Issuu

THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT A R T S + C U LTU R E

TH E 26TH LIGHT O F DAY RETU RNS TO A SBU RY PARK

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

US CON

527 BANGS AVE

I N E V

ASBURY PARK

Curating consciously grown fresh foods, from seed to shore. Locally sourced and sustainable produce, meat, cheeses, eggs as well as fresh healthy meals for home or on the go. OPEN DAILY

a brand like no other

ASBURY PARK’S LONGEST-RESIDING REALTOR PROUDLY LIVING AND SELLING THE ASBURY PARK LIFESTYLE FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Cynthia Meehan Realtor-Associate®

C +1 201 240 0976 O +1 732 456 7373 christiesrealestategroup.com If you are thinking of buying or selling,

Team Up With The Perfect Partner!

EXPERIENCE - INTEGRITY - RESULTS

Spring Lake Sales Gallery 508 Warren Ave, Spring Lake, NJ, 07762

All information provided herein has been obtained from sources believed reliable, but may be subject to errors, omissions, change of price, prior sale, or withdrawal without notice and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. Christie’s International Real Estate Group and its affiliates (CIREG) make no representation of any kind, warranty or guaranty as to accuracy or completeness of any information, descriptions or measurements contained herein and such should be independently verified, and CIREG expressly disclaims any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. All real estate companies are exclusive affiliates of Christie’s International Real Estate, and not wholly owned by Christie’s. If your property is currently listed with another broker, this is not intended as solicitation.

AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE & QUALITY HOME CARE

HHA CLASSES

Please scan the QR code and submit your contact information. We will contact you with details about the class

Cel e

LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY STAFFING

• Home Health Aide Care • Long Term Care • Companion Care • Assisted Living • Respite Care • Memory Care • Live-In Care • Subacute Care • Hospice care

• RN, LPN and CNA • Private Duty Nursing Care

Yea

CAREGIVER SERVICES

tin bra g

eleC

Welcome 2026 by choosing care you can trust. For over 25 years, families have trusted us to provide dependable, compassionate support. Our personalized home care solutions are designed to bring comfort, dignity, and peace of mind. Here are just a few of our services. Contact us to explore more and create a care plan tailored to your needs.

NURSING SERVICES

• Post-Hospital Care • Post-Operative Care • Wound Care • Geriatric Care • Bowel Care

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in starting a career in home care?

• Registered Nurses (RN)

Make 2026 the year you invest in yourself.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Enroll in the CHHA training program at RJ Healthcare Services, and open new doors to future employment opportunities once licensed.

WWW.RJHEALTHCARESERVICES.COM

(732) 775-4880

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) • Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

WE ARE ALWAYS HIRING 1017 MAIN ST,ASBURY PARK, NJ 07712 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

LIFESTYLE LETTER

HAPPY NEW YEAR! WOW! 2026 is here! It’s always a mixed blessing when we flip the calendar to the next year as we look back at what we didn’t finish and look ahead at what’s on our plates to accomplish! I try never to worry about what I didn’t get to, as it’s always more important to focus on what I want to achieve looking forward. There are so many great moments we have to be thankful for and making new moments is what lies ahead! I am excited to see what 2026 brings us! The new year will bring new challenges and new highs for all of us. Making each day a positive and exciting adventure is my goal for 2026. Finding new people to interact with, and new places to visit. Finding a new restaurant to enjoy is also a simple and easy adventure to look forward to. Living in and around the Asbury Park area gives all of us this gift. There are amazing places to go to, shows to see, and fantastic restaurants to enjoy. We are blessed to have this beautiful beach and boardwalk to stroll along every day. It’s the simple pleasures that make life on the Jersey Shore the most amazing gift we have. Looking forward to the months ahead, Asbury City Lifestyle Magazine seeks to give our readers continued local stories of the businesses that are here to provide us a better life. Also the wonderful work our nonprofit organizations provide so many people in need. As the economy shifts and people need help, it’s the nonprofit organizations that stand out on the front lines to help our neighbors who need assistance. They are the true heroes that are making this community so special. I am honored and proud to feature these organizations and urge all my readers to help in any way they can. Making a difference doesn’t have to take much, just some thought and a little effort can make someone’s life better. That is my focus for 2026 to give back and shine a light on these wonderful organizations. I wish all my neighbors, clients, partners, friends and family who read Asbury Park City Lifestyle, will enjoy a prosperous and healthy year ahead as well as find time to nurture yourself as well as those around you. Peace and Love to you all, Sincerely,

