer’s. Open since the days of Prohibition, it is fortunate for generations of customers that eating its ice cream has never been legally prohibited. Springer’s has earned the description of a “beloved institution” not just because of longevity but because it has been a destination, even a daily pilgrimage site, during beach vacations. With over 50 flavors in the rotation, one can see why it gets daily visits.
Farther north along the shoreline, look for any one of three Hoffman’s Ice Cream stores, in Long Branch, Point Pleasant Beach or the flagship, in Spring Lake Heights. (Let us know if you’ve made it to all three in one day!)
Technically, it is frozen custard, not ice cream, but it has a place in this article and the pantheon of frozen treats in our state. The addition of egg yolks to the original recipe to slow down the melting process was developed specifically for summer at the ocean. Whether it is from any of the outlets containing the Kohr’s name, all offshoots of the same family business founded over 100 years ago, is there a more photographed ice cream cone with the backdrop of a boardwalk or beach than the vanilla-orange twist?
The Bent Spoon keeps it contemporary with a colorful assortment of flavors and ingredients. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Beyond The Coast
Many of us head to different destination towns in the state for a cultural event, a meal or a walkabout. Think of these ice cream spots as the cherry on top in your summer explorations.
If you are in Montclair for dinner at any number of highly regarded restaurants or a show at The Wellmont, stop by the surprisingly picturesque Applegate Farm. Checking out the river towns or biking along the canal paths? Owowcow Creamery in Lambertville is a delicious and restorative stop. Heading home after a day at Sandy Hook? Any one of the three Nicholas Creamery locations, in Atlantic Highlands, Tinton Falls or Fair Haven, will do the trick. Touring the Princeton campus and town? The Bent Spoon keeps it contemporary with an assortment of flavors and ingredients, seasonal and often locally sourced. The Ironbound is not just the place for great Spanish and Portuguese food but Nasto’s Ice Cream Co., open since 1939. Jersey City visitors, after checking out the art and music scene, or the diverse dining, or hanging out at Liberty State Park, ought to add Milk Sugar Love Creamery to their itinerary.
The Banana Royale at Holsten’s in Bloomfield. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
“Ice Cream Town”
Bloomfield has arguably the most chill ice cream scene in New Jersey. You can stroll (or drive) down Broad Street between two of Jersey’s best for your own personal new-school/old-school “conetest” where there are only winners.
APEM Creamery // Sorbetteria is a current take on ice cream. Owners Jennifer Ko and Alex Saneski met in culinary school, opened their first concept together on a dairy farm in the San Francisco Bay area and returned to New Jersey in 2019 with their maker-focused delights. Behind the Japanese-inspired, minimalist décor, you will find their combination of wit with their making skills: quirky names (ever have an ice cream named after a Black Keys song?); use of ingredients the couple grow in their own garden; themed flavor weekends, like Filipino and Corn Fest; and a lively social media presence. Anyone who lists both Alice Waters and Alice in Chains as influences is worth checking out.
Holsten’s is a classic take on ice cream. You can sit in the booths in the brown, wood-paneled dining room in the back and order a tuna melt or a club sandwich off the short diner menu, or sit upfront while enjoying a sundae and swivel around to check out the candy counter (the name is Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery, after all). But if you are playing a word association game, the real response to “Holsten’s” is not “The Sopranos” but “ice cream.” This is an ice cream parlor and, in keeping with its “classic” tag, there is a list of traditional favorite flavors along with monthly specials. The opinion of this writer is that the peach is still the standard bearer of its kind in the state. While no statistics exist, a large percentage of those “eating in” are also placing a “to-go” order for hand-packed pints and quarts. Bring your cooler!
Also worth more than a few licks is Kreme & Krumbs, billing itself as “a dope ass ice cream shop” and Art.ICE.zen, for dairy-free and vegan frozen treat options.
Nutella and lemon olive oil ice cream from Milk Sugar Love Creamery and Bakeshop in Jersey City. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
This is just a handful of some of our favorites, but do not overlook your local, independently owned ice cream shop and the people staffing them. The help behind the counter is likely an owner, or maybe a local high school student, just as you were at one time or as your own children will be some day. Treat them well and make the most of your likely wait — you are getting ice cream after all. The ice cream itself may not make a “best of” list, but the experience and memories of an easy summer night with family and friends will drip its way onto your personal list of best summer memories.
Hank Zona writes regularly about wine, spirits and a range of other topics such as food and culture. He also has been running wine and spirits events of all sorts for over a decade.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Something about dads and a grill seem to blend just as smoothly as peanut butter and jelly. This month, let’s let the fire rip with some tasty tributes to our dads.
As a child of the ’70s and ’80s, the idea of “exotic cuisine” in our house was pretty much relegated to simple flavor profiles. There are a few oldies and goodies that I still make once in a blue moon for my own family, and this is one of them. Flavors of sweet and sour are the perfect complement to whatever you might marinate.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
ANYTHING SHISH KABOB
Servings: 6
For the kebabs:
2 pounds of chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, tofu or any other protein, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ pint cherry tomatoes
1 red onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 sweet yellow onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 red pepper, cored and seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
½ pineapple, peeled and cored and cut into 1-inch chunks (reserve core for marinade)
For the marinade:
2 cups low salt soy sauce or tamari
¼ cup sherry
1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons of honey
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
6 cups rice cooked, to serve
In a large bowl, whisk ingredients together.
Using either metal skewers or presoaked wooden ones, thread kebab ingredients, alternating fruit, vegetable and protein as you see fit. Place in a glass casserole dish and pour marinade over, coating the kebabs as evenly as possible. Marinate 1 hour in the refrigerator, or overnight for a stronger flavor.
Preheat gas or charcoal grill to high. Place skewers on grill and cook about 10 minutes over high heat, turning often until cooked through. Serve along with rice.
Photo courtesy of Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Grilling steak is always an easy go-to for backyard grilling. The addition of a compound butter (fancy word for butter blended with seasonings) elevates this simple staple.
BLACK AND BLUE STEAK AND PACKET POTATOES
Servings: 6
For the blue compound butter:
½ cup butter, melted
¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
Black pepper ground to taste
In a small bowl, combine the ingredients and blend well. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use (up to four days).
For the steak:
2 pounds London broil, room temperature
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the potato packets:
4 large new potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks, skin on
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon onion powder (not salt)
1 tablespoon garlic powder (not salt)
Salt and pepper to taste
Aluminum foil
In a large bowl, combine the potato packet ingredients, coating the potato chunks thoroughly. Divide among 6 pieces of aluminum foil and seal, creating a flat packet.
Preheat grill to high. Lower to medium and grill steak about 15 minutes until done to your liking, flipping halfway through. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, place potato packets on the grill, turning every few minutes.
To serve:
Let steak cool on a cutting board for 10 minutes. While it is cooling, place dollops of the compound butter on top of the steak, allowing it to melt. Slice and serve along with potato packets.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Summertime is the best time to assemble a clam or seafood bake, however, the effort to assemble everything might seem daunting. Here is a quick and tasty version that can be grilled in a snap.
SUMMERTIME SEAFOOD BAKE
Servings: 6
1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 dozen cherrystone clams, scrubbed
1 pound kielbasa, halved lengthwise, cut into 6 pieces
3 lemons, cut in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
6 ears corn, unhusked and soaked in water for 30 minutes
Combine shrimp, clams, sausage and lemon halves in a large bowl. Coat with oil, garlic and Old Bay. Transfer to a grilling basket or a disposable aluminum pan. Preheat grill to high and lower to medium. Place grill basket or pan in center of the grill along with corn. Turn corn every 2 to 3 minutes, taking care the husk doesn’t ignite (keep a cup of water nearby). Turn grill basket or turn over each item in the pan after 3 minutes and continue to cook until clams are open. Serve along with plenty of napkins.
Arthur Greenberg remembers the scene like it was yesterday.
The avid kayaker set out on an early summer morning in search of a fresh perspective, like he had done so many times in countries all over the world: Trinidad and Tobago, Tasmania, St. Thomas, The Bahamas. But never before in his life had he discovered a view like this one — in his home state of New Jersey, no less.
As he paddled into the open water, a sea of blue unfurled before him that was so still he said it “looked like a bathtub.” He glided across the surface, a few ripples emanating toward the gold-hued horizon, with not a single other person in sight. Then, suddenly, he heard it. In the distance, a faint hum floated across the water, to the tune of a melody he knew oh so well: New York City traffic. It was in that moment the Jersey City resident got the new perspective he needed.
