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...

Finance + Legal Services

Community-Focused Banking with Purpose

Celebrating Inspiring local ladies Making Impact in Our Community Article by Christine McKenna-Tirella | Photography by Provided by Manasquan Bank Mary Anne Whittemore SVP, Commercial Lending Officer at Manasquan Bank "I began my banking career over 40 years ago as a Credit Analyst after graduating from Mount St. Mary’s University. Over time, I progressed as a Commercial Lender at several large banks. Thirteen years ago, I joined Manasquan Bank, driven by my goal to work for an organization...

Education

Design Your Own Path

Life Coach Gemma Luzzi inspires female entrepreneurs to succeed Article by Gemma Luzzi | Photography by Ekaterina Vachino Photography Rewrite Success on Your Terms For years, I followed the traditional success path—“go to school, get good grades, get a corporate job, climb the ladder, retire, and enjoy life.” But it didn’t feel right. I wasn’t excited about my life. Eventually, I started a pet care business on the side for more freedom. In just three months, I matched my corporate salary...

Arts + Culture

The Jersey Girl Returns Home

Marilyn Laverty's journey from New York to Ocean Grove and the home of Jersey Sound Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Meredith Jenks New York was the epicenter of Marilyn Laverty's life at the start of her career. After graduating from Cornell in 1976, Laverty had a brief foray in the world of journalism at the Ithaca (N.Y.) Journal before joining Columbia Records in 1979 as a publicity assistant. Laverty rose in the ranks at Columbia and decided to form her own company, Shore Fire Media...

Arts + Culture

A Wicked Time for Good

Celebrate The Center at the Convention Hall this April 24th! Photography by Provided by The Center Get Ready for a Wickedly Fun Night at Center À La Carte! What started as a simple spaghetti dinner in 2009 has now grown into The Center’s biggest and most anticipated fundraiser of the year ! This year’s Wicked themed celebration promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, exciting entertainment, and incredible opportunities to give back—all in support of a great...