JIMI BONARO, PUBLISHER @ A S B U R Y PA R KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Jimi Bonaro jimi.bonaro@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Ed Condran ed.condran@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Angelica Niedermeyer angelica.niedermeyer@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N M AN AG E R

Angelica Niedermeyer angelica.niedermeyer@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Debra Pascali-Bonaro debrapascalibonaro@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christina Smith chris6sm00@gmail.com Hanna Maria goodenergyforlife@gmail.com

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

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Asbury Park City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Asbury Park area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A S B U R Y PA R K

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Asbury Park City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Transform Your Space With Beautiful Kitchen Cabinets

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, put your ideas in our hands and make your dream kitchen.

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE AND 3D DESIGN

FREE CABINET HARDWARE WITH KITCHEN PURCHASE $300 VALUE

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

12 30

Featured

12 20 24 30 6

Light of Day returns

There is a light that never goes out

Our Body is our Temple

20 On the Cover

Departments

Bruce Springsteen jamming at the Light of Day, January of 2025 at the Count Basie Theatre.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Giving Back ARTS + CULTURE

Healthy Lifestyle EDUCATION

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

Here are some health and wellness tips for 2026

Catsbury Is Purr-fect

Enhance your life and adopt a feline at Catsbury Park

Have the guts

How gut health is integral to good overall being

Photography: Michael Kravetsky

NEW YEAR. NEW OPPO RTU NI TI ES. NEW HOME. January is one of the smartest times to begin your home search. More homes hit the market. Fewer buyers compete. And with the right strategy, you can secure the perfect home before the spring rush. If you’re planning a move in 2026, the best time to start is now.

Start your 2026 home search today text or call me to begin.

www.rafaelnjrealtor.com 732.731.9058 V @rafaelortiz_realtor 21 South Street Manasquan, NJ

I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

CONSCIOUS CONVENIENCE 527 BANGS AVE ASBURY PARK

2 OU T OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

7a-7p 7 Days a Week From Snack to Supper Local, fresh, and thoughtfully sourced.

ADVERTISE WITH ASbuRy PARk CITy LIfESTyLE™ C I T Y L I F E ST Y L E . C O M / AS b U rY PA r k

@theflyingpigmarket

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Glenn Alexander and Oria Alexander performing during the City Lifestyle event at McLoone's. 2: The City Lifestyle team, Amy Dimes, Debra Pascali-Bonaro, Jimi Bonaro, Ed Condran, Angelica Niedermeyer 3: Chase Garrett, Angelica Niedermeyer, Hanna Maria and Ed Condran 4: Glenn Alexander smiles after Ed Condran agrees not to ask anymore questions 5: Oria Alexander emotes while her father strums the guitar. 6: The bar scene at McLoone's. 7: Glenn Alexander delivers a solo. Photography by Jimi Bonaro

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ A S B U R Y P A R K C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

C I T Y SC E N E

Mike Chambers' Oakhurst Electric A local name you can trust.

Proudly serving the Tri-City Area! Mike and his trained technicians will be there for you and all of your electrical needs. - Electrical Maintenance - Residential Home Wiring - Commercial Building Wiring - Renovations & Upgrades - Lighting - Generator Installation

(732) 229-9400 | www.mikechamberselectric.com | f. oakhurstelectric 105 Union Ave. Long Branch, NJ 07740

Only The Best For Your Pet DO G GR O O MI N G | TR EATS- TO Y S FLEA & TI C K P R EV EN TI O N COMIN G SOON ! Monthly Low Cost Vaccine Clinics

yellowroofpetcare.com | 732-502-8877

VB | 1019 Main St. | Est. 2004 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Kur Wellness Studios is the place for massage and more Kur Wellness Studios provides a full menu of massage, skin care and waxing services with a unique yoga studio. The wellness center, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, offers traditional and "eastern" services such as Ayurvedic treatments and products, to yoga and private personal training. Located in downtown Asbury Park, Kur offers unique services in a tranquil setting while surrounded by the best team of practitioners around. 412 Bond Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732.361.8956

Photography by Kur Wellness Studios

Scan to read more

Zilie Louis can't wait to get her hands on you "I was born and raised on the Jersey Shore massaging professionally for a dozen years," Zilie Louis Diamond Peak Massage and Beauty owner Zilie Louis said. "I've been putting my hands on the general public since I was in the second grade. Every female in my bloodline does healthcare. I don't like blood. Massage works for me. It's my destiny to help people. I want to make them feel better."