“I spent half of my life under the Hudson,” said Greenberg, a semi-retired psychologist who commuted through the Holland Tunnel to tend to his clients in The City. “And now I decided I’m going to spend the rest of my life on top of it.”
You never know what sights Mother Nature has up her sleeve on a given tour. Photo courtesy of Urban Paddle
Greenberg is but one in a growing wave of people who are discovering the transformative power of the Hudson River and New York Harbor. That’s all thanks to Urban Paddle, a Jersey City-based canoe and kayak tour company launched in 2019 by Hudson County resident, Kevin Murray, to create “a greater appreciation for the greatest harbor in the world.”
“(The Hudson) is a very peaceful, tranquil environment, but it has this reputation of being — as it was through the ‘70s and ‘80s — very polluted,” Murray explained. “But we’ve seen so much change that we bring people on tours now and they’re afraid of falling in, but then, by the end, they want to come back again and again.”
Urban Paddle has made a splash not only for its perspective-shifting approach but also because it welcomes people of all ages, interests and athletic abilities with a dizzying array of ways to experience the true beauty of the Hudson.
The 4.5-mile Liberty Isle Adventure takes paddlers past universal icons such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Liberty State Park. Photo courtesy of Urban Paddle
First-timers start with the Skyline Kayak Tour, which serves as an introduction to the sights and sounds of the Hudson and harbor. The one-hour trek can vary from therapeutic and ethereal silence to an energetic and thrilling hubbub of activity, depending on the time of day. Once you prove your paddling prowess, you’ll want to tackle the 4.5-mile Liberty Isle Adventure, which takes you past universal icons such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Liberty State Park. (Don’t worry: It’s a one-way trip, and they bring you back by boat.)
No matter the tour, every expedition comes with a beginner-friendly tutorial on how to disembark, paddle and turn as well as a review of safety guidelines. While out on the water, a crew on boats and jet skis keeps harbor traffic at bay while a CPR- and lifeguard-trained guide leads the way, periodically stopping at checkpoints to make sure everyone is comfortable and OK. All tour routes are approved by the Coast Guard, which Murray understands like the back of his hand courtesy of a Master Captain’s License.
These layers of safety create a peace of mind that allows the views to take center stage — a reality that really comes alive with the two fan-favorite tours: the Sunset and LED Night tours. The Sunset Tour takes you into the harbor for prime views of the New York City skyline at golden hour, when the sun glints off the buildings in a dazzling display of Mother Nature’s perfection. Then, as the sun sets and the city lights shine against the water, the LED Night Tour begins to show its brilliance.
“I recommend the LED Night Tour because the water is a lot calmer,” said Amandine Panepinto, a tour-coordinator-turned-guide. “There will be some nights where we will be out there, the water will be completely still and the skyline will be beautiful. The whole thing is amazing.”
The LED Night Tours come with a DJ, neon lighting and incredible views of the NYC skyline. Photo courtesy of Urban Paddle
The night tour is particularly popular because of its party vibe. Neon green and blue lights are set aglow under each of the kayaks while a DJ plays tracks picked by participants throughout the one-hour harbor tour. The whole scene is tailor-made for social media.
“As you look at the skyline during one of the night tours, people are awestruck. The only danger out there is how crazy people get to take pictures,” Greenberg joked.
Murray credits TikTok as a big reason for the surge in interest. The video-centric app, which allows its users to share memorable content with the rest of the world, has created an expanded pool of paddlers from Jersey City and Hoboken to as far away as Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
“People are coming and saying, ‘I can’t believe I haven’t considered doing this before, I wouldn’t want to paddle anywhere else,’ ” Murray said.
Murray has ideas to continue spreading that love for water sports beyond social media. This summer, he’ll be introducing a program where inner-city Hudson County kids who have never been on the water before can be part of the staff at Urban Paddle. His hope is that, by the end of the season, they’ll have the skills to learn the maritime trade and eventually start a career from it.
And, in the end, it’s yet another way to fulfill his mission: “The more people we get out there, the more we can change the misconception of the Hudson.”
Dogs can paddle for free during any daytime tour with Urban Paddle. Photo courtesy of Urban Paddle
Urban Paddle is located at 11 Marin Blvd., Jersey City, N.J. 07302.
The 2022 season runs from now through Oct. 30, and tour prices range from $25 to $160 per person. Dogs are allowed on daytime tours (for free). Private kayak/canoe lessons, standup paddleboarding and yoga are also available throughout the season. For more information, visit urban-paddle.com.
When you take part in this glittering urban adventure, don’t forget you can only find it … Just in Jersey.
Hunter Hulbert is the Just in Jersey features writer for Jersey’s Best magazine. Have a suggestion for a story? Contact him at hhulbert@njadvancemedia.com. To read more stories like this, click here.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen illuminated by spotlights atop its mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B. Photo courtesy of NASA/Joel Kowsky
NASA is prepping for a major milestone in its Artemis program. Artemis will eventually return astronauts to the moon.
The rocket for the Artemis missions will be the Space Launch System, or SLS. Described as a super-heavy lift launch vehicle, it has been under development since 2011. In its final form, its engines will be capable of 8.8 million pounds of thrust, more than the Saturn V and the Space Shuttle. The rocket will be ready for a dress rehearsal in a couple of weeks.
The 322-foot-tall rocket is rolling out to Launchpad 39B. This historic launch site at Kennedy Space Center was used for the Apollo moon missions and, later, for many Space Shuttle launches.
Engineers demonstrate how four crew members would be arranged for launch inside the Orion spacecraft, using a mockup of the vehicle at Johnson Space Center. Photo courtesy of NASA/Robert Markowitz
NASA conducted its first dress rehearsal for the rocket back in April. Engineers ran into several problems, including a hydrogen leak and a stuck valve. The upcoming dress rehearsal will fill both the main and upper stages with fuel and test the ground equipment, the Orion capsule and communications.
If all goes well with the dress rehearsal, the rocket will be launched in August. This is known as the Artemis 1 mission. It will be the first test flight of the rocket and the second test flight of the new Orion capsule. This uncrewed mission will send the spacecraft on a 25-day-long loop around the moon that will take it to within 62 miles of the surface.
This will pave the way for the first crewed mission, which is planned for 2024.
The Delaware River has many islands throughout, but one island in New Jersey set the historical precedence for the current United States public education system.
Burlington Island, located between Bristol, Pa. and Burlington, N.J., was originally known by the natives as Matinicunk (which translates to “Island of Pines”) Island. It has approximately 300 acres of land and many layers of intriguing history.
Burlington Island holds significant environmental benefits and historical importance. Photo courtesy of Tim Conrad
The island was originally occupied by the Lenape Tribe. In the 1620s, when early settlers started to arrive from what is now known as Belgium, a barter post was established on the island to trade with the natives. At that time, portions of Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey were known as New Netherland, which was established by the Dutch West India Co. in 1624. Most of the Dutch had left when the English started to arrive in the 1660s.
In 1671, tensions rose between the early European settlers and the Native Americans, which resulted in two men being killed — New Jersey’s first two recorded murders. The years of increased tensions ultimately caused the Native Americans to vacate the island.
Over the next couple of decades, ownership of the island exchanged many hands until the 1680s, when the City of Burlington was given the title of Burlington Island from West Jersey with the stipulation that profits were to be used “… for the encouragement of learning and the better education of youth.” The island became rentable farmland for farmers, and the revenue from rent was used to fund education, setting forth the first publicly funded school in the United States.
According to the Camden Daily Courier newspaper dated March 13, 1884, “a portion of a human skeleton was found partially imbedded in the shore of Burlington Island, the other day, by a fisherman …” Speculations led some people to believe the human remains that were found could have been from the Native American burial grounds, but no further findings had been reported. Much of the island’s archeological foundation had been destroyed.
In the early 1900s, the island was a summer hot spot for many people. It was labeled Burlington Island Park, where visitors would picnic, swim and have fun escaping the summer heat; eventually, an ice cream stand would be built for the visitors.
Island Beach Amusement Park featured a large wooden roller coaster called The Greyhound. Photo courtesy of West Jersey History
With all the visitors Burlington Island was attracting — some reports indicate as many as 4,000 people a day — amusements had started to be built. In 1917, a portion of Burlington Island land was sold to a developer that resulted in Island Beach Amusement Park. The island didn’t have a bridge, therefore steamboats had to transport the guests to the island. There were a few docks around the island.
