Long Branch, NJ September 2024

SHATTERING THE STANDARD

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September Style: Embracing Creativity in all Aspects

Dear Reader,

I trust this letter finds you well, filled with inspiration and joy.

Today, I invite you to join me in celebrating the captivating world of style. Style extends beyond fashion choices; it encompasses every facet of our lives. From how we decorate our homes to the music we savor, from the books that captivate us to the way we engage in conversation—style intertwines with every aspect of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal, evolving as we embrace our quirks, passions, and aspirations. It's a profound form of self-expression, revealing our inner selves, our worldview, and our values. In this way, style becomes a powerful means of connection, enabling us to find kindred spirits who resonate with our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the liberty to embrace established styles, blend them harmoniously, or pioneer entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters in our own right. May this letter inspire you to tread new paths or revisit familiar ones. Here in Long Branch, there is abundant inspiration to uplift our spirits, enhance productivity, and ignite creativity.

In my experience, the most compelling style is an authentic expression of one's true self—an essence that is utterly unique and cannot be replicated.

Here's to embracing your uniqueness!

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Amy Dimes | amy.dimes@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Bernie Augustine | bernie.augustine@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Richard Thompson, Michal DiMiceli, The City of Long Branch, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Chabad of the Shore

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

P L A N F O R

T H E F U T U R E .

T O G E T H E R .

Summer adventures and financial goals align with professional guidance. Dive into your summer plans knowing your financial future is secure. Whether it’s a vacation, home project or to plan for your family’s future River's Edge Wealth Partners can help. Financial planning can be intimidating, but our services help make it simple. Get started planning for your family’s future and prepare for moments that give you true joy and satisfaction.

Anthony "Tony" Frigoletto, AIF CEO, Owner

city scene

1: Thousands pack the beach for OceanFest on July Fourth. 2: The sky over Long Branch is lit up by fireworks. 3: The beach was jammed and food truck vendors lined the street. 4: Bingo, of Bluey fame, tries to beat the heat. 5: To Long Branch, and beyond! 6: Who doesn't appreciate a little Bruce at the beach? 7: The Long Branch Chamber of Commerce is the organizer of the event.

Photography by Richard Thompson

8: Sand sculptures draw peoples' attention. 9: Men's BBQ & Social at Chabad of the Shore 10: Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center Artist Reception 11: Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center Artist Reception 12: Power of Pink hosted by Monmouth Medical Center 13: Power of Pink hosted by Monmouth Medical Center 14: Susan and Sofia Wahba at the Power of Pink event hosted by Monmouth Medical

business monthly

Whoa, baby

For the third-consecutive year, Monmouth Medical Center has been recognized by Newsweek magazine for having one of the country's best maternity care units. Over 10,000 medical professionals were surveyed in order to discover the best-of-the-best care facilities, and MMC was one of 16 in New Jersey to be recognized. Patient satisfaction surveys were also used in compiling the list.

Scan to read more

Cooking up some fun

Chabad of the Shore recently hosted its men's BBQ & Social at its sprawling facility on Ocean Ave with grilled kosher foods, an open bar, cigars and live music. Want to know more about the programs there? Contact: 732.229.2424

Top Doc

Internist Doantrang T. Du, M.D., who has been on the staff at Monmouth Medical Center for 20 years, was recently recognized as MMC's Physician of the Month. Du (center, left) was hailed not only for her work with patients, but her tact as a teacher for younger doctors.

OU

the CITY LIST

Boutique

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Jolie by the Sea Boutique joliebytheseaboutique.com/ | 732.747.2153