Scan to read more Photography by Zilie Louis

The Connelly Agency will help you discover your next property More than ever in today’s real estate market, you need an experienced agent. With over 25 years of experience, The Connelly Agency's Joe Baumann knows the local market and can help guide you every step of the way of your buying or selling journey. He will always have your best interests at heart and is proud to say that the majority of his business comes from happy clients referring their friends and family.

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A S B U R Y P A R K

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

The Atlantic Coastal Group at Morgan Stanley

You’re in charge of many things. Including your future. Life can unexpectedly force you to face new obstacles, including financial challenges, like budgeting. Are you able to afford education expenses? How will you plan for retirement? Having a dedicated team to your family’s future is the first step toward potentially achieving your financial goals. As your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisory Team, we can help you create a financial strategy customized to fit your needs and considers virtually all aspects of your life. Bob Hart Financial Advisor Senior Vice President Senior Portfolio Manager Phone: 732-974-5008 Bob.hart@morganstanley.com 2150 Highway 35 Sea Girt NJ 08750

Thomas Tonkovich Finanical Advisor Senior Vice President Portfolio Manager Phone: 732-974-5009 Thomas.Tonkovich@ms.com

928 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island FL 34145

Bob Hart

Financial Advisor, NJ

David Caruso

Financial Advisor, FL

Thomas Tonkovich Financial Advisor, NJ

Regan Delancey

Financial Advisor, NY

340 Broadway Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Jenn Diaz

Robert T. Hart

Client Service Associate, NJ

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

LIGHT OF DAY

Returns

The show closer with Bruce Springsteen

G IV IN G BAC K | ARTS + C U LT U RE

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 player, who was part of Southside Johnny’s Asbury Jukes and the Miami Horns, finally had some fun at the conclusion of the Light of Day show at the Count Basie in January of 2020. “That was one of the coolest things ever,” Pallagrosi recalled.”I got to stand right next to Bruce (Springsteen) when we did ‘Thunder Road.’ When Bruce is at Light of Day he normally ends with ‘Thunder Road.’ Everybody who is backstage comes out for ‘Thunder Road.” But I got to stand next to Bruce and sing. It was an amazing and surreal moment.” There have been many great performances and memories for the Light of Day which is a fundraiser to help find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease and related disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease and PSP.(Progressive supranuclear palsy). The latter of which is what Pallagrosi’s mother suffered from. The Light of Day concert provides hope for the myriad of folks impacted by the diseases. The light turned on in 1998 at a birthday party for Bob Benjamin and has never been extinguished. The light became brighter in 2000 at the first official Light of Day concert at the Stone Pony in 2000. Joe Grushecky was part of that show. The veteran Pittsburgh rocker never would have guessed the fundraiser would continue for more than a quarter century. “That is so true,” Grushecky said while calling from his Pittsburgh home. “It all started with a bunch of musicians ill equipped to do anything. We’ve basically been there from the start. I was asked to headline the Pony and Bruce (Springsteen) and I were hanging out a lot during those days and he showed up. Who would ever guess that show would turn into a festival?” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

The Goo Goo Dolls' Johnny Rzeznik

It's a living room scene with Bruce Springsteen and Jesse Malin bantering

Light of Day turned into a fest due to the cause. Grushecky is managed by Bob Benjamin, who co-founded the Light of Day Foundation, which raises funds, $7.5 million to date, to battle the diseases. Benjamin was initially stricken with Parkinson’s in 1996. “I threw Bob a surprise birthday party with Rich Russo,” Pallagrosi said from his Ocean Township home. “That was the genesis of Light of Day.” Benjamin is hanging in there nearly 40 years after his diagnosis. “It’s heartbreaking what happened with Bob,” Grushecky said. “He was such a vibrant person, who had so much energy. To see him hobbled the way he is now is so difficult. But give the guy credit. He doesn’t give up. Parkinson’s is heartbreaking but Bob is so inspirational. It’s tough because I was hoping more progress would be made in the battle against Parkinson’s but we’re going to keep coming back until there’s a cure.” Light of Day’s winter festival, which is slated for various Asbury Park venues from January 14-24. The event culminates with Bob’s Birthday bash January 17 at the Basie. It’s Benjamin’s birthday celebration, even though he was born in November. The Light of Day has been held annually in Asbury Park or Sayreville. “I didn’t like it in Sayreville,” Grushecky said. “It didn’t feel right because it wasn’t Asbury Park. But since Light of Day