The amusement park featured a large wooden roller coaster called The Greyhound. It also had a carousel, which later would be the only amusement ride saved from Island Beach Amusement Park. It was purchased and saved by a doctor; it is currently showcased on Casino Pier at Seaside Heights. The carousel remarkably survived Hurricane Sandy unscathed.
In 1928, a fire started on the island; it destroyed a lot of the amusements except the aforementioned carousel. Another fire broke out in 1934, and, sadly, nothing else could be saved from Island Beach Amusement Park. By this time, the owners had sold a portion of Burlington Island to a sand and gravel mining company. The sand mining operation is what created the large lagoon in the middle of the island.
Remains of the dumping that took place on Burlington Island in the 1980s. Photo by Kathleen Butler
The Army Corps of Engineers used Burlington Island as dumping grounds in the late 1980s. The mayor of Burlington officially banned recreational use of the island in 2012 as the island had become unsafe. Old refrigerators, metal bed frame, and even a few old vehicles were piled on the island along with the dredging spoils. In 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers wanted to resume using Burlington Island for dredging materials. This would have included clearing 40 acres of trees and plants. The City of Burlington was not advised of the plan and issued a cease-and-desist order, recognizing the island holds significant environmental benefits and historical importance.
In the past decade, the Board of Island Managers and other volunteers have worked tirelessly through organized clean-ups and have made significant progress throughout the years.
The foundation of the carousel is one of the last remaining structures from the days of Island Beach Amusement Park. Photo by Kathleen Butler
The concrete foundation where the carousel once stood remains today along with a few other smaller remnants. Maintenance, clean-up efforts and environmental protection challenges are ongoing.
“There is a lot of confusion surrounding Burlington Island,” said Kelsey Moss, secretary for Burlington Island’s Board of Island Managers. “There have been and will always be many plans, but with no development, it stays untouched and it is a beautiful place to visit. You may have heard that Burlington Island is closed to the public. However, the Green Acres side of the island is open to the public. There are trails. This is because of hardworking volunteers and fellow island lovers. There are miles of trails that are maintained by the Board of Island Managers and the Friends of Burlington Island (FOBI). We ask that, if you do visit, please take out what you bring in and stay on the trails. The 100-acre lake is only for kayaking and canoeing. You can fish (with a license), and there is no lifeguard on duty at the present time.”
A look at where the the ships used to dock to get on the island. Photo by Kathleen Butler
There is no dock at present. Once a dock is in place, it will be easier to gain access to the island.
“I wish more people would be able to visit this incredible asset,” Moss added. “Known in island history as the ‘best and largest island in the Delaware River,’ visiting the island is like a walk back in time. It rejuvenates one’s soul, and it’s right in our backyard.”
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A growing number of New Jersey teens are suffering from mental health issues, from depression to anxiety to addiction. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Even before March 2020, a growing and alarming number of New Jersey teens were suffering from mental health issues: debilitating depression, anxiety, lethal addictions.
Then the pandemic hit, disrupting daily routines, imposing suffocating isolation and cutting off pathways to in-person counseling that could help these troubled teens right their emotional ship.
“We were already facing a mental health crisis with teens. The pandemic made it even worse,’’ said Ivan Lamourt, senior associate headmaster, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, Newark. “Everything stopped, and kids became more and more isolated.’’
A recent Montclair State University study backs this up, finding that roughly three-quarters of the 4,700 college students surveyed reported feeling more anxious and depressed just a few months into the pandemic. Sixty percent reported feeling hopeless and 68% said they had difficulty sleeping, according to co-author and psychology professor Carrie Masia Warner.
Loneliness, academic worries and moving back with family were identified as primary reasons behind the increased anxiety and depression. For those who reported having poor overall mental health, financial stress was also a factor.
“This is our future generation,” Masia Warner noted. “The impact has not passed, even if the pandemic has. We may see the reverberations of this for years.”
Returning to school after such a long hiatus is a stressor for some young people. Having missed so much in-person learning, these students are now trying to catch up. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Even returning to school after such a long hiatus is a stressor for some young people. Having missed so much in-person schooling, these students are now trying to catch up without the foundation they might have gained through normal schooling.
“The freshman at that time are now juniors,’’ said Mylissa Bauman, a South Plainfield High School counselor. “For today’s freshman, the last time they were in school was sixth grade. Those are enormous developmental years. Schools across the state are doing everything they can to put in place remediation efforts, but it’s difficult.’’
Adolescence is, by nature, a time of angst, rebellion and confusion, so how do parents know when it is time to seek help?
Experts advise focusing on what is normal for that teenager or young adult. Were they extroverted before the pandemic and are now withdrawn? Be on the lookout for changes in motivation, appearance, sleep habits, engagement with family and friends and changes in appetite.
“You have to consider what is typical for that particular young person,’’ explained Ruth Kaluski, statewide director for Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Association in New Jersey.
Parents should be on the lookout for changes in motivation, appearance, sleep habits, engagement with family and friends and changes in appetite. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Jessica O’Gara-Mankowski, clinical director, Positive Reset of Eatontown, advises parents to be present in their teenagers’ lives — not just during stressful times but all the time. This, she said, can make it easier to identify when an adolescent may be struggling emotionally.
“They need to feel like we buy into their life, and we’re not just there to tell them what to do and what not to do,’’ O’Gara Mankowski said, adding that engaging teenagers in conversations about things they are interested in is a good strategy to keep the lines of communication open. “It’s really important to make them feel like they have a say and they have a voice.’’
Experts caution against waiting too long to seek help.
“Listen to your gut,’’ Lamourt said. “If you’re worried there’s something wrong with your child, act on it. If your child came into the room and said, ‘I have chest pains,’ boom — you’d go right to the ER.’’
“The stigma around mental health challenges is what often keeps people from reaching out for help,’’ added Jaime Angelini, statewide director of Disaster Services and Special Projects, Mental Health Association in New Jersey. “The message of hope and recovery is a really important message. Early intervention is key.’’
School counselors and nurses are a good place to start seeking solutions.
“Many schools are training staff and teachers (about mental health) so everyone can have eyes on a young person,’’ Angelini said. “That’s one of the things in New Jersey specifically that schools are doing, which is a really good thing.’’
Fernando, a gay northern New Jersey teen who struggled with his sexual identity, endured an unhealthy relationship and suffered bullying, found help through his high school’s counseling program.
“They helped me realize that a lot of my issues stemmed from the lack of support for my sexuality and severe self-confidence issues from years of bullying and never feeling safe,’’ Fernando said. “Deep down I knew what my issues were, but I never wanted to say it out loud. I finally forced myself in a position where I had to confront my issues straight on.’’
That helped him come to terms with his sexuality and find self-acceptance.
Student-led group therapy sessions at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark open channels of communication among peers and develop stronger bonds. Photo courtesy of St. Benedict’s Preparatory School
At St. Benedict’s in Newark, mental health is taken as seriously as math, science and reading.
“There is no stigma attached to counseling here at St. Benedict’s,’’ said Dr. Sinclair Davis, director of the school’s Grossman Counseling Center. “As a community, students see this as a resource where they can seek certain help.’’
“The secret sauce is building a community of trust,’’ Lamourt added.
Some counseling centers, like Positive Reset of Eatontown, specialize in treating children, adolescents and families and are good places to seek help for a wide variety of issues — everything from depression and anxiety to academic issues, bullying and addiction.
“Just make sure when you are seeking services for your child, to keep in mind that this is a family issue,’’ O’Gara-Mankowski said. “Parents need to tell their teens that this is something we want to work on together because we all want to learn how to be healthier. It’s not just the teen’s problem. That is much less intimating.’’
While some mental health and addiction issues take time to address, a brief stint in counseling can help many teens.
“Sometimes parents feel like once they start, this never ends, but there is a start and there is an end,’’ Kaluski said. “For some young people, short-term intervention can be really beneficial.’’
Other Resources
New Jersey’s statewide Children’s System of Care provides a wide array of behavioral health, intellectual and substance use treatment for youth and families throughout New Jersey, including mobile crisis units that come to a family’s home and a network of counselors. With a single point of access, families can call 1-877-652-7624 or visit performcarenj.org.
2NDFLOOR is a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey’s youth and young adults, helping young people find solutions to problems at home, school or play. New Jersey youth between the ages of 10 and 24 who need to talk about an issue or problem can call 888-222-2228 anytime or text 888-222-2228. Visit 2ndfloor.org for more information.
NJMentalHealthCares, operated by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, offers referrals and other services to help people navigate the mental health system. The association established a special hotline to help people weather the pandemic. The association also offers trainings in “mental health first aid” and suicide prevention. Call 866-202-4357 or email help@njmentalhealthcares.org.
