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...

Arts + Culture

The Soul Kitchen brings community together

  JBJ Soul Kitchen provides a healthy, locally sourced menu in a welcoming restaurant setting to both in-need and paying customers Article by Ed Condran | Photography by JBJ Soul Kitchen JBJ Soul Kitchen Executive Chef Rob Nitti knows his clientele. After prepping a barbecue at JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River during a sun-dappled September Saturday afternoon, Nitti, while examining the line of folks waiting to enter the community restaurant, noted that customers would enjoy the delicious food...

Arts + Culture

From Springsteen's Asbury Park to Prince's Minneapolis

Prince's "Purple Rain" resurfaces as a musical headed for Broadway Article and Photography by Ed Condran There's a huge music common denominator that connects Asbury Park and Minneapolis. The former has Bruce Springsteen and the latter, Prince. Both have had an incredible impact on the world of music. Each reached the upper echelon courtesy of incredible talent and uncommon work ethic. Unlike the Garden State's larger than life Frank Sinatra and Minnesota's iconic Bob Dylan, both Springsteen...

Arts + Culture

The Beat Goes on For Glenn Alexander

The venerable Jersey musician rocks on post-Southside Johnny Article by Ed Condran It's not easy replacing an icon. When Ronnie James Dio succeeded Ozzy Osborne as Black Sabbath's vocalist in 1980, the metal icon was not initially accepted. "It took awhile to be embraced," Dio said during a 2009 interview. "But early on in Philadelphia, somebody unfurled a banner, which said, 'Welcome the Reverend Ronnie James Dio.' It was fine after that." Part of the reason Dio succeeded was due to the...

Arts + Culture

Kristen Ann Carr Fund aims for a cure

The Carr Fund continues to raise money in the fight against sarcomas Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Kevin Mazur, Marc Levine When Kristen Ann Carr was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in 1992, not much was known about the disease which attacks bone and soft tissue. Carr, a vibrant young woman, passed away at 21. However, her family and friends have made a difference in her name by establishing the Kristen Ann Carr Fund, which provides grants for cancer research and seeks...