Long Branch, NJ April 2024

Welcome Spring!

As we welcome spring and approach warmer weather, it's an ideal time to step outside and appreciate the beauty of the area. This month we focus on investment, which can have various meanings.

Investment involves dedicating time, energy, effort, or finances to a particular pursuit with the expectation of a valuable outcome. We can invest in different things, such as our community, relationships, finances, and health, with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact.

To invest in our community, we can support local businesses, schools, and organizations, or we can volunteer to serve the community and invest in future generations. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and strengthen relationships by giving time and effort to the people who matter most to us. This type of investment has a meaningful effect not only on ourselves but also on those closest to us.

Investing in ourselves, relationships, community, and finances can take various forms from person to person, but the end goal is the same: to have a positive impact and achieve results. In this issue, we discuss some of the ways we can invest in ourselves, our community, our homes, and our loved ones.

As always, please let me know if you have any inspiring stories, events, or community members you would like to see covered.

city scene

A RICH LIFE

Tony Frigoletto is something of a Jersey Shore boomerang. He grew up in Red Bank, moved to Pennsylvania with his family when he was in the fourth grade and returned to the area as an adult.

"They're working with people that they're dedicated to. And they become great because of their dedication to helping people."

"The Jersey Shore is an eclectic, interesting place," he said of what drew him back here. "It has old and new; it's constantly in a rotating shift of the past and what's next. It has access to all that's good in life."

It is all of those things, of course. But for some here – anywhere, really – life can be a struggle.

"You can surround yourself with really nice things, but can't overlook the fact that there are people in our community who are less fortunate," Frigoletto, the CEO and owner of River’s Edge Wealth Partners in Red Bank, said.

"There's only a short distance that separates people with a lot of means from people that don't have any. 'The other side of the tracks,' if you will. They can always be helped."

For every person who is able to dine out and enjoy the culinary experiences that Long Branch and the rest of The Shore have to offer, there are people who are scraping by. It's a reality that struck Frigoletto. "I think a lot of people teeter-totter between being lower class and being in a truly dire situation," he said.

That disparity drove him to look for ways to help. It started with donating money but evolved into investing himself in causes that required more than simply writing a check. He did his homework and became drawn to Family & Children's Services in Long Branch. Their mission and longevity (the group was founded in 1911) spoke to him; the dedication and selflessness of the staff was the final selling point.

"The people that run the agency and work there, it's hard not to be impressed. The people in the trenches, the stress that they deal with, the content of the information that they're dealing with," he continued, his voice trailing off with a sense of awe. "For them to be effective at their job, they can't become numb to it. That would mean it's time to move on to another job. It's that sort of intimacy that you show to people that are having hard times that make them feel safe enough to tell you what's going on."

In his day job, Frigoletto and his team at River's Edge are trying to help people maximize their personal wealth and plan for the future, whether it's retirement or college savings. Fiscal literacy and getting clients to adhere to a plan are core values at his firm. The contrast between what he's working on during his 9-to-5, and the volunteer work he does, is not lost on him.

Through FCS, there are a number of outreach programs for people who are in need, but the holiday drive is one that sticks with Frigoletto. The event is structured to protect the anonymity of the person receiving the gift, and treats them with the utmost respect while saluting the courage it takes to ask for help when times are tough.

Frigoletto recalls one year where a father who had fallen on hard times leaned on FCS during their annual drive. The man had socks coming through the soles of both of his shoes, his eyes full of tears over the state he found himself in.

“He wasn’t even the stereotypical kind of generational poverty. He was just hard-hit, hard times and was in the middle of a crisis just trying to figure out ‘What the hell am I going to do next?,’ Frigoletto said. “The guy’s courage to get in line and take care of his kids. I think that’s admirable.”

“There's only a short distance that separates people with a lot of means from people that don't have any. 'The other side of the tracks,' if you will. They can always be helped.”

On the other end of the spectrum, a similar desire to help is central to the mission at River's Edge. After 20-plus years working with a national bank, Frigoletto opened a family office in Red Bank. For his staff, building relationships with clients and fostering an environment of trust are the first steps toward reaching the goal at hand.

"The benefit of the family office is the personal connection with the staff. For people to really let you inside their lives and let you know

the nuance of every challenge that they have financially, that means something," he said. "That's kind of the glue of my office. It's filled with people who have a personal commitment to their clients. What they're doing is the same thing that people at FCS are doing, but in a different lane. They're not working with the same clients, but they're working with people that they’re dedicated to and they become great at what they do because of their dedication to helping people."

SPRING

cleaning

GRAB YOUR BUCKET AND HELP BEAUTIFY OUR BEACHES

It may be dreary now, but before we know it, the umbrellas covering us from spring showers will be replaced by ones dotting the sand, giving us shade from the sun as we enjoy the beach. Really, it’s almost here.

