Asbury Park, NJ December 2025

Greetings from Chilly Asbury Park!

December has arrived, and with it, the holiday season has officially begun. The crisp air and barren trees create a picturesque scene, reminding us of the transition between seasons. This time of year is filled with excitement as we shop for gifts, plan festive meals, and look forward to the new year. It's a time for reflection, leaving behind what no longer serves us, and embracing what brings joy and peace. This is the essence of December for me.

The holiday season presents a perfect opportunity for new beginnings and fresh starts. As I stroll down the Boardwalk, the cool breeze invigorates me, symbolizing the approach of a new year. It's a reminder to plan and set intentions for the coming months. What can I improve upon this year? This question echoes in my mind as I contemplate the changes I want to make.

First on my list is reducing screen time. I aim to replace some smartphone usage with reading a book daily, even if only for a short period. This small change promises to enrich my life. Additionally, I want to prioritize face-to-face interactions over texting, and making time for family and friends that I may not have done this past year. Reaching out to old friends and making that long-overdue phone call are part of this plan. By reflecting on our blessings, we can find ways to give back, strengthening our bonds with loved ones and contributing to our community.

December is a wonderful time for reconnecting and planning for the future. Each moment is precious, and I encourage you to savor this magical time of year. Whether through personal growth or meaningful connections, make the most of this season. Happy Holidays to all.

Peace & Love,

JIMI BONARO, PUBLISHER @ASBURYPARKCITYLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Jimi Bonaro | jimi.bonaro@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Ed Condran | ed.condran@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Angelica Niedermeyer | 2angelicanie@gmail.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Debra Pascali-Bonaro | debrapascalibonaro@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ed Condran

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa Ranno

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Mishel Taylor, a licensed Associate Broker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, serves as Director of Operations and Sales Growth at the William Hagan Group, brokered by eXp Realty. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate leadership, Mishel specializes in driving operational excellence, agent development, and business growth within a cuttingedge, digital-first brokerage model. At WHG, she is passionate about empowering agents with industryleading technology, proven lead generation systems, and comprehensive training to deliver best-in-class service to buyers and sellers across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“My passion for helping agents and teams exceed their goals is what drives me each day!”

inside the issue

Fulfill

Asbury Park's Santa Claus

Bobby

Asbury Park

Asbury

Asbury Park's Santa Claus Bobby Bandiera, who has raised more than $3 million with his ten Hope Concerts is still rocking on. Bandiera waxes about those incredible shows and his fascinating life.

Photography by Christina Smith

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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 upbringing in New York.

“I was raised in a working class family in Sunnyside, Queens,” Stampas said. “My parents were newcomers to this country trying to build a future for themselves. While we did not depend on food banks growing up, we had other forms of help when times got tough, such as food stamps (now dubbed SNAP), for example and school meals. My upbringing definitely shaped how I see the people who rely on Fulfill for the food on their tables, as whole human beings, with family lives, community connections and dreams as rich and meaningful as my own. I see and honor their strength and resourcefulness, feeding a family on a limited budget is not easy!”

So Stampas and her colleagues at Fulfill, accelerates food security throughout Monmouth & Ocean Counties by leading a collaborative movement that connects people to food and related resources while also addressing systemic barriers to self-sufficiency and well being.

Stampas’ work is imperative since many people are suffering from food insecurity than prior to lockdown .

“The need for food assistance has continued to rise since the pandemic,” Stampas said. “Through our network of nearly 300 pantries, kitchens and community food distribution programs across Monmouth and Ocean counties, we’re serving more than twice as many people as we did before COVID. Families who once got by are now struggling with rent, child-care and groceries all rising at once. It’s time to abandon any preconceived notions of what the face of hunger looks like, in a state where the cost of living is as high as ours, many are working, caring for children or aging parents and still can’t make ends meet.”

Fulfill’s network of 289 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, day programs and group homes are helping bridge the gap for the needy. However, it’s not easy since Fulfill is facing great challenges to meet everyone’s needs.

“Right now the biggest challenge is serving record-high numbers of people in a volatile environment, from supply chain disruptions to sudden changes in SNAP or other safety net programs,” Stampas said. “It feels like at any given moment, the ground can shift beneath our feet. What happens in Washington or Trenton isn’t abstract to us, it directly affects the number of people who show up at our doors. To further challenge us, our warehouse is at capacity. It was built in 2001, at a time when Fulfill was distributing about three million pounds of food! This past year, out of the same warehouse, we distributed more than 18 million pounds of food! We are bursting at the seams, and are actively praising funds to expand our warehouse so we can be better equipped to respond to the need. It’s especially important in times like these that our mission remains our North Star, which is making sure hunger never wins in our community.”