Pink Moon Boutique pinkmoonboutique.shop/ | 732.997.8325

Destination Asbury Boutique 732.361.3299

Our Cottage https://www.facebook.com/OC-Boutique-412012729636937/ | 732.493.5110

Her Empire Boutique her-empire.com

Gift Shop

Our Cottage https://www.facebook.com/OC-Boutique-412012729636937/ | 732.493.5110

Anna's Flowers And Gifts

http://www.annasflowersandgift.com/ | 732.222.9440

Frostings by Venee http://www.venees.com/ | 732.703.9084

Dream Gift Basket LLC

http://www.dreamgiftsbaskets.com/ | 732.301.4342

Norman's Hallmark Shop

http://www.normanshallmark.com/?mc=T_P_G_NA_NA_ED_NA_GC_RIO-local 732.542.7101

Men's Fashion

Duru Luxury Clothing http://www.michaelduru.com/ | 732.741.1999

Style Rocket http://www.stylerocket.com/ | 732.807.4777

Salt Life Retail Long Branch, NJ http://www.saltlife.com/ | 732.832.3715

Garmany http://www.garmany.com/ | 732.576.8500

Northshore Sea Bright 732.842.9909

Salon and Spa

Secret Garden www.secretgardenevents.com | 718.815.5900

Hot Mess West End 732.889.8448

LA VALLEE Nails - Manicure Pedicure Long Branch New Jersey

https://lavalleespanailswlb.com/ | 732.272.1641

Milagro Salon & Spa https://milagrospa.com/ | 732.450.4400

Lindeza Day Spa https://www.lindezadayspa.com/ | 732.963.9581

Home Design

The Stone Gallery Inc. http://thestonegalleryinc.com/ | 732.728.9200

Genuine Interiors https://www.genuine-interiors.com/contact | 917.902.0848

GS Design Center gsdesigncenter.com/ | 732.494.8670

Oasis Home by NLM Design Interiors https://oasishomedesigns.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local 732.775.5151

Coastal Decor & Interior Design http://www.coastaldecoranddesign.com/ | 732.842.8244

IN FULL BLOOM

Florist's subscription plan brings a pop of color and elegance

ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE

Walking into a home, few things are as inviting as an arrangement of freshly cut flowers. The fragrance, colors and design are stimulating to the senses and bring a sense of warmth and life into the space.

“Elegant,” is how Peter James Calafiore of Peter James Floral Couture describes his approach to floral arrangements. “We’re very picky about all of the details."

For clients who are eager to bring a natural element inside, Calafiore offers a subscription program that can be customized to fit their needs.

“It’s a designer’s choice arrangement and will be made of higher-end flowers; like hydrangea, roses and orchids. Lots of seasonal farm flowers,” Calafiore said of the subscription offering, adding that the arrangement is heavy on blooms and light on filler.

His team will deliver from Rumson to Manasquan and the towns in-between. For $100, flowers can be delivered at individualized paces, whether that’s once a week, every-other week or once a month. The fee is the minimum for an order, and includes the delivery cost.

Calafiore said that he has a long relationship with a client, who ordered flowers for her home one day a week and another arrangement for her office later in the week. That is, in some ways, the unofficial start of the

subscription program, which began in earnest in 2020. Hotels and condo or apartment complexes can also take advantage of the plan to decorate the foyer or lobby.

“We try to keep it unique each time,” Calafiore said, noting that as the floral offerings change throughout the seasons, he also creates interest by mixing in different containers, from low cubes to high vases. “The vessel is always different.”

While his professional experience is vast, Calafiore’s interest in flowers bloomed as a child. “Roses are my favorite,” he said, “my mother grew roses.” That influence is still present today. “We use a lot of garden roses, which aren’t like your standard rose. The petals are frilled, almost like origami.”

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AAAgeless Affairs

IPL Lumecca intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy which removes age spots, sun damage, vessels, and rosacea

DiolazeXL

laser hair removal device that eliminates unwanted hair permanently. 732.637.9890

107 Monmouth Rd, Ste.102, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 15 Carrs Tavern Rd. Millstone, NJ 08510

in Long Branch, where 14 luxurious townhomes offer open concept floor plans, convenient proximity to the beach, dining, shopping, and train station. Each townhouse offers many amenities including an elevator and approx. 800sf rooftop deck. elliman.com | Web# 22418644

confidence ORDER WITH

These classic cocktails never go out of style

ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROONEY'S

It’s been 60 years since James Bond, played at the time by Sean Connery, uttered three of the most famous words in Hollywood history: “Shaken, not stirred.”

And all these decades later, people are still ordering 007’s drink of choice, the martini. It has never gone out of style, and is still being shaken by bartenders on a daily basis.

“That’s what people want. Shaken well and served ice-cold,” said Brielle DiMauro, the head bartender at Rooney’s in Long Branch.

