Local Services

Asbury Park's Veterinarian

Thomas Caltabilota doesn't horse around when it comes to providing veterinary care at the shore Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Suzanne Martene Photography "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."-Winston Churchill.               An equine changed Thomas Caltabilota's life. In 2001 Caltabilota started working at the Monmouth Park Race Track as a sophomore at Long Branch's Shore Regional High School. The gig was just what Caltabilota...

Local Services

Gone to the Dogs at Paws

Paws Barkery and Boutique is the place to go for K9 confections and pet accessories Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Provided         During a recent chat with comic Lewis Black, the former Daily Show correspondent revealed the secret to life. "Do what you love," Black said. "I think that's a huge part of being healthy. I think the people that work a job all week long that they don't like aren't too thrilled with life for a reason. I'm fortunate that I love what I do."         Ruth...

Travel

There's no place like Disney World

The beloved Orlando theme park remains unparalleled Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Provided            When Disney World is bandied about, the focus is typically on the latest attractions, such as the terrific "Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind," the exhilarating "Tron: Lightcycle Run," and the entertaining "Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance."            However, what stands out but is seldom touted is the exceptional attention to detail, which is one of the reasons why Disney...

Real Estate

Luxury Digs at the shore

Estates by Vallario has emerged as the developer for luxe homes at the shore Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Albert Medez/Joshua Vallario Like any contractor, Josh Vallario had a plan. While attending college a generation ago, Vallario started framing houses. He had an epiphany while framing homes on the beach in Belmar. "I realized that I wanted to be a home builder," Vallario said.           However, Vallario, 49, did not alter his plan to leap into construction. The pragmatic Belmar...

Arts + Culture

Southside Johnny Comes Home

Southside Johnny Lyon has retired from touring but the Ocean Grove resident's music lives on Article by Ed Condran | Photography by All photos courtesy Southside Johnny "I want you to notice when I'm not around." - Radiohead "Creep" When Southside Johnny Lyon failed to make Bobby Bandiera's annual "Hope" concert in Red Bank in 2015, everyone noticed when the leader of the iconic Asbury Jukes wasn't around. "We need Southside Johnny," vocalist and longtime Southside foil Gary U.S. Bonds said...

Travel

Fountain of Youth

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the country but ironically possesses the Fountain of Youth, as well as some amazing beaches, bars and restaurants Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Stacey Sather/Jenn Guthrie Florida and history are often viewed as mutually exclusive. But it all started for America in St. Augustine exactly 400-years ago. Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed in September of 1565 and established the first European settlement in the new world. St. Augustine doesn’t have...

Arts + Culture

Hanging with the Boss

Sirius XM Host Jim Rotelo talks Springsteen and Asbury Park Article by Ed Condran The iconic sitcom "Happy Days" was the reason why Jim Rotolo checked out Bruce Springsteen. While growing up in North Bergen during the '70s, the pre-pubescent was flipping through his older brother's record collection and stopped when he glanced at the cover of Springsteen and the E Street Band's "Darkness of the Edge of Town." "When I saw the album, I stopped and looked at the guy on the cover since he looked...

Education

Bridging Educational Borders

A New Partnership Brings Students, Faculty, and Culture Together Across the Atlantic Article by Laura Oncea | Photography by Provided by Brookdale College Brookdale Community College has expanded its global education opportunities by forming a new partnership with Aarhus Business College in Denmark. The two institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aiming to foster academic and cultural exchange, providing valuable international learning experiences for students and...

Arts + Culture

Transformative Portraits: Empowering Stories Through Photography

Kat’s boutique photography in Wall, NJ offers timeless portraits that inspire confidence, showcasing the unique beauty and strength of every client, from entrepreneurs to mothers. Article by Christine McKenna-Tirella | Photography by Ekaterina Vachino Photography Ekaterina, known as Kat, is the proud owner of a boutique photography studio in Wall, NJ. She got her first professional camera in 2012 and was immediately captivated by nature, particularly macro photography. “It’s in the small...

Arts + Culture

Networking with Purpose

Monmouth County is full of powerhouse women who are generous with their time, knowledge, and support. Article by Christine McKenna-Tirella | Photography by Ekaterina Vachino Photography Turn Key Women was created out of necessity. While attending networking events, the founders, Shannon Fasone and Stacey Donadio, found that the opportunities they sought weren’t materializing. As Shannon shared, "We wanted something different—more intentional and results-driven—so we built it ourselves." From...