NJ Hopeline, operated by the New Jersey Department of Health, has specialists available for confidential telephone counseling and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 855-654-6735 or text “NJ” to 741741. Visit nj.gov/health/suicide/helpme.shtml for more information or to live chat with a specialist.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1-800-273-TALK (8255) — is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network of more than 150 crisis centers. Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more information.
The Trevor Project provides help and support to LGBTQ young people, including immediate support to anyone thinking about harming themselves. Crisis counselors are available around-the-clock, every day, from anywhere in the United States. Call 866-488-7386, text START to 678-678 or visit thetrevorproject.org/gethelp for more information or a live chat.
Nancy Parello writes frequently for NJ Advance Media/Jersey’s Best. A former statehouse reporter, she previously worked for the Associated Press and The Record.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
The Fort Lee Business District Alliance is excited to announce its inaugural automotive show, Concours on The Palisades, coming to town Sat., July 16.
Lining Fort Lee’s Main Street will be a collection of more than 100 luxury and exotic cars; from vintage classics to the newest and most advanced, high-powered vehicles on the road today. Beginning at 10 a.m. on July 16, enthusiasts are welcome to celebrate all the impressive style, design and engineering the auto industry has to offer.
Concours on The Palisades will be fueling appetites at The Pit Stop, an outdoor food market featuring epicurean delights from local restaurants. For the crew that wants to hang in a restaurant, there are an abundance of options for you to choose from on Main Street. Browse and stroll the shops and boutiques of the business district and take in this unique community experience.
Attending The Show
Enjoy the day in charming, historical, multicultural Fort Lee. Attending this free event is easy. Concours on The Palisades will be set up on Main Street with convenient metered parking for you, family and friends at the Guntzer Street Municipal Lot (2030 Guntzer St., Fort Lee). Visit BeFortLee.com for information.
Entering Your Car
Interested in entering your car into this showcase? You can begin the process today; you must register by June 15 to be considered. The entry fee is $40 per car. Award classes include British, Italian, German, Scandinavian, American, Japanese, Korean and Vintage (pre-1940). The judging panel will consist of recognized experts and restoration specialists by marque, acclaimed automotive writers and, of course, prior officiating judges from some of the nation’s most prestigious Concours events. Awards range from Best of Show, Best of Class, Junior Judging and Mayor’s Choice, among others. To enter your car, visit BeFortLee.com today.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Additionally, there are many sponsorship opportunities for Concours on the Palisades. Align your business with some of the area’s finest in luxury and exotic cars. Interested in sponsoring? Visit BeFortLee.com today to learn more.
Whether attending, participating or sponsoring, be a part of this year’s celebration at the inaugural Concours on The Palisades in Fort Lee. The rain date for Concours on the Palisades is July 23.
These six beautiful cocktail pools will have you dreaming of taking the plunge and upgrading your own outdoor space. Photo courtesy of Tranquility Pools
If you dream of a backyard bathed in sunlight as you cool down in refreshing water, but don’t think you have the space to accommodate a pool, think again. Cocktail pools, also known as lounge or plunge pools, can bring your dream into reality. Described as a compact pool or combination pool/spa that is generally less than 400 square feet, a cocktail pool is a perfect solution if you have limited space, or if you want to make a smaller imprint in your backyard. Bonus: They are relatively cheaper and more eco-friendly than bigger pools. These six beautiful cocktail pools will have you dreaming of taking the plunge and upgrading your own outdoor space.
Photo courtesy of CLC Landscape Design
Location: Franklin Lakes
Dimensions: 15′ x 8′
The homeowners asked for multiple outdoor living spaces to enjoy with friends and family, making the goal of this backyard project to provide distinct spaces that were easily accessible to each other. This was achieved with a cocktail pool only a short walking distance from the outdoor kitchen, where a kegerator was installed. To provide privacy, berms and plantings were included across the landscape to shield all vantage points from the street.
Designed by CLC Landscape Design (Ringwood), along with help from Cipriano Landscape Design (Mahwah), Marsan Pools (Oakland) and Penumbra Designs (Hackettstown)
Photo courtesy of Tranquility Pools
Location: Rutherford
Dimensions: 17′ x 11′
This homeowner, a single man, was looking to create a “man cave”-like feel to his backyard, making it an extension of his indoor living space. He wanted a pool, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, patio, water features and yard space — in tight quarters. The planning process had to be concise, to fit everything in without overcrowding. One of the goals was to make the small space appear much larger than it was. A fire pit was built into the design of the swimming pool, which also has a spillway to create a water feature.
Designed by Tranquility Pools (Haskell)
Photo courtesy of Tranquility Pools
Location: Franklin Lakes
Dimensions: 25′ x 12′
This project was created as the focal point of a new backyard construction, focusing on capturing the beauty of the lake. The swim spa features a sleek, minimal design, created out of all-natural bluestone, with a vanishing edge, to give the illusion of the pool fading into the lake. The homeowner wanted to create a modern design, with a spacious patio for entertaining, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, as well as a custom herb garden. Originally, the plan was to create a swimming pool in this space, but after dealing with many obstacles such as permits and the slope of the land, the plan was revised to create an oversized swim spa that can hold up to 10 people, so it serves as a mini pool.
Designed by Tranquility Pools (Haskell)
Photo courtesy of Thomas Flint Landscape Design and Development
Location: Wyckoff
Dimensions: 13′ x 9′
This uniquely shaped, curvilinear cocktail pool brings together all the elements that were on the homeowner’s wish list: a tranquil retreat with a water feature, patio space and a fire element. Constructed with custom, reclined bench seating, 12 therapeutic jets, LED lighting and heated water spilling from the natural stone waterfall, the pool also features large boulders notched into the pool wall — and placed throughout the landscape — to keep the look consistent throughout the backyard. The natural gas fire pit was a must-have and perfect for making s’mores. Additional features include an open-air pavilion that covers a large, outdoor kitchen and has a dropdown TV and a wet bar with pull-up seating.
Designed by Thomas Flint Landscape Design and Development (Waldwick)
Photo courtesy of Darlington Designs
Location: Avalon
Pool Dimensions: 26′ 5″ x 8’
For this project, the homeowner knew he wanted to add value to his Shore home and installed a pool that would be perfect for his family to enjoy in the afternoon once they come back from the beach. The custom, gunite pool includes a sun shelf, decorative tile border and three bubblers in the center of the pool, as well as in-floor cleaning heads that suck up debris, and ozone and ultraviolet sanitation systems. It is surrounded by travertine pavers making for a larger “small” patio, bringing all the attention to the pool.
Designed by Darlington Designs (Glassboro)
Photo courtesy of Darlington Designs
Location: Haddonfield
Pool Dimensions: 9′ 5″ x 8′ 4″
Spa Dimensions: 6′ 8″ x 7′ 6″
This custom, gunite cocktail pool was built with adults in mind and features both a dipping pool and a spa. The spa has two, sheer descent waterfalls with a spillway that pours into the pool, while the pool is surrounded by natural bluestone and a modern wall block that varies in depth. While the pool is the focal point of this backyard, it’s not the only space in this small backyard — there is also an outdoor kitchen with an island and patio seating. Luckily, this small pool allows the homeowners to use it from the first week of April until Thanksgiving.
Designed by Darlington Designs (Glassboro)
Born and raised in Jersey, Laura Adams Stiansen has been a writer and editor for more than 19 years.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
The 2nd Mahwah Pride Celebration & Art Show will feature inspirational speakers, live entertainment, an art show and information booths. Photo by Jonathan Marcus
June is Pride Month, and celebrations are kicking off in cities and towns across New Jersey. The events recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ people and highlight their work to ensure equality for all. Enjoy this roundup of noteworthy events to attend in all regions: north, central and south.
Atlantic County
Atlantic City — Fri., June 17 at 8 p.m. to closing
2022 AC Pride Ball: AC is Burning. The houses are ready, and the categories are set. Its the fiercest competition for Pride Week in Atlantic City, held at Anchor Rock Club (247 S. New York Ave.).
Bergen County
Westwood — Sat., June 25 from 1 to 7 p.m.
Prohibition Pride 2022. Come celebrate pride and diversity in North Jersey, 170 Center Ave.
Burlington County
No upcoming events.