A jam at the Stone Pony

returned to Asbury Park, it feels really good performing there. I look forward to it each year. You never know what will happen.” Will Springsteen, who has been a semi-regular at Light of Day, perform at the Birthday Bash? Perhaps the Boss has come out so often since his late father had Parkinson’s, which was revealed in Springsteen’s tremendous autobiography, “Born to Run.” “I would imagine it does have an effect on him,” Grushecky said. “You would have to ask Bruce if it hits that close to home. It must make an impact on you. It’s always amazing sharing a stage with Bruce.” Unlike Pallagrosi, Grushecky has performed with Springsteen more than 50 times over the last generation. However, it’s always a special experience for the gritty Grushecky, who always appreciates stage time with the Boss. “Playing with Bruce is like playing baseball with Mickey Mantle at Yankee Stadium or in my case, Roberto Clemente at Forbes Field,” Grushecky said. “When Bruce does your songs, it’s phenomenal.” Pallagrosi appreciates any time Springsteen can come out and donate his time to the cause. “This organization is very connected to Bruce,” Pallagrosi said. “Bruce has been our angel. He’s carried our banner literally around the world. I don’t know if we would be doing this show without him.” CONTINUED >

G IV IN G BAC K | ARTS + C U LT U RE

The magic of Light of Day

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

Willie Nile and Bruce Springsteen jamming

G IV IN G BAC K | ARTS + C U LT U RE

“I was hoping more Springsteen is part of Light of Day when he can make the scene. Grushecky, singer-songwriters Joe D’Urso, who is also managed by Benjamin and Willie Nile never miss the event. “We come back since the Light of Day is bigger than us,” Grushecky said. “It’s part of a strong community, which is Asbury Park. We keep coming back since we want to win this battle.” But it’s also a good time for Grushecky since he has no problem making the six-hour drive on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes since he has the opportunity to return to his home away from home, Asbury Park. “Everyone is such good friends,” Grushecky said. “It’s a homecoming. It’s an annual reunion. New people come in every year but they come and go but there is a core of us that are really good friends. The bonus for me is that I love the area.” Almost everyone that is part of Light of Day is from Asbury Park or is at least within the tri-state area. Grushecky is the outlier. But he’s an honorary Asbury Park citizen since he has frequented the Central and South Jersey shore since the ‘60s. That’s not the norm for those from Pittsburgh, who normally hit the Outer Banks or Ocean City, Maryland for vacation “But it was always New Jersey for me,” Grushecky said. “I spent two whole summers, the summers of ‘68 and ‘69 at the Jersey Shore. I went to Atlantic City during the summer of ‘68 and bought my first telecaster there.”

progress would be made in the battle against Parkinson's but we're going to keep coming back until there's a cure.” Grushecky has vacationed in Asbury Park or Monmouth Beach every summer since 1993, save 2020. “I love it there,” Grushecky said. “I’ll do a show and we’ll stay for the week during the summer. During the winter I return for the Light of Day.” It’s that time of year again for Light of Day, which was not originally set in January. The event was once in December. “But there are so many things happening in December in Asbury Park,” Pallagrosi said. “It’s better that it’s in January since it’s the event of the month.” But it’s a lot of heavy lifting for Pallagrossi but he keeps coming back but he wishes that Light of Day 2026 will be the last event since that would mean a cure is discovered. For more Light of Day information, go to: https://www.lightofday.org

LIGHT OF DAY One of the highlights of Light of Day is the camaraderie onstage. It doesn't matter if it's Joe Grushecky with Bruce Springsteen or Joe D'Urso with Gary U.S. Bonds. The recording artists, who donate their time for this wonderful event, have such a blast in the moment. They create indelible memories for fans by living in the moment. The music is a bonus on top of the dialogue between the recording artists. Bruce Springsteen with Bob Benjamin