DiMauro has seen trendy drinks come and go in her time working at the bustling Pier Village restaurant –  “Fruity summer cocktails, I feel like I don’t make any of those anymore. We don’t even have a blender,” she said – while old-school favorites like the vodka martini, negroni and cosmopolitan have either remained popular or are enjoying a renewed renaissance.

“We don’t do nerdy mixology. We don’t have a clarified margarita. They’re fads,” she said. ”We don’t really fuss with any of that pretentious flair.”

Along those lines, many of the classics are low on ingredients but high on execution. A negroni only has three ingredients (excluding the orange garnish), and drinks like an old fashion or Manhattan are also offerings where less is more.

“The spirit is the base and the most important part of the cocktail,” DiMauro said. “Everything is light and fresh and not overwhelmed by all of the mixers.”

While the so-called speakeasy drinks mentioned above are iconic and allow for the spirits to dance on your tastebuds, there is another drink that belongs among the classics despite being anything but understated.

“The Bloody Mary is probably the one exception because ours is over the top,” DiMauro said. “It has a jumbo shrimp, it’s in a huge goblet. When you see one moving through the room, heads start turning and all of a sudden the service bar starts cranking. People always have the same reaction. It’s like a salad in a glass.”

So whether it’s a bloody or a bourbon, a martini or a Manhattan, bartenders will be slinging these quintessential cocktails for another 60 years – at least.

Gemini Spray Foam Systems specializes in open and closed cell polyurethane spray foam. Gemini Spray Foam Systems was founded by Robert and Michael Gemignani of Louis & Sons Drywall and Insulation.

After much demand from their existing customers and in order to provide new customers a better choice, they formed Gemini Spray Foam Systems. Robert and Michael are twins and they incorporated their last names as inspiration for their new company. They felt a need to offer a clear alternative to their competitors by providing experience, service and dedication to the industry.

ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAL DIMICELI

on Display Coastal Culture

LONG BRANCH ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER CELEBRATES SURF CULTURE AND THE LIFEGUARDS WHO KEEP THE COAST SAFE

Chances are, you didn’t see anyone in a bathing suit this summer that looked anything like what was on display at the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center for its exhibit celebrating lifeguards and surf culture.

A wool swimsuit from the 1890s was featured along with antique surfboards, a beach chair from the turn of the 20th century and other artifacts and art pieces selected for the exhibit, which runs through Aug. 30th.

“This exhibit has been so much fun to curate,” arts director Maggie Fischer said. “Every aspect and detail (is) a nod to Long Branch’s love of the ocean.”

While surfing has a long history, it is a relatively young hobby in Long Branch, where its rise in popularity, which tracks back to the 1960s and continues today, aligns with the city’s emergence as a seaside gem.

“Surfing evolved from a niche activity into a beloved pastime and competitive sport,” Margaret Brown, the events coordinator for the center, said. “Both lifeguarding and surfing helped create the identity of our coastal community.”

In all, nearly a dozen artists have their work on display to complement the historical artifacts. There is also a "yearbook" wall, which features hundreds of photos from people in the community showing the history of life at the beach.

“The latest exhibit was a true collaborative effort, with lifeguards and surfers, past and present, sharing their stories and loaning items from their private collections,” Mayor John Pallone said.

SAHAR KARYKOUS

Your Idea, In Stone

THE STONE GALLERY PUTS THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON BIG PROJECTS

ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE

Driving a forklift in the dusty yard of a Long Branch masonry supply company, Anthony Damiano couldn’t really imagine where he is now, in the midst of a third renovation of his Broadway showroom, building relationships from here to Wisconsin to Turkey, and playing a role in seeing multimillion dollar homes rise up all over the Monmouth County coastline.

“I was a yard guy, a helper at a small, family business that started here back in the 1930s,” Damiano, owner of The Stone Gallery, said. In the early 1980s, he was working there when the Clayton Company purchased the business he was working for. Damiano had finished his associate's degree at Brookdale and was planning to enroll at the University of Arizona to finish his education and earn a business degree.

“But the Clayton Company just bought out the company I was working at, they offered me a managerial position to run the location that I was working in. I was like ‘Yeah, I’ll give it a shot,’ he said of the unexpected turn of events. I come from a working-class family. It was a calculated risk to not finish my education, but it panned out. I’m not going to say it was easy.”