It’s been particularly challenging over recent years for Fulfill having dealt with the pandemic and Hurricane Sandy.

“They were different kinds of crises, and both reshaped how we serve,” Stampas said. “ After Superstorm Sandy, we realized our hunger response is only as strong as our local partners. That insight changed how we support our pantry partners, and it also inspired the creation of the BEAT Center in Toms River. The pandemic, and the inflation that followed, reinforced the importance of providing nutritious foods like protein, produce, and dairy — and of using innovation, like drive-through distributions, to meet people with dignity. Each challenge has strengthened Fulfill’s adaptability and commitment to our mission.”

One of the greatest proponents in the fight against hunger in New Jersey is Bruce Springsteen. The Boss has had food bank stations at his shows for more than a generation. Springsteen, who never forgot his humble start in Asbury Park, always calls attention to the food banks and how instrumental they are throughout New Jersey.

“Bruce is a Garden State treasure!,” Stampas said. “He has always understood that hunger isn’t just about food. It’s about fairness, dignity and belonging. He summed it up perfectly decades ago when he said, ‘Remember, in the end, nobody wins unless everybody wins.’ Not only has he been personally generous

to Fulfill and food banks across the country, he’s used his platform to inspire others to give and to keep the spotlight on the simple truth, which is that no one should go hungry, especially in a country like ours. That message resonates deeply with all of us doing this work.”

Fulfill can’t achieve its altruistic goals alone. Stampas encourages the community to help by donating and volunteering. “Every dollar helps provide food and vital services to our neighbors,” Stampas said. “Volunteers are the heart of Fulfill. They sort food, pack boxes and help distribute meals across our two counties. Whether someone gives time, money, or voice, it all matters. I encourage everyone with an interest in supporting our mission to check out our website – fulfillnj.org – and choose a way to help that is meaningful to them.”

When Stampas earned her masters in Social Anthropology at Harvard, she never envisioned a career with a food bank.

“Not at all,” Stampas said. “What drew me to anthropology was understanding how people understand and navigate the world around them, how culture, systems, and daily life intersect. I didn’t know it then, but those same skills, listening deeply, seeing connections, understanding systems, are central to this work. My path through hunger policy and advocacy to leading Fulfill feels like a natural evolution of that early curiosity about how we build communities that work foreveryone.”

“It's time to abandon any preconceived notions of what the face of hunger looks like, where the cost of living is as high as ours.”

Fulfill and Stampas isn’t just trying to end food insecurity, the non-profit is also attempting to eliminate the stigma of those in need.

“We start by changing the narrative,” Stampas said. “Everyone needs help sometimes – that is a universal human truth. Seeking help is an act of strength and care for one’s family, and we need to say that out loud. For many of our neighbors, getting food on the table requires incredible time, effort, and resourcefulness. People who turn to Fulfill aren’t looking for a handout — they’re looking for stability during a tough stretch.”

Stampas has a loaded schedule but fortunately it’s not all work and no play for the driven Asbury Park resident. Stampas unwinds when she can in her adopted hometown. “I love the energy of Asbury Park,  the music, the food, the beach, the creativity of the people who live here. I find joy in simple things: walking the boardwalk in winter, exploring new restaurants, and supporting local arts. It’s a community that feels alive and connected, and that sense of vitality fuels me.”

FULFILL

There's one thing that has taken Stampas back during her run leading Fulfill. ""(It's)The level of ingenuity and compassion in this community," Stampas said. "I’m constantly struck by how resourceful people are, both those we serve and those who support us. From small pantries figuring out new ways to reach homebound seniors to volunteers who show up week after week, the creativity and heart in this work never cease to amaze me.

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ASBURY PARK’S Santa Claus

ARTICLE BY ED CONDRAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN CAVANAUGH

BOBBY BANDIERA HAS GIVEN MORE THAN HE HAS RECEIVED

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 but the conclusion was shrouded in mystery. Would Bruce Springsteen show up and close out the last 45-minutes of the show as an unannounced guest? Who would Bandiera book to perform at the annual charity event?

“It was an amazing experience,” Banderia said while calling from his Ocean Township home. “I can’t believe I had a part in raising $3 million with The Hope Concert.”

The inspiration for the Hope Concerts emanated from a desire to support children’s charities and community organizations in Ocean Township. The ten Hope Concerts were wonderful altruistic events.