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

Dr. Dorothy Lee is an experienced general and cosmetic dentist passionate about providing personalized care and tailored treatments to achieve her patients’ individual oral health and cosmetic goals. Inspo Dental is a female-founded, luxury dental studio located in the heart of coveted Red Bank, New Jersey. With a focus on blending cutting-edge technology and personalized care, our dedicated team gets to know each of our patient’s specific needs to ensure the highest standards of dental excellence and service. We invite you to explore a world of comprehensive dental services carefully designed to inspire confidence and enhance well-being. Whether you’re seeking preventive care, cosmetic enhancements or restorative treatments, our commitment to your unique needs sets us apart.

732.530.5111 www.inspodental.com 146 Maple Ave Red Bank, NJ

Experience World-Class Massage Recover, relax, and feel the difference. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Gentle Facial Cupping (Facial Rejuvenation) Light Swedish To Deep Tissue 12 years proudly serving the Shore.

DIAMOND PEAK Massage and Beauty

609.756.3595 | V @Zilie_LMT 63 W. Sylvania Ave, Neptune City, 07753 Located inside Above the Clouds Spa

New Year, New Possibilities! A new year brings new opportunities. Whether you're ready to buy or thinking about selling, now is a great time to start the process. I am here to guide you every step of the way! If you are looking for an agent with your best interest at heart, give me a call. I have been a top agent in Monmouth County for over 20 years and have extensive knowledge of the local market. THE CONNOLLY AGENCY 216 Main Street Avon By The Sea, NJ 07717 office. 732-361-0800

Joseph ‘Joe’ Baumann Realtor Associate cell. 732.221.0865 @joebaumannrealtor

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you? Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

Markets available nationwide. Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

OUR BODY is our Temple

Stop and smell the roses

HERE ARE SOME HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS FOR 2026 ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNA MARIA

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | EDU CAT ION

Take a walk in the park

Hanna Maria behind the shades

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 approach while faced with the same situation? As humans it is our choice. Will you be the person to acknowledge a cardinal in a holly tree or will you choose to see all the red lights during your morning commute? The choice is yours. In the first couple of decades of our lives we have our parents or caretakers making many decisions for us. Nonetheless we're start making choices before we turn one years of age. What decisions will you make this year? It's almost customary to set some new goals. All the gyms start to fill up with members looking forward to improving their physicality. But how do we succeed and stay motivated? Always be prepared to stop by at your gym, sports complex or a meet by park. Have the fitness bag in the car which will eliminate excuses.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

Pick an activity that brings you joy and makes you feel good. If it's lifting weights or practicing yoga, biking, running, swimming or pilates, make sure you are truly satisfied with your choice . There's nothing better than engaging in something with pure enjoyment. It doesn't feel like work or a struggle at all. Exercise with a smile on your face. Set healthy limits as many believe it is an imperative to reach your goals. Overtraining may lead to injuries and discouragement. Appropriate rest and recovery with adequate stretching leads to a nicely balanced and long lived fitness routine. Many of us know someone starting a new diet in combination with setting fitness goals. There's so much information available out there that sometimes it may feel overwhelming to face it all. But a few basic principles never fail and may get you closer to your goals. Most importantly eliminate toxins from your food, drinks and the environment. Read the nutritional labels and screen products of daily use like soaps, lotions, detergents etc. The skin is our biggest organ ]absorbing everything we put on it, hence we should try to nourish it consciously .

Try to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eliminate snacking in between meals. Give your body a break from food delivery allowing for proper digestion. We have to mention fruits and vegetables in their unchanged form as they are full of minerals, vitamins and very important enzymes. It is a good choice to incorporate fresh produce with our main daily meals. Try not to drink too much water before we eat as that will dilute our gastric acid responsible for digestion. We want a fast and efficient digestion to occur. Self care is and should be a very important part of everyone's life. We have to begin with the self; self motivation, self determination and self love. Our emotional state is as important as our physical health and the nourishment of the body. As a therapist of over two decades, I encourage everyone to feel joy and gratitude on a daily basis. Take time to relax and that means something different to all of us. Will it be gardening, going for a walk, reading a book or getting a massage? Do what brings you peace. Smell the flowers. Your body is your temple. Take care of it well.