But before we get to those days, there is a bit of spring cleaning taking place at over 80 beaches up and down the New Jersey coastline this month, including plenty near Long Branch.

"Keeping the ocean and waterways clean, that is an investment in your community," said Kiki Miranda of Clean Ocean Action, which organizes the beach sweeps. "(Beach sweeps) are by far our easiest access point with people. It's a starting point for people to get involved and make that first step in investing in the environment."

The bi-annual sweeps have led to visible change on our beaches. Their work in documenting the amount of plastics in the water has helped shape legislation to keep our coastline clean. In the 2022 collections, more than 8,100 volunteers removed over 376,000 pieces of debris. In fact, plastic bags recently fell out of the organization's "Dirty Dozen" list, which charts the 12 most common items found on beaches.

The spring cleanup is April 13 from 9a-12:30p. You can pre-register, but day-of volunteers are welcome. Bring your own work gloves and a bucket, put on some matching shirts with friends and show up as a team, or come on your own and connect with people in the community who share your desire for good.

"People being out there, they're in nature and seeing the results," Miranda said. "People really have

"It's a starting point to take that first step in investing in the environment."

an ah-ha moment about that. When they have the data cards and tally it up, it makes it all more real. It empowers them and they also walk away with the feeling of 'OK, what can I do next?'”

But before taking the next step, you have to take the first. Mark your calendar for April 13.

TASTE of the WORLD 5

From Mexico to Portugal, Long Branch is a culinary exploration

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Here are some of the most popular specialties that restaurants in Long Branch have to offer:

1. SEAFOOD SOUP WITH LOBSTER FROM ACAPULCO MEXICAN GRILL

2. PUPUSERIA FROM DON BETO'S

3. EL MOLCAJETE OAXAQUENO FROM EL OAXAQUENO

4. SEAFOOD PAELHA MARINHEIRA FROM MAR BELO

5. SHRIMP RANCHO FROM LOS PAPAGALLO'S

LONG BRANCH

PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES AWARD AT WHITE HOUSE

Leaders Among Readers

“This prestigious award is a testament to the impactful work of the Long Branch Free Public Library staff, volunteers, and trustees who work tirelessly to create a space that fosters lifelong learning and strengthens the social fabric of our community.

The Long Branch Free Public Library has achieved numerous milestones under the guidance of director Tonya Garcia and her remarkable staff, however it reached a new height in 2023 by receiving the prestigious IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Services. This recognition marks a historic event in the library’s rich history, as director Garcia received the nation’s highest honor bestowed to libraries, presented by First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden at a White House ceremony on July 17th.

Afterward, Tonya Garcia expressed gratitude, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the library staff, volunteers, and trustees. The award serves as a testament to their impactful work in creating a space that fosters lifelong learning and strengthens the social fabric of the community. Garcia emphasized the vital role that libraries play in transforming lives and empowering individuals.

"This prestigious award is a testament to the impactful work of the Long Branch Free Public Library staff, volunteers, and trustees who work tirelessly to create a space that fosters lifelong learning and strengthens the social fabric of our community," Garcia said in a statement after the award was issued.

The Long Branch Free Public Library stands among esteemed past winners, showcasing its commitment to innovative programs such as the Grow with Google Professional Development Program, the Small Business Pandemic Recovery Service, the Fresh Start Reentry Initiative and the Fade to Books Barbershop Literacy. The library’s initiatives, like the Community Connects Social Services program, have led to it being the first in the state to hire a full-time social worker. Many of the library’s programs have been adopted by libraries state-wide, with many being modeled globally in countries such as Australia and South Korea.

The significance of the award aligns with the ongoing renovation of the historic Carnegie Library that began this year. This renovation aims to breathe renewed prominence into the cultural landmark, ensuring its continued role as a hub for education, culture, and connection. In addition to systems upgrades, new rooms such as a Local History Room, Sensory Room and Teen Space have been introduced. The library’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting literacy resonates with the ideals represented by the IMLSNational Medal.

The IMLS National Medal will find a prominent place in the newly renovated building, symbolizing not just the restoration of bricks and mortar but a rejuvenation of the library’s commitment to its community. This cements the Long Branch Free Public Library as a beacon of enlightenment for generations to come, showcasing its unwavering dedication to serving and uplifting the community.

Tonya Garcia is the director of the Long Branch Free Public Library as well as a certified public manager and author. She was elected 2019 NJLA President, as well as received numerous honors such as the 2016 NJLA Librarian of the Year, Library Journal Mover and Shaker, the Key to the City of Long Branch and had days in both Monmouth County and Long Branch named in her honor. She is also a survivor, just months after being elected NJLA president she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went on to write a memoir sharing the tools used to withstand the challenge of facing a potentially terminal disease and to allow herself to be transformed by it. Tonya can be reached by email at garcia@longbranchlib.org

FROM YOGA CLASSES TO COLLEGE CLASSES AND LIFE COACHES, EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS.