Ultimately, after working his way up through the Clayton Company, Damiano wanted to get back to something with more of a “small-town feel.” In 1991 he opened his business, which began as a full-service masonry supply company but has evolved into its current iteration, focusing on high-end finish products for everything from kitchens and bathrooms to outdoor spaces and wine cellars.

The role he's in now, with help from Chrissy Ferrigno and Anthony Rescigno, is to take a customer's vision and bring it to life.

"I probably have 10,000 samples here. We start putting everything together like a puzzle. We start putting things together with proportional shapes for the right size rooms. It’s design-eye coordination. It’s shape, it’s color and it’s proportion. It looks like it’s flawlessly natural. You’re looking for something that isn’t forced."

Damiano hails both Ferrigno and Rescigno for their knowledge about the products they sell and also for their tact with clients. His wife, Frances, is also in the business. "I like to say that I make the mess in the front and she cleans it up in the back," he says of her role handling accounts.

Other than countertops, the team there doesn't handle installation but is heavily involved with bringing the style a client wants into their homes. It's something Damiano laughs about. He was never formally trained but sometimes gets asked by architects for his opinion as "the old professional."

While he recalls the start of the business as being difficult, there were lessons learned along the way, specifically in terms of how the business runs. But a lot of the key elements come from what he calls "innate experience." Damiano, Ferrigno and Rescigno are all personable, which certainly helps when it comes to engaging with a customer. But they also have something else.

"You have taste, but everyone has different taste," he said. "There were good lessons learned that came from the early days of the business, but creativity, you either have it or you don’t.”

They have it, and would love to put it to work for you.

Editor's note: Photos are not representations of work done by The Stone Gallery

“It’s shape, it’s color and it’s proportion. It looks like it’s flawlessly natural. You’re looking for something that isn’t forced.”

Full Renovation Experts

STYLE THAT SPARKLES

A

LOOK AT TIMELESS PIECES OF JEWELRY, AND HOW TO BE AN INFORMED BUYER

ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE

Trends are inevitable. Whether it is from friends, or influencers on social media, the conversation about what’s next or what’s now is always happening and is difficult to avoid.

However, there are some things in life that are immune to trends and rise to another level: items that are timeless.

Pieces of jewelry exist on this plane. They have the obvious value that comes with the quality of stones or metals that are used to create them, but also carry sentimental value that comes with how the piece is acquired.

“There are timeless collections that are passed down from generation to generation,” Cory Schifter of Casale Jewelers in Red Bank said.

Purchasing jewelry can be an intimidating experience; on top of the volume of information about precious metals and the grading of stones, there is also the price point, which can climb quite high.

“The jewelry business is so much different from anything else. It’s not like buying a TV, where you’re trying to find the best price for the same TV,” Schifter said. “Jewelry, there is so much difference in the quality of materials. There’s a way to bring down pricing, but there is also a way to bring down quality.”

Compounding the sticker price is also the reputation that comes with the industry, where in some places haggling can make buyers uncomfortable. Schifter’s team at Casale doesn’t haggle and does its best to make customers feel confident about the investment they’re making by being upfront from the start.

"THE JEWELRY BUSINESS IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING ELSE."

“A lot of people are cagey about budget,” Schifter said, noting that it’s an important tool for a salesperson to have at his or her disposal to best serve a client. “A Rolex is something that has never gone out of style. Their brand just has that look. You know a Rolex when you see it. They do a great job,” he said. But if a buyer has a budget of $1,000 dollars, a Rolex is going to be out of reach. If the salesperson knows the budget ahead of time, he or she won’t present a Rolex to a customer, removing a potentially messy variable.

“I’m not a fan of doing things that way. It leaves people feeling very uncomfortable,” Schifter said. “We have to always be cognizant of the customer’s needs. If someone tells me they have a 5K budget, that’s where I try to be. It’s a trust factor of knowing where you want to be.”

On top of fostering a business relationship that centers on transparent pricing, Casale also offers clients a buying experience that ranges from custom (like engagement rings) to classics.

“Studs, solitaires, tennis bracelets, stuff like that never goes out of style and doesn’t age,” Schifter said of the diamond pieces. “It’s a go-to when someone doesn't have an exact idea of what they want. You could wear it every day. Could dress it up or down.”

