Arts + Culture

Light of Day returns

There is a light that never goes out Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Michael Kravetsky  When everyone is having a blast while immersing themselves into the music at the Light of Day Festival, Tony Pallagrosi is all business. The co-founder and executive director of the altruistic festival is always putting out fires."           "I'm running the whole thing and so my head is all over the place," Pallagrosi said. "I don't usually get to enjoy the show."            However, the trumpet...

Education

Our Body is our Temple

Here are some health and wellness tips for 2026 Article and Photography by Hanna Maria      As we enter this new year the sun may shine brighter,  the moon may be glow stronger,  the air may be more crisp. The sky may be more blue than ever before.  Have you ever wondered why that could be? It all resides within us.        Why do some people see a beautiful yellow flower of a dandelion plant and harvest it for a delicious salad and some step on it with annoyance? Why is there such a different...

Education

Catsbury Is Purr-fect

Enhance your life and adopt a feline at Catsbury Park Article and Photography by Christina Smith Tucked just a few blocks from the Asbury Park boardwalk, behind a simple glass door on 3rd Avenue, there’s a place where the sound of soft purring replaces the city’s usual rhythm. It’s called Catsbury Park, and for founder DJ Bornschein, it’s the realization of a dream that began with one small act of love, rescuing a single cat. Before there were tea mugs, scratching posts, and photo walls filled...

Fitness

Have the guts

How gut health is integral to good overall being Article and Photography by Kimberly Kubicke        Every January, high achievers do the same thing. Set big goals. Refine routines. Upgrade strategy. Try to optimize their way into the new year. But the smartest place to start isn’t with productivity tools or your gym membership. It’s your digestion. In Ayurveda - the world’s oldest medical system - your digestive fire is considered the root of physical vitality and mental performance. When it’s...

Food + Beverage

Fulfilling the void

The local food bank Fulfill is making sure that hunger doesn't win in New Jersey Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Fulfill Triada Stampas has a great deal of empathy for those rely on Fulfill, a food back that's based in Neptune Township. The President and CEO of Fulfill has more than two decades of experience driving systems change across nonprofit and government sectors, which impact those facing food insecurity, But Stampas understands where those in need are coming from due to her...

Education

PAL's knockout punch

The Police Athletic League is making a difference in Asbury Park Article and Photography by Christina Smith On the second floor of 9 Main Street, above the Asbury Park Public Works offices, the rhythmic sound of gloves snapping against punching pads fills the air. In one corner, a police officer demonstrates proper footwork. In another, a group of kids laugh as they perfect their jabs. The atmosphere is equal parts intensity and encouragement. This is the heartbeat of Asbury Park. The Police...

Fitness

An escape to wine country

Vineyards, outdoor adventure and unique lodging for those searching for a fun vacation Article and Photography by Ed Condran One of the best kept secrets in America is the Tualatin Valley. Portland, which is just northeast of the idyllic farming region, makes a lot of noise for various reasons. However, the pleasant and relaxing valley is just a 20 mile, 40-minute drive from the urban capital of Oregon. When many folks conjure images of western wine country, California is usually the...

Arts + Culture

Asbury Park's Santa Claus

Bobby Bandiera has given more than he has received Article by Ed Condran | Photography by John Cavanaugh Part of what makes Christmas so much fun is when children unwrap their presents under the tree and they have no idea what's under the colorful paper. The Hope Concert, which Bobby Bandiera presented at the Count Basie Theater, starting in 2003, was akin to an adult Christmas gift. The benefit shows, which ran through 2018, were unpredictable. Music fans had some idea of who would perform...

Food + Beverage

Asbury Park Eats

Not many beach towns can touch Asbury Park's culinary culture Article by Debra Pascali-Bonaro | Photography by Provided When Travel + Leisure crowned Asbury Park the Best Beach Town in America, the honor didn’t just celebrate the legendary music scene or the mix of boardwalk nostalgia and indie creativity. It also recognized something locals have known all along: Asbury Park has become one of the most exciting culinary destinations on the Jersey Shore. Walk down Cookman Avenue on a summer...

Arts + Culture

Theater rocks Asbury Park

The Asbury Park Theater Company (APTC) is making a difference in the community Article and Photography by Christina Smith Nestled in the heart of a city known for its music and arts, the Asbury Park Theater Company (APTC), a non-profit organization, is bringing the magic of live theater to the Jersey Shore.       The company was founded in 2019 by a passionate group of local theater professionals and theater goers.  From its earliest productions, APTC set a high bar, presenting acclaimed works...