“Your body is your temple. Take care of it well.” — Hanna Maria

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | EDU CAT ION

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K SHOP LOCAL YO UR DIG ITA L DESTIN ATIO N F OR LO CA L L IV IN G

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

Catsbury Is Purr-fect

Hanging out at Catsbury

Enhance your life and adopt a feline at Catsbury Park ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA SMITH

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Relaxing at Catsbury

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 CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

The cool Catsbury insignia

A playful feline high diving

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

there were tea mugs, scratching posts, and photo walls filled with successful adoptions, there was just DJ, a spare bedroom, and a handful of rescued kittens. A lifelong music lover and DJ by trade, he never expected his life to change course because of a cat. “I became an adult in my thirties when I got a cat,” he joked. But that single adoption opened his eyes to the challenges that countless animals face, and he began fostering strays, one litter at a time, determined to make a difference close to home. By 2017, Bornschein’s quiet mission grew into something larger. Inspired by the cat café movement he’d seen on the West Coast, he envisioned a place where people could meet adoptable cats in a warm, home like setting rather than a shelter cage. Later that year, Catsbury Park opened its doors on Cookman Avenue as New Jersey’s first true cat café. It was instantly embraced by locals and visitors alike. A cozy, sunlit lounge where coffee and compassion flowed in equal measure.

“This experience reminds me why we An adorable cat minding the store

started Catsbury in the first place. It’s about

From the start, Boenschein made sure the experience was about connection. “We wanted people to see cats as companions, not just as rescues,” he explained. Visitors could curl up on couches, sip tea, and spend time getting to know the cats in a space designed to feel like a living room. The result was magic. Cats who once hid in shelter corners began to show their personalities. Guests laughed, played, and more often than not and fell in love. Within the café’s first two years, nearly 400 cats found homes, thanks to its friendly, open door approach and an ever-growing network of fosters and volunteers. But then, in early 2021, the pandemic forced the café to close. For a while, it seemed like Catsbury Park’s story might end there. Yet, like the animals they save, the organization landed on its feet. Rather than fade away, Bornschein and his dedicated team transformed Catsbury Park into a full-fledged nonprofit rescue, keeping its heart and mission alive. In the years that followed, Catsbury Park evolved from a café into a community anchor. The team expanded its work to include trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for local feral colonies, foster networks for neonatal kittens, and an adoption lounge designed purely for cat welfare. Today, the organization operates out of 901 3rd Avenue, where visitors can still book hour long sessions with adoptable cats in a serene, living room style space. The mission remains the same, to create a world where no cat is left behind. The transformation didn’t just preserve the mission it strengthened it. “This experience reminds me why we started Catsbury in the first place,” Boenschein shared after reopening. “It’s about community, compassion, and the belief that everyone no matter how small can make an impact.” That spirit

community, compassion, and the belief that everyone no matter how small can make an impact.”

of creativity and care shines through in everything Catsbury Park does. Their annual Catsbury Park Cat Convention has become one of the region’s most anticipated events, drawing cat lovers, vendors, and advocates from across the country. The 2025 convention alone raised over $30,000 for rescue efforts and found homes for dozens of cats over one weekend. The funds help cover veterinary care, food, and spay/ neuter services not to mention the countless toys and treats that make their lounge such a happy place. Walk into Catsbury Park today and there’s volunteers greeting guests with quiet smiles and genuine enthusiasm. Cats lounge in sunny window seats or weave through visitors’ legs, each with a story some rescued from the streets, others surrendered, all waiting for the right person to notice them. There’s a calm energy that fills the space, a sense that something good is always just about to happen. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

Two kittens are better than one

Every so often, you’ll see the unmistakable spark when a cat and a visitor connect. Maybe it’s a shy kitten who finally curls into a lap, or an older cat who purrs in contentment as someone strokes its fur. It’s those moments that keep Boenschein and his volunteers going. “Adoption days are the best days,” one volunteer said recently. “We cheer every time one goes home it never gets old.” Beyond adoptions, Catsbury Park’s reach extends deep into the local community. They partner with area shelters, advocate for low cost spay and neuter programs, and provide educational outreach to teach compassion and responsible pet ownership. Their social media pages are filled with heartwarming adoption updates, volunteer spotlights, and the occasional video of a cat trying to climb inside a tote bag. It’s joyful, authentic,

