Fitness

Lovin' Asbury Park

Here's why we love the best small beach town in the country Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Christina Smith There's so much to love in Asbury Park. There are so many shops, restaurants and venues to embrace. The town, which once inspired Bruce Springsteen's mournful "My City of Ruins" has come a long way from a generation ago when the Boss was moved to write his ode to the once proud shore destination.          However, Asbury Park, which was named best small beach town by Travel &...

Arts + Culture

The jersey for New Jersey

The New Jersey Devils reaches out for shore night Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Provided by the Devils No jersey says Jersey like the New Devils black jersey. The Garden State's only major level sports franchise that proudly has the state name in its moniker features the fashionable sweater with one apt word, 'Jersey.'  "We're the only team in New Jersey who represents New Jersey on our chest," New Jersey Devils marketing coordinator Jillian Frechette said while calling from her...

Education

Kiwanis and the Community

Where Community and Caring Come Together in Asbury Park thanks to the Kiwanis Club Article and Photography by Christina Smith In Asbury Park, community is more than a word,  it’s a feeling. It’s neighbors looking out for one another, local businesses stepping up without hesitation and volunteers quietly showing up where they’re needed most. Nowhere is that spirit more visible than in the work of the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park, a group of dedicated residents committed to giving every child in...

Arts + Culture

Looking for Love

Couples who have found each other and where to look for love in Asbury Park Article and Photography by Angelica Niedermeyer   Cupid's arrow has struck a myriad of folks in Asbury Park. Three local couples share their favorite love stories and their favorite date night on a Monday night at the rustic-chic Lola’s European Cafe, the gelato bar was packed to the brim. Shannon O’Hara and Matthew Gomes, who have been together for two years, are hanging out. After growing up in North Jersey, but...

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...

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...