Health + Wellness

Local Roots

Griffy’s Organics continues to promote health and wellness by fueling the community with clean, functional ingredients Article by Jennifer Latchford | Photography by Griffy’s Organics When it comes to health and wellness, Avry and Chris Griffin have always believed in keeping things real, clean, and community-driven. As first cousins, and Founder and Co-Founder of Griffy’s Organics, their journey from local entrepreneurs to wellness advocates is rooted in making healthy living accessible for...

Food + Beverage

Reinventing the Classic Meatloaf

Meatloaf Bundt Cake Article and Photography by David Burke Meatloaf, that fixture of home cooks’ repertoires, is not as American as you might think. Its origins as a way to use meat scraps date to Roman times, and today many cultures claim their own variations, including those throughout Western Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East. The common denominator is the same: ground meat mixed with binders and seasonings, baked or steamed and often shaped into a loaf. Meatloaf’s popularity...

Local Services

Good Happens Here

Three Monmouth County Nonprofits You Should Know About Article by Jennifer Latchford | Photography by Family & Children’s Services, Mercy Center, The Center in Asbury Park Monmouth County is home to countless organizations dedicated to lifting up and supporting their neighbors. Here are three nonprofits—Family & Children’s Services, The Center in Asbury Park, and Mercy Center—making a lasting difference in the community. Family & Children’s Services For more than a century, Family &...

Food + Beverage

Marilyn’s Roasted Turkey Matzo Ball Soup

A cozy, heritage-inspired twist on a classic, perfect for winter nights. Article and Photography by Marilyn Schlossbach I grew up in a Jewish home—my father was Jewish and my mother converted—so traditional Jewish cooking was always part of our family table. Still, I didn’t always connect with the classic versions of certain dishes. As I got older, I began adapting those recipes to suit my own tastes. This soup became a personal favorite, especially because it’s a wonderful way to use leftover...

Travel

Winter Wellness Getaway

Sunshine, Culture, and Culinary Bliss in St. Maarten Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Trade snow boots for sandals and airport chaos for Caribbean calm—because winter is better spent in St. Maarten, the friendly island where wellness, flavor and fun collide. From the moment we landed at Princess Juliana International Airport, greeted by warm smiles (and warmer air), the stress of deadlines and frozen mornings melted away. St. Maarten may only be 37 square...

Health + Wellness

Stronger, Safer, Better.

Inside Artemis Select with Rolland Cheng Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Kartheek Hedge At Artemis Select in Oceanport, the focus isn’t just on fitness—it’s on function, longevity, and empowerment. Founded by Rolland Cheng, NASM Master Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), the studio combines individualized programming with a community-driven approach that welcomes everyone from elite athletes to first-time exercisers. Rolland...

Health + Wellness

The Doctor Who Actually Listens

At The Modern Woman in Tinton Falls, Dr. Melissa Blackburn is redefining women’s healthcare with time, empathy, and total-body wellness. Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by The Modern Woman Dr. Melissa Blackburn wants to know everything about you. How old was your mother when she was diagnosed with cancer? Did her sister or brother or parents ever have it too? Do you have kids—or do you want them? Why did you like (or not) your last gynecologist or primary care physician? What does...

Travel

A Very Boston Holiday

Pack the car, grab your besties, and let the no fuss weekend unfold. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by InterContinental Boston Want the weekend escape without dealing with the airport? Forget TSA lines and lost luggage — this trip is trunk-packed, playlist-ready and friendship-fueled. For us, the perfect girls’ getaway was Boston — a drive-in, park-it escape with waterfront views, spa time we could actually sneak away to and dinner just an elevator ride from our room. Friday...

Life + Culture

Lighting Up Monmouth County

From Disney magic to hometown traditions, discover the holiday displays that make spirits bright. Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by Gianna Bucchieri, The Cook's Christmas Lights, Powers Family Christmas Lights, Liam’s Spectacular Christmas Display There’s a reason lights are a staple of many year-end holidays: They warm our spirits and remind us winter won’t last forever. Take a drive around Monmouth County this December to enjoy some of the best handmade, homemade and homespun...

Local Services

Service, Season by Season

Growing a Community Through a Festival of Trees Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by Terry Janeczek For more than 100 years, the Rotary Club of Greater Long Branch has lived its motto, “Service Above Self,” by creating programs that bring hope and joy to local families. One of its most cherished traditions, the Festival of Trees, has become a symbol of generosity, creativity and community connection in Long Branch. The Festival of Trees is a beloved community event that draws...