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

A Catsbury employee showing off a kitty

and unmistakably Asbury. Catsbury Park’s story mirrors that of the city it calls home resilient, creative, and full of heart. Both have weathered change, reinvented themselves, and emerged stronger. What started as one man’s idea has grown into a community movement, a space where kindness and curiosity coexist, where second chances are celebrated, and where the simple act of sitting quietly beside a cat can restore your faith in goodness. For those who want to be part of that story, Catsbury Park welcomes volunteers, fosters, and visitors year-round. Book a lounge session. Attend a fundraiser. Make a donation. Or simply stop by and say hello you might just meet your new best friend. Because at Catsbury Park, every cat deserves a home, every human deserves a moment of peace, and every purr is proof that love, when shared, can change lives. Visit: catsburypark.com Location: 901 3rd Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ Follow: @catsburypark on Instagram & Facebook

Wanna play?

“We wanted people to see the cats as companions, not just as rescues," -DJ Boenschein JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

More beach with Kimberly Kubicke

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLY KUBICKE

How gut health is integral to good overall being

Have the Guts 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 strong, everything in your life runs better. When it’s weak, everything feels harder.

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

On the beach with Kimberly Kubicke

How untreated heartburn becomes chronic inflammation. How untreated sluggish digestion becomes type 2 diabetes. Ayurveda teaches that not everyone digests food the same way. There are three primary gut types. Each has its own strengths, vulnerabilities, and triggers. This is why the high-fiber plan that works for your coworker makes you bloated. Or why your partner thrives on kimchi while you end up with heartburn. And how your sister might feel light and clear when she fasts while you feel like you’re going to pass out. There is no one-size-fits-all digestive protocol. Ayurveda sees everybody as unique. Your gut type, lifestyle, stress load, and daily rhythms all determine how well you digest. Therefore we each need an approach that’s tailored to our gut type and our reality. Diet and lifestyle form the foundation of Ayurvedic treatment. If these are CONTINUED >

Soup is a harvest of nourishing things

Your gut health fuels everything - energy, focus, your ability to bounce back from stress. Your capacity to process the world around you hinges on your ability to digest. According to Ayurveda, your digestive fire called agni - is the source of both physical and mental intelligence. When agni is strong, your body absorbs nutrients efficiently and your mind feels sharp, focused, and clear. When agni is weak, everything becomes harder: thinking, sleeping, recovering, aging, and even coping with stress. Modern research is finally catching up: the gut-brain connection, the microbiome, inflammation, metabolism - they’re all deeply tied to how we digest. Ayurveda recognized this thousands of years before modern research caught up. The sooner you address a digestive imbalance, the easier it is to correct. The longer imbalances fester, the deeper their roots grow and the more difficult recovery becomes. Left unaddressed, small digestive imbalances can gradually snowball into more complex health challenges over time. This is how untreated gas and bloating becomes arthritis.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

Kimberly Kubicke relaxing after a gut check

“YOUR DIGESTIVE FIRE IS CONSIDERED THE ROOT OF PHYSICAL VITALITY AND MENTAL PERFORMANCE. WHEN IT’S STRONG, EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE RUNS BETTER. WHEN IT’S WEAK, EVERYTHING FEELS HARDER...YOUR GUT HEALTH FUELS EVERYTHING, ENERGY, FOCUS, YOUR ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK FROM STRESS.”

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

out of alignment, there’s no herb or supplementthat can override them. The quieter rhythm of January in Asbury Park makes it easier to hear what your body is asking for. Ayurveda offers universal habits that help nearly everyone strengthen digestion. • Eat only when you’re hungry • Avoid overeating • Make lunch your largest meal • Space meals at least three hours apart • Favor fresh, seasonal foods • Avoid cold drinks - especially with meals • Keep dinner early and light • Bring mindful attention to eating These habits create a strong foundation, but real transformation comes from understanding your digestive pattern. When you know your gut type, you understand: • What foods energize you • What foods drain you • Why certain symptoms keep returning • How stress affects your digestion • What lifestyle choices strengthen or weaken you • How to prevent imbalances in the first place • How to recover from a setback • How to build vitality as you age This is where Ayurveda shines. It identifies patterns to drill down to the root cause and support your body’s innate ability to heal. It offers a framework that makes sense - one you can return to anytime a new health issue arises. For high performers - whether you lead a business, a household, a creative life, or juggle multiple roles - this knowledge amplifies your natural strengths. It helps you harness your body’s potential so you