Part of what made The Hope Concerts so special was that they were loose living room scenes. The banter

CONTINUED >

"I WAS PERFORMING AT THE STONE PONY AND BRUCE (SPRINGSTEEN) COMES UP TO ME AND SAYS,

‘Hi, Bob,’ AND I SAID, ‘You’re Bruce,’ AND HE SAID, ‘ Yeah !’ THAT WAS THE START OF IT.”

between Ocean Grove’s Southside Johnny Lyon and Asbury Park’s adopted son, Gary U.S. Bonds was often hilarious and extemporaneous. Lyon and Bonds were the Martin and Lewis of the Hope Concerts. The tandem was always unpredictable and irreverent.

But the true highlights from Lyon and Bonds were their musical performances.

“Quarter to Three” and “This Little Girl,” featured passionate vocals from Bonds and Lyon’s playful “I Don’t Want to Go Home” raised the roof.

There were so many memorable Hope Concert moments. A few hours prior to the Hope Concert in 2011, there were reports that Jon Bon Jovi had passed away.

“If I’m dead then heaven looks like New Jersey,” Bon Jovi said while flashing his mega-watt smile at the start of the concert.”

Bon Jovi then detailed how each of his family members phones blew up when the rumor hit friends and family. “I might not look that good but I’m not dead,” Bon Jovi cracked.

The special guests over the years were extraordinary.  Bandiera performed with Deborah Harry, Ben E. King, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band and of course there is the aforementioned Boss.

Springsteen would tear the house down delivering Christmas tunes and covers while jamming with the house band. It wasn’t a given that Springsteen would show even though there was always hope that he would perform.

“GOD BLESS HIM (JON BON JOVI) FOR ANYTHING HE'S DONE WITH THE Hope Concert AND WITH HIS philanthropic approach.”

“I remember there was some rich guy from Rumson sitting up front during one of the shows and when it was evident that Bruce wasn’t going to perform that night he said, “I didn’t pay $400 dollars to see Bobby Bandiera.’ They kicked him out.”

Bon Jovi, was almost always present at Hope Concerts and Bandiera, who was a touring member of his band from 2005 to 2015, tips his cap.

“We were friends at that time,” Bandiera said. “God bless him for anything he’s done with the Hope Concert and with his philanthropic approach with these soup kitchens (JBJ Soup Kitchens in Red Bank and Toms River) but as far as his music goes, its take it or leave it for me.”

Bandiera, 71, is less than thrilled about the treatment he received in Bon Jovi’s band.  “I love him for giving me a hand in my career but I earned every cent when I performed with him,” Bandiera said. “Jon wasn’t putting a guy on stage that sucked. His band didn’t want me there. (Guitarist) Richie (Sambora) definitely didn’t want me there. It was tough.”

But it was easy for Bandiera and Bon Jovi when it came to the Hope Concert. And then there was Bandiera and Southside Johnny Lyon. Bandiera was a part of Lyon’s Jukes from 1986-2010.

“it was a love/hate relationship,” Bandiera said. “But it was great overall. I have so many wonderful memories with John Lyon. I remember when we did a co-bill with George Thorogood at Madison Square Garden and we did a co-bill with Roy Orbison on the Intrepid. Roy was such a sweetheart of a guy. I knocked on his dressing room door with my mother and said, ‘Roy, this is one of your biggest fans!” And my mom was like a 16-year old. She said to Roy, ‘Can I touch your arm?’ I was like, ‘Mom!”

A few years before Bandiera joined the Jukes he befriended Springsteen in 1981. “I was performing at the Stone Pony and Bruce comes up to me and says, ‘Hi, Bob,’ and I said, ‘You’re Bruce,” Bandiera said. “And he said, ‘Yeah!’ That was the start of it  There’s no one like Bruce. Performing with him at the Hope Concerts was pure euphoria. Everybody knows him. Everybody loves him. Everybody knows his achievements. He’s a smart guy, who is a giving person. As a musician, he writes what everyone can relate to. A lot of people don’t love what he says but that’s on them. He’s my friend and he’s a unique and incredible musician.”

Bandiera still does benefit shows in the area during the Christmas season but the Hope Concerts are over and it’s fine. Bandiera did so much heavy lifting and has much to be proud of while generating millions for a great cause.

“I had to help people,” Bandiera said. “I was compelled to help since I found that my son was afflicted (with schizophrenia.) There are so many people like him that need help. I devoted much of my time to raise money for people and we did ten shows and raised a lot of money.”