Camden County
Collingswood — Mon., June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The lawn at Scottish Rite Auditorium (315 White Horse Pike) is the site of the Collingswood Pride Family Picnic. Enjoy an evening of fun featuring Drag Queen Story Hour with Philadelphia’s favorite drag queen, Brittany Lynn of Drag Queen Mafia. Get creative and paint the flag that represents you at the crafts table. Play some games and enjoy live music by DJ Lilly and enjoy the Teen Poetry Slam. Dress in your best pride gear and participate in the Pride Picnic Blanket Decorating Contest to win prizes. Bring family, snacks and blankets. Local restaurants will be offering “Picnic Packages” for pick up.
Cape May County
Middle Township — Sat., June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Johanna’s Beauty will be hosting a free photoshoot for photographers and models of the LGBTQ+ community to work together. The event will take place on Cooks Beach Road, and rainbow powder will be provided. All outfits are welcome.
Cumberland County
No upcoming events.
Now in its 11th year, the North Jersey Pride Festival is a family-friendly celebration of love, respect and unity at Memorial Park. Photo courtesy of North Jersey Pride Festival
Gloucester County
No upcoming events.
Hudson County
Jersey City – Fri., June 17 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pride Month Craft Grab & Go at the Jersey City Free Public Library: Marion Branch, 1017 West Side Ave. Stop by the Marion Branch Library and pick up a Pride Month rainbow craft. Good while supplies last.
The Robbinsville Pride event is welcome to people of all ages. Photo by Suzette Lucas
Hunterdon County
Frenchtown – Sun., June 26 at 7 p.m.
Catie Curtis, Pride Week concert, Frenchtown Bookshop, 28 Bridge St. $25. frenchtownbookshop.com, 908-628-9297.
Mercer County
Princeton — Sat., June 18 at 11 a.m.
Princeton Pride Parade, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice PRINCETON PRIDE ’22 A Celebration of Community. Parade and after-party, Princeton Municipal Building, 400 Witherspoon.
Hightstown — Sat., June 25, doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m., Tavern on the Lake (Upstairs), 101 North Main St.
Tavern & Tiara’s – Pride Month Celebration! Tavern & Tiaras is filled with over-the-top entertainment from some of the top drag performers from New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey featuring all-new performances, themed audience games and give-aways! Free parking, and full bar with drink specials.
Middlesex County
Edison — Fri., June 17, at 7 p.m.
All are welcome to attend this celebratory Shabbat service at Temple Emanu-El for Pride Shabbat, 1775 Oak Tree Road.
The 30th Annual Statewide LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration in Asbury Park is the largest and oldest LGBTQ pride celebration in the state. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Morris County
Randolph — Sat., June 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Morris County Pride is holding a free, family-friendly event at County College of Morris (214 Center Grove Road). It’s a fun day of celebration and connects the community to health, education and employment resources.
Play games, picnic and visit local vendors and food trucks at the Toms River Pride Festival. Photo courtesy of Toms River Pride Festival
Ocean County
No upcoming events.
Passaic County
No upcoming events.
Salem County
No upcoming events.
Somerset County
Somerville — Thurs., June 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Family Pride Night, withdiscounts, specials and deals throughout downtown Somerville, as well as live music and other entertainment, plus “glow in the dark” activities, downtownsomerville.com, 908-541-1600.
Bridgewater Township — Sat., June 25 at 3:30 p.m.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1350 Washington Valley Road. Come join for a Pride Celebration Picnic with food, games, crafts, and activities. All are welcome.
Sussex County
Newton — Sun., June 12 at noon
Visit the Newton Green (Spring and Main streets) for a Sussex County Pride Event. The event will have vendors, live music, drag performers, a DJ, food pantry collection and voter registration.
Union County
Rahway — Thurs., June 30 at 7 p.m.
“Head Over Heels,” free Pride Month production of the musical comedy hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Rahway, Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St. Free, but tickets required in advance. ucpac.org, 732-499-8226.
Warren County
Washington Borough — Sat., June 25 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Washington Borough Pride Day, music, information, vendors and family attractions hosted by Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County, Veterans Park, 44 E. Washington Ave. dasacc.org, 908-453-4121.
* Events and times subject to change
Stacey Feintuch is a freelance writer for print and online publications. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from George Washington University and a master’s in magazine journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She grew up in Morris County and currently lives in Bergen County.
The Weatherbys have found a way to connect and celebrate every single aspect of their fertility journey through embryo donation. Photo courtesy of Marissa and Evan Weatherby
Marissa Weatherby was taking the five-minute drive to work when it happened. She was suddenly struck by an idea — one that would ultimately change her entire life, and that of her husband, Evan, as well.
Just a few days earlier — and after a lengthy fertility struggle and months of invasive testing — Marissa was “blindsided” by the news that Evan had a rare genetic disorder, which made it impossible for him to have a child. The family they had always dreamed of having could never be. “It was the worst day of my life,” she remembered.
Instead of giving up, Marissa transformed her grief into persistence and continued to research their options. “We thought there were only two options: sperm donation or traditional adoption,” she explained. Adoption wasn’t ideal since Marissa “wanted to experience pregnancy.” And both worried that sperm donation could lead to marital conflict “since our child (would) only be biologically related to one of us,” she said. Throughout this process, they were “always mindful of not letting anything come between our marriage.” So, neither choice felt quite right to them.
And then came the short drive to work that changed it all. Marissa was still mulling over the options. “Then it dawned on me. If there are egg and sperm donations, why can’t there be embryo donations?” She immediately called Evan. She said only two words, the only words that mattered: “embryo donation.” His response? “I’ll call you back.” Within minutes, and after a cursory Google search, Marissa’s phone rang. “Let’s do it,” Evan said.
The Weatherbys’ daughter, Maerynne, was born in May 2019. Their son Lennox followed in 2021. Photo courtesy of Marissa and Evan Weatherby
This is what led the Weatherbys to South Jersey Fertility Center (SJFC), where their journey with Medical Director Dr. Stephen Sawin began. And on Sept. 4, 2018 — less than three months after the worst day of her life — a donor embryo was successfully transferred into Marissa’s uterus via in vitro fertilization (IVF), and her daughter, Maerynne, was born in May 2019. Their son, Lennox, followed in 2021. “I feel like Dr. Sawin was put in that office just for us,” said the elated mother of the two.
Embryo donation is not a new concept; the first known case dates back to 1983. This option in overcoming infertility — which involves the transfer of donated embryos to a recipient — is less common than adoption or traditional IVF. In fact, the national average stands at a paltry 0.7% – 1%. And yet, it has gained traction in the past 20 years as both an affordable and accessible path to pregnancy for many families.
Even better, embryo donations tend to tackle two issues simultaneously. Since donations derive from people with extra embryos from their own successful IVF treatments, many prefer to gift them to others struggling with infertility instead of donating to science or simply destroying them.
Additionally, this road to reproduction is less expensive than egg donation or adoption. “The cost of creating that embryo has already been borne by somebody, so the only cost to the recipient is the screening and medical procedures,” Sawin said.
Sawin marvels at the magic that occurs when “two independent parties who have complementary goals” mindfully and intentionally decide to create a life that otherwise might not have come about. “It’s a wonderful way to have a family when other options or doors are closed.”
Marissa and Evan Weatherby were spared from ever worrying whether they would or would not feel connected to their children. Photo courtesy of Marissa and Evan Weatherby
Dr. Marie Werner, director of third-party reproduction at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMA NJ), said choosing to donate is “a way for past (IVF) patients to pay it forward,” as it offers couples who have exhausted other avenues another chance to create a family.
The best candidates for embryo donation are women under the age of 35 who have been trying to conceive for roughly one year, or women over 35 who have tried for at least six months. And, according to Sawin, the ideal recipient is either “someone who is biologically out of eggs” or couples with neither viable eggs nor sperm. Not only do donor embryos circumvent most infertility issues (since the donor embryo has already been created), but they also have an excellent success rate. In 2019, there was a 48% pregnancy rate, whereas the “normal” human fertility rate is only 20%.
Throughout New Jersey, a vast majority of these anonymous donor embryos come from within the practice where treatment is being sought. Werner explained that “for intended parents, we want to provide the best possible care.” This can be done by using “embryos that have been donated back to the practice” from former patients, which is advantageous because much of the medical profile and genetic “backstory” that is needed is already known.
And while donors and recipients both remain anonymous — at SJFC, RMA and most other facilities — each must still undergo extensive medical testing that includes family history and carrier screening. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also advises both parties to meet with a genetic counselor because, as Sawin put it, “this is a different way to have a family.”