Spice makes gut health nice

can thrive with more ease and get results faster. If you’re ready to feel sharper, clearer, and more energized heading into 2026... If you want your body and mind fully aligned with your goals... If you want your energy to match your ambition this year... There’s one place that will give you the greatest return on investment: your gut. Take my free Gut Type Quiz to discover what will make your digestion thrive. It takes less than two minutes and reveals your Ayurvedic digestive pattern along with simple guidance personalized to your gut type. Take the gut quiz at indraholistic.com/gut Understanding your gut type is the foundation for clearer thinking, better energy, deeper resilience, and a more empowered way of moving through life. And there’s no better time to start than now - when intelligent shifts in digestion can optimize everything else you’re aiming for in 2026. Kimberly Kubicke is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and founder of Indra Holistic Health in Asbury Park. With over twenty years immersed in Ayurveda and twelve years of clinical practice, she helps people strengthen digestion, stabilize

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 9 T H

Luciano House of Independents, 572 Cookman | 7:00 PM It's an evening of reggae with Jepther McClymont OD, better known as Jamaican singer-songwriter Luciano. JA NUA RY 1 4 T H

Railroad Earth Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue | 7:00 PM The pioneering jam band Railroad Earth is on its 25th anniversary tour. The band is always a blast to catch thanks to hits technical virtuosity and improvisational skills. JA NUA RY 1 7 T H

Light of Day Count Basie Theater, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank | 7:00 PM It's Bob's Birthday Bash at the Basie. The annual Light of Day concert will feature Joe Grushecky, Willie Nile and Joe D'Urso. Get ready for some special guests as Bob Benjamin celebrates in Red Bank. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H

Fairies Wear Boots Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Ave. | 7:00 PM It's a Black Sabbath tribute evening with Fairies Wear Boots, who will perform the hits and deep cuts. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H

Waka Flocka Flame House of Independents, 572 Cookman Ave. | 8:00 PM The charismatic rapper, who burst onto the scene with his first hit "O Let's Do It" in 2009, will play the hits. JA NUA RY 3 0 T H

Collie Buddz Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue | 8:00 PM The veteran reggae singer will belt out such hits as "Come Around" and "Mamacita" at the Pony.

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A S B U R Y P A R K

EVE N TS

Secure Your Tomorrow Protection You Can Trust. Service You Deserve.

Your dreams matter to me, and I’m here to help ensure that nothing stops them from coming true. I take the time to understand what’s important to you—whether it’s protecting your loved ones, planning for retirement, or building lasting wealth. With comprehensive solutions including life, disability, and long-term care insurance, plus investment strategies and more, together we’ll create a personalized strategy that gives you confidence and peace of mind.

MASSAGE THERAPY MOMMY & ME MASSAGE COUPLES MASSAGES

Tara Lease Coffman

MANICURE & PEDICURE (Only Toms River) 891 W Park Ave 1901 Lakewood Rd, Ocean, NJ Toms River, NJ 07712 08755 (848) 992-0112 (848) 992-0212

Agent with New York Life Insurance Company and *Registered Representative www.newyorklife.com/agent/tlcoffman 765.456.8680 1963 Rt. 34 South Wall Twp. NJ Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency. NYLIFE Securities LLC is a New York Life Company. 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 900 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663, (201) 845-6900

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/AS BURY PA R K

MEET OUR SUCCESS TEAM:

MISHEL TAYLOR-

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND SALES GROWTH

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!” When she’s not working, Mishel enjoys living by the beach, spending time with her children and grandchildren, practicing yoga, and enjoying good food and wine.

INTERESTED IN JOINING

ASBURY PARK LISTINGS:

Prime Investment & Rental Opportunites

OUR SUCCESSFUL TEAM?

SCAN THE QR & MEET WITH MISHEL TODAY! CELL:

215.527.8086

601 Bangs Ave Unit 404-406, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, United States

732-245-7665