INVEST IN YOURSELF

Before he became a fixture at conferences and a staple on finance-focused TV networks, Warren Buffett shelled out $100 to take a public speaking course to help get over his fear of talking in front of a crowd. It’s a decision that he said changed his life.

"GENERALLY

of what the school has to offer in its non-credit division.

"Lifelong learning is about personal enrichment and deepening community ties," Susan Pagano, the executive director of continuing and professional studies at Brookdale, said.

SPEAKING, INVESTING

IN YOURSELF IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO."

"Generally speaking, investing in yourself is the best thing you can do," the billionaire famously told Good Morning America. "Anything that improves your own talents. Nobody can take it away from you."

There is so much room for everyone to grow, and it doesn't always have to be about solving a problem, per se. Maybe you just have a natural curiosity and want to broaden your knowledge base. There are so many options available, right here in Long Branch, that can help anyone achieve the goal that they're seeking to meet and invest in their most valuable asset – themselves.

CONTINUING YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY

For many people, the thought of going back to school can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Brookdale Community College offers a lifelong learning program that allows students to get a taste, sometimes literally,

Whether you want to learn how to roll sushi or go on a nostalgic ride from the "Forgotten Amusement Parks of New Jersey," they have options that appeal to almost anyone.

"A lot of the programs that we run, the students are really coming for the sense of community. They're making friends in the classes," Pagano said. "It really builds that sense of belonging."

On top of that, it's affordable and flexible. A lot of the sessions are singular events or lectures, with a handful that might run over the course of a few weeks. That amusement parks course, for example, is only $45.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Maybe, instead of stimulating your mind by taking a lecture series, what you need is to quiet some of the internal noise. Lisa Matthews understands that.

"Yoga helps soothe the mind and lower stress levels," the owner of Monmouth Beach Yoga said.

The benefits of yoga are widely known at this point, but what Matthews offers at her studio is an environment that allows clients to free themselves from the tension that they are dealing with.

"When people come in, I always ask 'What do you want to achieve?' because I think they should set small goals. If you get overwhelmed, some people will stop. You can increase the likelihood of success by achieving small goals."

One of the calling cards for Matthews' studio is the culture within its walls. She calls it "Yoga for every-body." Matthews has clients of all ages, and with varying health conditions; from MS to cancer to Lyme disease. But once people are inside, everyone is an equal and on their own journey.

"The instructors want to keep everyone safe; that's what it's about," she said. "When you're in our studio, the lights are dim. We don't want people looking at the person next to them. They should be focusing on themselves."

SELF-CARE

Everyone has struggled through moments of feeling overwhelmed. It's an emotionally challenging spot to be in, and a reminder that we can't do it alone. Kim Constantineau is available to walk you through those times.

"I teach people to think differently. That's like my sweet spot," Constantineau, a certified life-coach said. "Our job as people is to communicate. Make people feel loved and valued. And if they can see that, they can pass that onward."

"IT REALLY BUILDS THAT SENSE OF BELONGING."

Constantineau leaned into the lifecoach space when traditional therapy didn't yield the results she was searching for while navigating her own personal trauma, and she came away with a whole new outlook.

"I took a course and I thought, 'Man, this is so different. What is this? Self-love and self-care?' I had never heard of so much of this before."

It worked in such a profound way that she wanted to give other people the same license to take control of their lives. She started her business, Coach Kimmy, and works with clients of all ages who are ready to take ownership of their lives.

"Think of a football coach. The players already have the gifts," Constantineau said. "The coach just has to bring it out of them.”

RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING: MAXIMIZING WEALTH AND LEGACY

YOU ONLY GET ONE RETIREMENT

Retirement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and sound financial choices. A key element of effective retirement planning is diversifying your income sources. While staples like 401(k)s or IRAs are foundational, it’s equally important to branch out. Tax considerations significantly influence retirement strategies. Each financial action, from asset sales to account withdrawals, can carry tax consequences. Knowing these details can greatly influence one’s overall retirement income. Tactics such as Roth IRA conversions can help distribute tax liabilities over time, allowing for tax-free withdrawals later on. Using strategies like tax-loss harvesting can balance out capital gains, ensuring proactive steps to reduce tax impact.

SOURCES OF INCOME DURING RETIREMENT

Annuities have long been recognized as a popular retirement income source. An annuity is essentially a financial contract that can offer a steady and predictable income, with options that might even extend to lifetime payouts. Retirees should also be aware of certain drawbacks. These might include fees and expenses, issues around liquidity, and potential concerns related to inflation.