As a result, “one common concern (among parents) is the fear of not feeling a connection” since they are not genetically linked to the child they are carrying, Werner noted. Which is why meeting with a reproductive counselor is not only beneficial to expectant, yet nervous, parents-to-be, but can also be “impactful” as they learn about epigenetics. “It is eye-opening how, on a medical level, there is genetic imprinting” from the natural process of epigenetics — the turning on or off of certain genes.
Embryo donation has given the Weatherby family an ability to enjoy wonderful moments, such as visiting Disney World. Photo courtesy of Marissa and Evan Weatherby
Dr. Serena Chen, a reproductive endocrinologist at Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science (IRMS), explained epigenetics as “how your body will impact which genes are expressed” in the baby while carrying. “I like for couples doing a donation to realize that they still have” this connection “through the physical act of carrying a baby in pregnancy and also through epigenetics.”
“When a person is modifying which genes come on or off,” along with just knowing that this occurs, Werner said parents wind up feeling “innately connected” to their child.
Luckily, Marissa and Evan Weatherby were spared from ever worrying whether they would or would not feel connected to their children. They have found a way to connect and celebrate every single aspect of their fertility journey. And they do so openly with their family, friends and children. While Marissa continues to share their experiences through her blog, The Infertile Journal, she said “we celebrate transfer days like we celebrate their birthdays.”
More importantly, the Weatherbys have learned that “there is no ‘standard’ way to get pregnant or ‘alternative’ way,” Marissa beamed. “There are only ways to get pregnant.”
Vanessa Rothschild is a freelance writer and editor. She has written about entertainment, food and culture for Entertainment Weekly, TVGuide.com and NJ.com.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
The track has both outdoor and indoor party spaces perfect for parties and major life celebrations. With a variety of beverage and food packages available, including a delicious barbecue menu, your next party is sure to be a hit. Book your summer party today.
East Deck & Rooftop Terrace
This deck and terrace provide exceptional sights of the racing action as well as sweeping views of the NYC skyline.
West Deck
With an incredible view of the finish line, the covered West Deck also has direct access to the promenade and grandstand. Its large and open layout makes it a great option for bigger parties.
VIP Tents
The Backyard has three private VIP tents, which have their own direct entrance from the parking lot. Get up close and personal with the races and enjoy sunset views in a covered setting with plenty of space for all.
Skybox Suites
These private rooms overlook the track and offer private stadium-style seating. With moveable walls, these suites can fit parties up to 200 people.
Trackside
An expansive area that is perfect for mitzvahs, galas, receptions and large corporate events and tradeshows.
While these lines of Robert Frost’s famous “The Road Not Taken” poem may hold true in most cases, it’s clear Frost never made it to Hillsborough, N.J. If he did, he would’ve been introduced to a world where every road is the road less traveled — and all of them make all the difference.
Take these two options, for example: One leads you down a wooded path enveloped in glass and bursting with over 1,000 colorful orchids of every color — pinks, purples, reds, yellows and oranges. Or, you could continue past and follow an arched red footbridge that leads to a meditation garden, with twisting trees, a babbling brook and serene sculptures. But, before you get there, you find a third option: towering stone arches that frame the way to another realm full of even more possibilities.
Uh oh, what do you do? There’s no need to choose one over the other. At Duke Farms, all of them await exploration.
A bridge leading to the Mediation Garden at Duke Farms. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Despite its location in the mythical land some call “Central New Jersey,” Duke Farms is very much a real place. The 2,700-plus-acre oasis in Somerset County was once the private estate of tobacco magnate James Buchanan Duke (after whom Duke University is named, by the way), who purchased the property in the late 1800s at the end of America’s Gilded Age. He converted it into a working farm before his death in 1925, then handed everything off to his youngest daughter, Doris, to ensure its continued growth.
Doris set the scene for the farm to become a model for conservation, sustainability and horticulture. Even though she’s since passed, her love for the environment lives on across the entire operation, from the beautiful orchids to the soil, water quality and wildlife research to the preservation of the site’s intriguing past.
“It all starts in the Orientation Center,” said William Wilson, public engagement manager at Duke Farms. “The first thing you do when you pull up is you’ll see this refurbished barn that we use. It was built around a historical building that was a hay and horse barn and has been transformed into a LEED Platinum Orientation Center, and so this is where your journey begins. Everyone parks on this side of the property, and you get a sense of the history immediately.”
The Farm Barn Orientation Center includes a reception area, a café, interpretive gallery with educational exhibits and a classroom. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
As you stroll along its 18 miles of gentle trails, these windows into the past poke out at almost every turn. Those towering stone arches I mentioned? Yep, that’s part of the former Hay Barn, which was converted into an outdoor sculpture gallery following a fire in 1915. Continue trekking and you’ll pass by the iconic Coach Barn, with its distinctive clock tower and rustic walls made from fieldstone reminiscent of other buildings scattered throughout the farm.
Perhaps the most intriguing example, though, is the ruins of the Old Foundation. The mysterious mansion project held loads of promise when construction began in the early 1900s; it was going to be a glamorous, 78-room French chateau with exquisite landscaping. But, for unclear reasons, James Duke halted future building progress soon after it began, and he eventually abandoned it altogether. Visitors can see the crumbling remnants from a safe distance as well as a spectacular showcase of ecological transformation in the adjacent Great Meadow, now a thriving home for grassland bird species that are threatened and endangered.
View of part of the Old Foundation at Duke Farms. The foundation was laid in 1911 as part of the beginnings of a grand mansion but was abruptly stopped for some unknown reason. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Nature intertwines with history in more ways than one. For starters, there’s the nine manmade lakes complete with waterfalls and an array of wildlife, from ospreys to wood ducks to great blue herons. The Great Falls — the granddaddy of them all when it comes to waterfalls — is a tiered structure off the side of Duke Reservoir that funnels water from the Raritan River down its rocky façade four times a day.
Of course, there’s also the rainbow of beauty found in the Orchid Range, which houses tropical and subtropical varieties primarily native to the United States. It’s not just about the sights here; inside, you’ll notice the plants’ sweet fragrance wafting through the tropical air and into your nose. “If heaven had a scent, this would be it,” you’ll likely say to yourself as you roam over streams and into an sea of greenery contained within the conservatory’s LEED Platinum-certified buildings.
Then, there’s the Meditation Garden. Once you walk across that red footbridge, another world welcomes you into its embrace, as Asian-style gardens mix and mingle with water features and woodlands to evoke a tranquil beauty that beckons you to connect with nature on a deeper level. “The Meditation Garden is a really lovely spot,” said Margaret Waldock, executive director at Duke Farms. “It’s kind of far from the main entrance so it tends to be a little quieter. If you go out there, you’re going to see the arboretum, some of our important trees in terms of size and age, and it’s just a lovely spot that’s off the beaten path so to speak.”
While the distance factor may be a bit intimidating, Duke Farms has a big advantage to other public spaces: biking. No automobiles are allowed within the confines of the farm, so visitors can roam on two wheels without having to worry about any vehicles. Either bring your own or utilize its Bikeshare Program to hit all the highlights in a day at an affordable cost of $8 for adults and $5 for kids under age 18. (For more information about the program, click here.)
The trails at Duke Farms are friendly for walkers, runners and bikers. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Duke Farms also prides itself on a comprehensive slate of educational programming and amenities that allow visitors to become more involved in environmental stewardship efforts. Field botany, foraging, community gardening, even an award-winning café: The opportunities for learning here are endless.
“We have a Garden Fresh Café with a farm-to-table menu, and all of the menu items are either sourced from our own property or from local and regional farms because we really want to get the consumer to understand the connection between the environmental benefits of sourcing their food locally,” Waldock said. “When we’re open to the public, we also have pop-up engagement tents so our educators can be out in the park, and that really appeals to kids and adults. There are lots of ways that people can come here and engage.”
Duke Farms is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday visits require a free parking pass, which can be secured here. Entry to the property is free no matter the day, and accommodations can be made for visitors who need mobility assistance by clicking here.
When you experience the peace and solitude of this delightful place, don’t forget you can only find it … Just in Jersey.
Hunter Hulbert is the Just in Jersey features writer for Jersey’s Best magazine. Have a suggestion for a story? Contact him at hhulbert@njadvancemedia.com. To read more stories like this, click here.
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Hakone, forest and ornamental grasses exude feelings of peace and tranquility within the ethereal Mountsier-Hardie garden in Nutley. Photo by Derek Reeves
Graeme Hardie, 77, takes a seat on a woven patio chair — a good vantage point from which to admire the spindly branches of towering oaks set against the gray of an early April sky. “My favorite part is the trees in the garden,” he said about the 2.3 acres of lush plantings he and his partner, Silas Mountsier, 94, have nurtured for decades on a residential block in Nutley.