During the final Hope Concert in 2018, a highlight reel was played and it choked up Bandiera and thrilled the crowd. “That blew me away,” Bandiera said. “They said it (the Hope Concert) was all about me but I said that it wasn’t all about me and it wasn’t about them (the musicians on the Basie stage).  It was all about you (the audience), is what I said. It was a great experience performing and even a better experience helping so many people.”

“IT WAS A love/hate RELATIONSHIP (WITH SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY LYON). BUT IT WAS great OVERALL. I HAVE SO MANY wonderful memories .”

The Hope Concerts are history but Bandiera will take part in a Christmas show with La Bamba aka Richie Rosenberg December 6 at the Vogel. Bandiera hopes fans will come out for the “Holiday Hurrah” concert.

“Join us,” Bandiera said. “We need Christmas now more than ever!”

Like it has been for so many of Bandiera’s peers, it all started in Asbury Park. Bandiera remembers what it was like when he was slugging it out on the Jersey shore circuit during the early ‘70s.

“It was so different than it is now,” Bandiera said. “There was the Stone Pony back in the day and the Wonder Bar. They’re still here but so much has changed. It’s great how Asbury Park

has been built up from nothing. I cut my teeth there. Asbury Park will always be in my heart.”

The same goes for Red Bank since those shows, which would have never happened without Bandiera, touched so many people. “Those were such good times and it just shows you what can happen when people get together and try to make a difference to help others. I’m just so fortunate to be part of a community like this. There’s no place like it.”

La Bamba’s Holiday Hurrah is slated for December 6 at the Vogel, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank.

Tickets are $39.50, $83.85 and $97.85. Show time is 4 p.m. For more information, (732)  842-9000,www.thebasie.org

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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CHRISTINA SMITH

The Police Athletic League is making a difference in Asbury Park

PAL’s Knockout

Punch

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 Athletic League (PAL) Boxing Program is a growing initiative that’s not only teaching young people how to box but also how to believe in themselves.

Launched in 2023, the program has quickly become a meaningful hub for the city’s youth. Its mission goes beyond athletics. It aims to build bridges between law enforcement and the community, develop confidence and discipline and offer a safe, structured environment where kids can thrive. The program is led by Captain Lorenzo Pettway and a combination of Asbury Park Police Officers and retired Military officers blend physical rigor with mentorship, teamwork, and mutual respect.

Chris Hill is the CEO of National PAL. Throughout his career, Hill has built partnerships with various agencies. Hill is a lifelong advocate for youth empowerment.  Hill has developed programs like the Youth Leadership Council, which helps young people engage in community service and leadership development. Under his leadership, both the Monmouth Ocean PAL and DMV PAL were launched, serving thousands of youths across multiple states.

PAL’s boxing program is thoughtfully divided into three age-based classes, ensuring that participants receive the right level of instruction and guidance:

There’s the group from 8-11 years old.  Young participants are introduced to the fundamentals of boxing in a way that emphasizes fun, coordination, and sportsmanship.  Those from 12-16 work on refining skills, building endurance, and cultivating personal confidence.

Those 17 and older are pushed physically and mentally, encouraging leadership, accountability, and preparation for more competitive goals.

Classes are held Monday through Friday. For some, this gym is their first exposure to organized sports. For others, it’s a daily refuge, a place where they feel supported, and safe. Boxing is a vehicle for empowerment. Boxing teaches discipline, perseverance, focus, and respect. Skills that translate far beyond the ring.

“AT THE APRIL 2024 RIBBON-CUTTING, DEBRA ESOLA REMARKED ON THE GROWTH SHE’S WITNESSED. ‘KIDS BUILD SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENCE, BECOME HEALTHIER BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY AND DEVELOP THEIR BOXING SKILLS.’ THAT'S DUE TO THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL) BOXING PROGRAM.”

Through the program’s structure, young people learn to set goals, show up consistently, and respect authority figures who care about their growth. Instructors emphasize not only technique but also life skills, punctuality, teamwork, emotional control, and resilience.

One of the core philosophies of the PAL Boxing Program is that self-defense is only the beginning. For many participants, the real transformation happens internally. They begin to carry themselves differently standing taller, speaking with more confidence, and viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

The presence of law enforcement officers in a mentorship role also plays a crucial part. It humanizes relationships between youth and police, breaking down barriers and building trust in ways that standard programs often can’t. Over time, officers become more than authority figures. They become coaches and role models.