Delving into the world of Alternative Investments, retirees can consider assets such as hedge funds, private equity and real assets, among others. These investments may promise higher returns and provide diversification away from traditional stocks and bonds. However, the complexities of these investments mean they often come with challenges like illiquidity, higher fees and the need for a thorough understanding of the investment itself.

The backbone of many retirement plans, Social Security Income, provides a safety net for millions. Established with the intent of financial assistance, the amount one receives depends on various factors. There are also strategies retirees can employ to maximize these benefits, such as deciding on the optimal time to claim or considering the implications of working while receiving benefits.

Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), while not familiar to everyone, can be a potential retirement income source. Historically rooted, DSTs offer a form of passive real estate investment, which can lead to regular distributions. They also open doors to 1031 exchange possibilities, offering tax deferral benefits. But, just like any other investment, DSTs have their limitations, notably the lack of liquidity and the heavy reliance on trust management.

You only get one retirement. In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying updated and flexible is essential to ensure the continued relevance and efficiency of one’s retirement strategy.

Disclosures

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals of Csenge Advisory Group, LLC. MAS, Csenge Advisory Group, LLC and Impact Wealth, LLC are not affiliated entities.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency.

Every retirement journey is distinct, and each vision merits expert guidance. Impact Wealth is based in Boulder Colorado. You can contact them at Impact@ImpactWealth.com.

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 6TH

Long Branch PBA Youth Fishing Derby

Lake Takanasse | 10:00 AM

After nearly a 10-year hiatus, the fishing derby is back. Designed for young anglers, kids are split into three age groups – under-6, 7-12 and 13-15 – with a prize for each category's winner. Registration is required, and can be done online or in person (1 hour before the start time). Contact Det. Steve White at 732-222-1000 ext. 1358.

APRIL 13TH

Beach Sweeps

Long Branch Beach | 9:00 AM

Grab your bucket and work gloves and join Clean Ocean Action for its bi-annual beach cleanup. More than 8,000 people chipped in to help beautify beaches, removing over 370,000 pieces of debris from the shoreline in 2022. There are locations all over New Jersey. Registration is required, and can be done the day of the event. Learn more at www.cleanoceanaction.org

APRIL 13TH

Long Branch Little League Opening Day Parade

Lenna W. Conrow School | 9:00 AM

Cheer on the players from Long Branch LL as they embark on a new season. The parade begins at 9a at the elementary school (players should be there at 8:30a) and continues toward Manhassett Creek Park. Have a great year!

APRIL 13TH

Spring Craft Show

Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls| | 9:00 AM

The Monmouth County Park System is proud to support local artists and artisans with this free event. With more than 40 vendors, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop local for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations … or just because! More information can be found at www.monmouthcountyparks.com

APRIL 18TH - MAY 12TH

The Two-Hander

NJ Rep, Long Branch | 7:30 PM

Jill Eikenberry, who won a Golden Globe for her role as Ann Kelsey in L.A. Law, stars in this production about a therapy first-timer played by Ella Dershowitz, who feels an instant connection with her sharp and witty therapist, played by Eikenberry. Their trust is threatened as obstacles arise. Ticket and showtime info can be found at www.njrep.org

APRIL 20TH

Step Up for The Arc

Long Branch Boardwalk | 9:00 AM

Lace up your sneakers for The Arc of Monmouth’s annual walkathon. Beginning near the Seven Presidents parking lot, the event wraps up at the Great Lawn with live music, food and demonstrations. Registration is $35 per person, which goes toward The Arc’s work servicing people in Monmouth County with developmental disabilities. Visit www.arcofmonmouth.org for details on how to register.

home IMPROVEMENT

Everybody is looking for a little curb appeal or some wow factor in their yard.

And to help you get there, local pros like Matt Lin from The Finish Guys and Jeff Wosleger of Budget Blinds can make a client's dreams come true.

Whether it's a new deck or porch, Matt can help with that, or a screened-in pergola, Jeff has you covered.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF WOOD VS. A COMPOSITE DECK OR PORCH?

Matt: With wood, the downside is upkeep and expansion and contraction of the product itself, which can create gaps. Composite products reduce upkeep and don’t contract as much. Keep in mind that the darker colors attract more sunlight, and can make the deck hot on bare feet.

WHAT IS THE SCREEN PRODUCT CALLED?

Jeff: It’s an exterior shade system from Draper. Their DNA is in commercial shade and solar solutions, so to have this available as a residential option is fantastic for homeowners. It’s a fully framed system of tracks that hold the shade in place so it doesn’t dangerously blow in the wind.

Editor’s note: Responses were edited and condensed for clarity

“We

want to make sure we’re delivering a really great experience every time.”

Budget Blinds of Long Branch 732.654.6316

“If I’m doing a backyard vacation, I want my space to feel like that place,”

The Finish Guys LLC 732.850.5420

Invest in your surroundings with help from local pros