The patio where Hardie sits belongs to the two-story carriage house, situated at the far end of the property, and is where he can be found most afternoons admiring his beloved trees. Even from inside the second floor, Hardie noted, the wall of large windows, adorned by a horizontal wisteria vine, makes it feel like you’re nested in the branches.
“In most gardens you sit under the tree, you don’t see the fullness of the trees,” he said. He likes the curvature of the many thin branches extending from the tops of the trees, almost like the wisps of eyelashes. “Every tree has its way of being.”
A bull statue stands in a sea of carex plantaginea, perhaps the most ornamental of the woodland sedges. Photo by Derek Reeves
There’s a rooted history to the oak trees. Only one is a spry 100 years old; most of them were planted 300 years ago. Other species in the garden include river birch, meta sequoia, bald cypress, fastigiate copper beech and so much more. The trees create vertical lines and contribute to the “strong structure” and scale of the landscape, which also includes dozens of sculptures, hostas cultivated from the mid-19th century, two greenhouses, an observation platform and thousands of flowering spring bulbs — some patches decimated by hungry deer. Even though a visit to the garden feels transformative — like walking through the English countryside or, in another part, like visiting a quiet, Buddhist shrine — the garden is situated squarely in New Jersey, and, unfortunately, our deer are a hungry, and invasive, species.
“It’s a gorgeous, gorgeous garden,” said Master Gardener Frances Kroeckel. “You would never expect to find one that close to Route 3 in Nutley.” For some 17 years, Kroeckel has organized master gardeners to serve as docents when the couple opens their garden to public tours through The Garden Conservancy. The next public tour dates are June 4 and Sept. 10; admission is $10. (Visit gardenconservancy.org for more info.)
Silas Mountsier, left, and Graeme Hardie have nurtured their 2.3 acres of natural serenity in Nutley for decades. Photo courtesy of Graeme Hardie
Mountsier, a retired banker, moved into this home with his parents in 1945 after service in the Navy. The home dates back to the 1890s, and the original garden measured half an acre. When Hardie moved in more than 30 years ago, he joined Mountsier in his green pursuits. Like Mountsier, Hardie was a lifelong gardener; his hobby began in childhood in South Africa. Now Hardie, a trained architect with a doctorate in anthropology who runs a travel company, oversees the spacious property — which includes an additional lot purchased in 2005 — and a full-time groundskeeper.
The seeds of the current garden were planted in the 1990s, when the couple hired their friend Richard Hartlage, founder and CEO of Land Morphology, a landscape architecture firm based in Seattle, to redesign and expand the garden. Theirs was the first major garden he designed, according to Hardie. “I feel like it’s Richard’s garden, and we just maintain it,” Hardie said. “We think he’s created something very special.”
Red brick walls mingle with art elements to add a playful touch to the garden. Photo by Derek Reeves
Hartlage designed a formal garden in front and a contemporary strolling garden in the back, complete with a circular path, raised hills and sections of concrete and red brick walls for drama and structure. “Most gardens are fluffy, and they don’t have any structure,” Hardie said. “There is overwhelming structure here and not much fluff.”
The grounds are, literally, an evolving landscape. “It’s an ever-changing garden,” said Hardie, who takes daily strolls and observes. “Things are so ephemeral.” During this visit in early spring, all that’s left of the snowdrop flowers are the green stems and leaves. The purple, pink and white flowers of hundreds of hellebores are at their peak; the scilla’s blue flowers are alight for a few weeks; and the hydrangeas appear as spindly sticks, awaiting their turn to bloom in the summer. What keeps the soil healthy is the addition of compost and mulch made from garden scraps.
Thousands of yellow daffodils cover two hills, which will be taken over by Japanese forest grass in the summer. “When the wind blows, the grass moves,” Kroeckel said. “When the sun shines, it reflects off the golden grass. It’s just gorgeous.” The addition of tropical plants add to the vibe in warm, summer months.
There are quiet nooks to sit as well, such as a covered gazebo enclosed by partial brick walls with two upholstered chairs tucked inside. Photo by Derek Reeves
The Mountsier-Hardie garden is visually appealing in every season and exudes feelings of peace and tranquility. In spite of New Jersey’s harsh climate, the couple lives within the garden’s space. There are quiet nooks to sit, such as a covered gazebo enclosed by partial brick walls with two upholstered chairs tucked inside. Hardie designed the roof, which looks like a triangular sail held aloft in the breeze, from a folded napkin. There’s a small pond, and, in another place, an open hole from which to hear the babble of water.
When the weather is mild, the couple dines al fresco on the deck of the carriage house or on a terrace outside a guest house adjacent to the main home. Hardie lives true to his words, “If you have a beautiful garden, you’d better live in it.”
Shira Vickar-Fox is former managing editor of New Jersey Jewish News. She’s a content developer and regular contributor to NJ Advance Media publications.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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A new meteor shower is predicted to appear tonight in the constellation Boötes. The best time to view is expected to be tomorrow morning between 12:45-1:17 a.m. EDT Photo courtesy of American Meteor Society
A new meteor shower may appear in our night sky tonight. Meteor showers happen when the Earth plows through clouds of dust left behind by comets. Often described as “dirty snowballs,” comets shed dust when their ices melt near the sun.
The dust in this shower will come from a comet discovered in 1930 by two German astronomers. Comet Schwassmann–Wachmann orbits the sun once every 5.44 years. In 1995, it began to break apart into four chunks and, by 2006, it had crumbled into dozens of pieces. With each return to the inner solar system, it shows signs of even further disintegration.
If the Earth was to encounter this cloud of debris left behind by Comet Schwassmann–Wachmann, there could be a massive meteor shower. There is precedent: Comet Biela split apart in 1842, resulting in strong meteor showers in 1872 and again in 1885.
Astronomers are predicting that the Earth will pass through some of the comet debris from Schwassmann–Wachmann that were ejected during the comet’s breakup in 1995. That means this new meteor shower could appear tomorrow morning (May 31) around 1 a.m.
An image from the Hubble Space Telescope, taken in April 2006, shows the breakup of one of the fragments of Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3. Photo courtesy of NASA, ESA, H. Weaver (APL/JHU), M. Mutchler and Z. Levay (STScI)
The viewing conditions for us will be good; the expected peak is predicted to happen when the source of the meteors is high in the sky. Also, the moon was new this morning, so bright moonlight won’t interfere. The downside is that the dust particles are moving in the same direction of Earth, so the resulting meteors could be fainter.
Astronomers have been getting better at predicting meteor showers, but it is not an exact science. We can’t track all the particles but have a general idea of where they might be. The dust ejected in 1995 should appear between 12:45-1:17 a.m. tomorrow morning, then a smaller trail of debris from 1897 near dawn. These encounters could produce thousands of meteors — or none at all.
If this new meteor shower does appear tonight, the meteors will appear to come from a spot in the western part of the constellation Boötes, approximately 8 degrees northwest of the brilliant orange star known as Arcturus (not far from the Big Dipper). This part of the sky will be in the west at 1 a.m., but you don’t have to face that direction as meteors can appear in any part of the sky. You don’t need any equipment, so all you need is clear weather and a comfortable spot to sit back and look up. You can start looking around midnight and view through 1:30 a.m. Though, if predictions are off and meteors appear later than expected, viewing will continue to be good until twilight starts around 3:30 a.m.
Tonight’s potential meteor shower might be dazzling or a dud. The only way to know is to go outside and look up!
There is debate on whether Central Jersey exists. In colonial times, the state was split by the Keith Line, which separated East Jersey from West Jersey. Today, it is more clearly split geographically by the line drawn by Giants fans or Eagles fans — and those who refer to our state’s signature meat treat as Taylor ham or pork roll into a North and South Jersey demarcation only. Benjamin Franklin referred to New Jersey as a barrel tapped at two ends because of how it was situated between New York and Philadelphia. The middle of that “barrel,” the area that is basically equidistant from the two cities that define the loyalties and leanings of many Jersey residents, is Jackson Township.
Situated in Ocean County, Jackson is big: It’s a little over 100 square miles. In addition to the township’s main draw, there are some classic food establishments with loyal followings that seem as big.