One popular arrangement that Schifter is seeing more and more of is what he called “stacking,” where a client will lean into the versatility of a diamond tennis bracelet and stack it on their wrist with casual items for a more playful look, or elevate it with more refined pieces.

So whether it’s gifting a bracelet or stud earrings, or finding a watch that works best for your budget and style, there is one piece of advice that is universal.

“Find somebody local who really does care about their clients and cares about the community,” Schifter said. “There are people out there who really care for you and want to build customer relationships that way.”

The It List

ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE

MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR EVERY MAN’S WARDROBE

“"A nice, black tux might be a little more of an investment, but it is a classic look that you can always have.”

Style doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with a few versatile staples, men can establish the building blocks for a look that can be dressed up or down to fit most occasions.

If just the idea of getting started is too much to tackle, don’t worry. We talked to Sofia Duru, whose family owns and operates Duru Luxury Clothing in Shrewsbury, for some tips on classic pieces that will always be in style, and how to get a fit that is just right for you.

TOPS

A good, classic navy blue sportscoat is a great starting point, Duru said. She also recommends something “of a different texture that you can interchange with other pieces and can be both formal and informal.”

CONTINUED >

BOTTOMS

“Men think of jeans as an afterthought. But a good-quality piece of denim that has a little stretch, that goes a long way,” Duru said. In addition to a darker shade of denim, Duru also recommends a charcoal wool pant for fall nights out.

FEET

In the post-pandemic world, athleisure shoes have proven to have staying power. “A formal sneaker. Very plain but modern and put together,” was how Duru described the simple low-top with a light-colored sole. Loafers have lost some of their footing, but she recommends finding a quality cobbler or leather specialist to provide the upkeep for a dress shoe like a loafer or wingtip.

FORMAL

“A nice, black tux might be a little more of an investment, but it is a classic look that you can always have,” Duru said.

FIT

You can have all of the items above in your closet, but Duru is a big proponent of getting the items tailored to fit each individual. “If you come into our store, it only takes one visit to get measured. We keep it on file and you won’t have to get measured again,” Duru said, mentioning that they have seven tailors in their Shrewsbury shop.

Duru Luxury Clothing

Is a third-generation business focused on men's clothing and tailoring that blends old-world technique with today's styles. You can find them on Instagram @duruluxuryclothing.

events

ALL

SEPTEMBER, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

Hispanic Heritage

Long Branch Arts Center | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The importance of family and community in Hispanic culture is expressed through art in this exhibition that highlights the bonds that unite individuals and generations.

SEPTEMBER 5TH - 29TH

The Other American

NJ Rep

After tangling over politics with an American tourist, a promising art student spirals into a mental breakdown that derails his life. Thirty years later he discovers why: The tourist was a CIA operative, and the student an unwitting participant in one of the darkest chapters of the Cold War. For ticket info, visit www.njrep.org

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Monmouth University football

Kessler Stadium | 1:00 PM

The Hawks play their 2024 season-opener against Lafayette for Local Summer Kickoff & Youth Football Day. Two-time all-conference Offensive Player of the Year Jaden Shirden is now breaking tackles with the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. Catch a game to see if there's more NFL talent suiting up for the Hawks. For ticket info, visit www.monmouthhawks.com.

SEPTEMBER 18TH

Ageless Affairs Fall Rejuvenation Event

107 Monmouth Road, Suite 102 Long Branch NJ 07740 | 4:00 PM

Join us for a rejuvenating experience at Ageless Affairs on September 18th to indulge in exclusive promotions, education, raffles, and more!

SEPTEMBER 19TH

Candlelight: A tribute to Taylor Swift

The Whitechapel Projects

Swifties are not going to want to miss this night. You may have seen "Candlelight concerts" popping up on your social feeds, and now there's one in your backyard. Whitechapel Projects is hosting the Taylor Swift-themed event, which brings "the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations," organizers say. For tickets, visit: https://feverup.com/m/181373

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Picasso: Rebel in Paris

Pollak Theater | 7:30 PM

From MCA: Fifty years after his passing, we embark on a journey through Pablo Picasso’s Paris, amidst sunshine and shadow, convictions and contradictions, from a young, impoverished foreigner to one of the most important icons of the 20th century. For ticket info, visit www.monmouth.edu/mca

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