The success of PAL’s boxing initiative is due not only to its structure but also to the people who believe in its mission. Among them is Debra Esola, a local fitness trainer and the owner of Esola Fitness in Asbury Park. A fixture in the city’s wellness community, Esola brings her expertise, energy, and deep commitment to the program.

Esola has built a reputation for thoughtful coaching. Her path to fitness wasn’t linear. Later in life, she took up boxing, trained locally in Monmouth County, and became certified as a personal trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist. Esola has said working with PAL in Asbury over the last few years has been among the most rewarding of her efforts. At the April 2024 ribbon-cutting, she remarked on the growth she’s witnessed. “Kids build so much more confidence, become healthier both mentally and physically and develop their boxing skills.”

Esola embodies a message of showing up for your community. Her decision to give her time speaks volumes about the spirit that drives PAL forward. While PAL’s boxing program is still relatively young, its impact is already being felt across Asbury Park. Families see positive changes in their children, improved behavior at home, better focus in school, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The program also represents a shift in how community engagement looks. Instead of lectures or onetime events, PAL offers consistent, hands-on mentorship through something young people genuinely enjoy. That consistency builds relationships that last.

As the PAL Boxing Program continues to grow, its leaders are looking for ways to expand its reach whether through more classes, additional community partnerships, or public events that showcase participants’ skills. The vision is to create a sustainable model that not only trains future athletes but cultivates future leaders.

For more information on the program or how to donate please contact and mention this article.

pal@asburyparkpolice.org

An escape to wine country

Vineyards, outdoor adventure and unique lodging for those searching for a fun vacation

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 destination. However, the vineyards in Tualatin Valley are unique and well worth experiencing.

There’s great history and even better wine to be sipped at David Hill Vineyards and Winery ( https://www.davidhillwinery.com)

The vines are among some of the oldest in the Willamette Valley, dating back to 1965. The vineyard is located in the Tualatin Hills and grows a diverse array of grape varietals, including a smooth Pinot Noir and a wonderfully dry Riesling. The latter is among the best in the United States, thanks to local grapes.

The nice surprise in the valley is a left of center experience for those looking for something refreshing that’s different. SakeOne ( https:// www.sakeone.com) is Oregon’s only sake brewery and was the first American-owned and operated large-production sake brewery.

SakeOne was established in 1992 back when many Americans were enjoying their first taste of the Japanese rice wine. SakeOne started to produce its own beverage in 1997.

Master Brewer Takumi Kuwabara melds a a

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ED CONDRAN

diversity of cultures into smooth, award-winning handcrafted sake.

Imported sake is also available. The sake brewery is a nice complement to the Portland Japanese Garden, which is the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. The grounds are stunning. The serene five-acre space features a waterfall, a teahouse and a mountain view.

However, there’s plenty to experience locally for those who would rather not trek to Portland.

The combination of outdoor experiences, which range from soft adventure, a laidback canoe run on scenic Henry Hagg Lake to a more visceral jolt courtesy of the zip line at Pumpkin Ridge Zip ( https://www.pumpkinridgeziptour.com)  is appealing. The guided tour features seven exhilarating zips and two suspension bridges. The zip trip is a great family or bonding experience.

Biking the Banks-Veronia State Trail is tranquil and lovely. Oregon’s first rails to trails bike park is a 21-mile car-free zone.

Joggers, cyclists and horseback riders navigate through the splendor of a scenic park.  The first step is a bike rental ( https://www.banksbikes.com)

The highlight is crossing the 733foot span of Buxton Trestle. Take a moment to gaze down at the Valley 80-feet below. Pedal through seemingly endless agriculture before reaching the thickly forested foothills, which ends in Veronia, a small town comprised of farms.

There are so many culinary choices. South Store Cafe ( https://southstorecafe.com) is a quaint sandwich shop. You can’t go wrong with the namesake sandwich, turkey, bacon, Swiss, avocado, mayo, tomato and greens on toast, which is substantial and delicious. The setting, a cafe that has the mellow vibe of a bistro from a bygone era, is as comforting as the food.

McMenamin’s Grand Lodge ( https://www.mcmenamins.com/ grand-lodge)  is the place to stay in charming Forest Grove. The former Masonic rest home has been transformed into a funky, quirky destination. The artwork and decor in the rooms and in the hallways compel guests to wander There are no televisions in the rooms, which is fitting. However, there are TVs in the game room, which has pool tables, pinball machines and shuffleboard and a bar. There’s also a soothing soaking pool. There is no lodge quite like the Grand Lodge. And there’s no place quite like the under the radar Tualatin Valley.