The upside down pizza at Brooklyn Square Pizza in Jackson. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
There is a lot of great pizza in New Jersey, and Jackson certainly has its fair share of pizzerias, none garnering more positive press than Brooklyn Square Pizza. Pietro Grippo’s family has made the migration that many others have — Southern Italy to Brooklyn to New Jersey. He commuted from Brooklyn for years, working at another place before opening his own.
Grippo can stake claim to his pizza as being “out of this world” and not have it be hyperbole; one of his creations accompanied astronaut and New Jersey native Garrett Reisman onto the International Space Station in 2010. When he was named Jersey’s best pizza in Pete Genovese’s pizza showdown in 2017, Grippo exclaimed that a restaurant “in the middle of nowhere” to many could become one of the destinations in the state. (It’s not the middle of nowhere, of course; it’s Central Jersey.)
Bella Italia Pork Store in Jackson has a range of prepared foods, imported specialties and more. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Another Jackson business that caters to Italian food lovers is Bella Italia Pork Store. It literally caters but also provides a wide range of prepared foods, imported specialties, freshly butchered meats, baked goods and more. The Sgroi family also made the migration from Italy to Brooklyn (with a stop in Staten Island) to New Jersey, opening Bella Italia in 2009 and quickly becoming a community mainstay.
There is one place to keep in mind if you are heading into Jackson early in the day, with an emphasis on early. Village Donut Shop opens at 5 a.m. and stays open until they sell out. That means the red-awninged shack of baked goods often closes by noon. Be warned: A lot of your favorites may sell out much earlier, so get there early and buy a box.
Tacos y Alitas brings acclaimed Mexican-American fare and wings to visitors. Photo courtesy of Tacos y Alitas
Some businesses are located in Jackson; this one is centered in Jackson. Tacos y Alitas means Tacos and Wings, and this really popular food truck run by the Angeles’, a father-and-son team, brings acclaimed Mexican-American fare and wings to visitors. Follow them on social media because they do occasionally pull up stakes and head off for festivals and private parties.
In 100 square miles in the middle of the state, you can expect to find farms, too. Jackson is home to numerous horse farms, but for fresh, Jersey-grown produce, there are options as well. Look for I and G Farms, an 80-acre farm and garden center, for its locally grown fruits and vegetables. People drive from all over, not just Central Jersey, for the corn.
We would be remiss to not mention one of the largest theme parks in the world, which takes up over 500 acres in Jackson. Great Adventure was conceptualized by a New York businessman who saw the Jackson area as an ideal place because of its location between New York and Philadelphia. His LeRoy Adventures opened some of the splashiest eating and drinking establishments in New York at one time: the Tavern on the Green, the Russian Tea Room and Maxwell’s Plum.
Fatburger, the famed Los Angeles-based burger joint, is expanding to Six Flags Great Adventure this summer. Photo courtesy of Fatburger
Alas, the food situation at Great Adventure never got to those heights, and while some think a full stomach and death-defying rides do not pair well, a day of fun food fits right in with the thrill of the park’s attractions for many others. You will find many of the categories of expected and desired treats throughout the park, some business names familiar to regular visitors, and some new additions every year. This year, the park will have a Fatburger, the famed Los Angeles-based burger joint that continues its eastward expansion. This will be its first theme park location, and many fans will see it as an elevated and most popular culinary ride.
Or hit up some of these other Jackson local businesses before going to or when leaving the park.
Hank Zona writes regularly about wine, spirits and a range of other topics such as food and culture. He also has been running wine and spirits events of all sorts for over a decade.
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Title notwithstanding, the target audience for Natalie Jenner’s “Bloomsbury Girls” (Macmillan Audio, 10 CDs, $39.99; hardcover St. Martin’s Press, 368 pp., $27.99) is book lovers. The “girls” in the ensemble cast are three smart, energetic women who work in an iconic little bookstore in post-World War II London, and its pages are peppered with references to familiar works and authors.
This is not to suggest the men who run the place are impressed with the women’s talents. They regard them as necessary secretarial help to handle the paperwork, man the sales counter and make tea precisely as the men like it.
Bloomsbury Books hasn’t changed much in the century it’s been a neighborhood fixture. But that abruptly changes with a personnel mini shuffle when the managing director is sidelined following an epileptic seizure. Alec McDonough, head of the fiction department, assumes the man’s job while he recuperates, and Vivien Lowry, the woman positioned behind the counter, assumes the head-of-fiction mantle. She knows the title is only temporary, but she intends to make the most of it.
That begins when Ellen Doubleday, recent widow of the American publisher, visits the store. She falls into conversation with Vivien and ends up inviting her to a gathering of literati she’s hosting at her hotel. There, Vivien befriends Daphne du Maurier, Peggy Guggenheim and Sonia Blair, recent widow of “George Orwell,” pen name of Eric Arthur Blair.
Yearning to inject some life into the shop, Vivien and her co-worker Grace Perkins decide to host an authors’ tea. This irks Alec, who considers it a waste of time and money, but Vivien insists her new title gives her the authority and invites one of her new author/friends to speak. Her superior is even less pleased when the ladies Doubleday, du Maurier, Guggenheim and Blair show up, inarguably establishing the importance of the event and resulting in a resounding success.
Rounding out the female trio is Evie Stone, a recent, top-of-her-class Cambridge graduate who had expected her outstanding scholarship would make her a valuable research assistant to one of the university’s revered professors, thus launching her career in academia. But when she discovers no professor would consider hiring a woman as his researcher, she goes job hunting — and ends up at Bloomsbury Books.
If there’s a déjà vu about Evie, it’s because we first encountered her in Jenner’s previous novel, “The Jane Austen Society,” featured as a society founder. A couple of other familiars also make the transition from that work to this, but Evie’s agenda (compatible with her role in the prequel) is highly significant. Still, Jenner has wisely kept her from outshining Vivien and Grace, who are equally strong characters with backstories that keep the reader well engaged.
Before the manager fell ill, he drafted a list of 51 rules for working in the shop. Prominently posted in his office, the rules are sacrosanct. For the reader/listener, they conveniently pop up as chapter themes and drive parts of the plot.
Juliet Stevenson, the reader, brings more than the requisite versatility to the characters’ voices — not least of all to the clipped, Sloan-girl tones of the edgy, often defensive Vivien.
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
After 34 highly successful novels, it’s unclear what motivated the prolific Barbara Taylor Bradford to pen a prequel to the first book in her much-loved Emma Harte saga. It’s been more than 30 years, after all, since the publication of “A Woman of Substance,” the book that launched the series.
That said, it’s not out of the question that “A Man of Honor” (Macmillan Audio, 10 CDs, $39.99; hardcover book published by St. Martin’s Press) could attract yet another generation of readers to seek out the series.
While the pacing doesn’t quite match the rest of the Harte saga, Blackie O’Neill — this novel’s title character — turns out to have as much pluck, principles and determination as Emma. But if you read the series, you already know that.
What hasn’t changed is the author’s penchant for description: from food to place to lifestyle (whether the trappings of wealth or abject poverty). Character development is Bradford’s stock in trade, so you can expect fully fleshed descriptions not only of Blackie (right down to his manners, kindness and steely resolve) but the other characters.
Would I call this the most compelling of Bradford’s series? No. But it’s a worthwhile story that dovetails nicely with the rich, detailed volumes that followed, and has enough moving moments to make it a must for longtime fans of the Harte saga. And Peter Campion’s fine reading of it transitions notably from the clever, rough-and-tumble youth to the enormously successful adult, his principles still fully intact.
Fran Wood, retired Star-Ledger op-ed columnist and former books editor for the newspaper, blogs at jerseysbest.com.
Fashion Beat is a pictorial dedicated to showcasing some of the Garden State’s most stylish people.
Photo by Lauren Listor
This feature originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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Delivered to your inbox every other week on Thursdays, Jersey’s Best is pleased to offer a FREE subscription to Garden Statement, highlighting the most popular Jersey’s Best content.
“These incredible concert events undoubtedly will provide two spectacular days of amazing entertainment, and we are thrilled to be able to bring these talented and award-winning country music artists to the L.E.A.D. FEST State Fair,” said Nick DeMauro, L.E.A.D. executive director. “Each year, our No. 1 goal is to make the State Fair bigger and better. This year we feel we’ve succeeded in creating an affordable event that truly has something for everyone.”
The 11-day State Fair takes place from June 24 to July 4 at Mercer County Park Fairgrounds, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township. Presented by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), all L.E.A.D. FEST events benefit the organization’s programs and related initiatives. The Allentown-based nonprofit’s programs help to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying and violence.
Trackside 
