PAWS FOR BOOKS THERAPY DOGS AT THE SPRING LAKE LIBRARY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS THE MHS ESPORTS TEAM
FEATURES
15 Paws for Books
At Sea Girt Library, therapy dogs enrich the community.
19 Planting the Future
Spring Lake’s Canopy 2050 initiative is ensuring that the borough’s tree-lined streets and shaded neighborhoods thrive for generations to come.
22
Where Everyone Belongs
On the Manasquan High School Esports team, students connect and build confidence that extends far beyond the screen.
IN THIS ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Spring, Finally
8 HOME FRONT Made for the Shade
10 LIVING SPACES
Where the Shore Meets the Kitchen
12 LIFE OUTDOORS Hooked on Tradition
26 Q&A
Small Stage, Big Heart
30 BOOK NOOK Rooted in Reading
32 PHOTO OP Pedal On
COVER
Scott McMurray stands with children from the Spring Lake community.
Photograph by Michelle Wolfe
...Your Connection to the Jersey Shore
Denise Dreyer, REALTOR® Associate
Luxury real estate requires more than market knowledge—it requires perspective, strategy, and trusted guidance. Denise Dreyer of Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty has helped clients navigate one of life’s most significant milestones with confidence.
A consistent Company Top Producer and ranked #3 Realtor in New Jersey by 2025 RealTrends Verified, Denise is known for her thoughtful approach, strategic marketing, and ability to deliver exceptional results.
As a longtime Sea Girt resident, Denise understands the unique lifestyle and nuances of the Shore’s most coveted communities.
If you are considering buying or selling a luxury home along the Jersey Shore, Denise Dreyer offers the experience, insight, and results you deserve.
SPRING, FINALLY
wWHAT A WINTER it has been. Snow before Christmas and flurries well into March this season tested everyone’s patience. But a tough winter has a way of making spring feel that much better.
Living at the Jersey Shore, we spend a lot of the year looking ahead to summer. That’s understandable, but it can mean we breeze right past spring without giving it much thought. This year, with the winter we’ve just come through, it seems worth slowing down a little.
Take the bike ride. Walk the boardwalk. Wash the car in the driveway. Stroll around the lake. These are simple things, but they’re the kind that make a spring afternoon worth remembering.
This issue has a good mix of stories to go along with the season. We have a feature on the Therapy Dogs at the Sea Girt Library, a look at Canopy 2050, Spring Lake’s initiative to replace canopy trees throughout town along with tips on maintaining your awnings as the weather warms up, and coverage of the annual Kids’ Trout Fishing Contest.
This month also marks our third anniversary. We are genuinely grateful for the support this community has shown us. To our sponsors, thank you for making this magazine possible. To our writers and photographers, your work is what fills these pages. And to our readers, your continued enthusiasm means more than we can say. Three years in, and we feel very fortunate that Spring Lake Magazine has found such a welcome place here.
We hope you enjoy this issue and the season.
Warm wishes,
Brynn Coleman Publisher springlakemagazine.com
Spring Lake MAGAZINE
Publisher and Editor
Brynn Coleman
Brynn.Coleman@wainscotmedia.com
Lead Writer and Editorial Coordinator
Danielle Kutcher
Editorial Intern
Kylie Aprilante
Writers
Lisa Luke
Maria O’Donnell
Brittany Rizzolo Jay Russell
Photographers
Christina Lilly
Michelle Wolfe
Michael Scotto
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher
Thomas Flannery
Regional Publisher
Jodi Bruker
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Spring Lake magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Spring Lake and Sea Girt, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE
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Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them Spring Lake Magazine sent you!
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Wills, Trusts & Estates: Planning and Administration
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In Spring Lake and Sea Girt, seasonal awning care is an essential springtime ritual.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
THERE IS SOMETHING unmistakably “Jersey Shore” about a well-kept awning. Striped canvas stretched over a sun-drenched porch, a retractable shade rolled out over a back deck as the afternoon heat climbs. Awnings are part of the look, the feel, and the everyday rhythm of life in Spring Lake and Sea Girt. They are also an investment, and like most things at the shore, they need a little seasonal attention to stay in good shape.
Here is what every homeowner should know about awning care heading into the season.
TIMING YOUR REINSTALL
Late April to early May is the sweet spot for putting awnings back
up along the Jersey Shore. You want the worst of the late-season nor’easters behind you, but you also want to be set up well before Memorial Day weekend when shore life shifts into full gear.
One thing local pros will tell you: Do not wait until the last minute. According to Kerry McBride from McBride Awning Company, “For our customers who live here yearround, it’s best to book as early in the spring as possible. Most seasonal customers want their awnings up close to Memorial Day or early June. That way, you can avoid delays in installation.”
Salt air and coastal humidity mean shore awnings work harder than those even a few miles inland. Getting them up early and
properly sets the tone for the whole season.
STARTING THE SEASON CLEAN
Before anything else, give your awnings a thorough inspection. Look for mildew, small tears, fraying edges, or worn stitching that may have developed during storage. Catching issues now is far easier than dealing with them in mid-summer.
For canvas awnings, a mild soap and water solution with a soft bristle brush is your best tool. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before retracting. If mildew is present, a diluted white vinegar solution can lift it without damaging the fabric. Avoid bleach on colored or striped canvas and never use a pressure washer; it breaks down the fabric weave and strips waterproofing.
For metal or aluminum awnings, check for rust spots or chipped paint and touch up with a rust-inhibiting paint before the season gets going.
“The best way to avoid problems in the spring is to examine your awnings in the fall, just before taking them down. That way, if there is anything that needs repair or maintenance, your local awning company can do the necessary repairs over the winter and have them ready for the spring,” says McBride.
KEEPING THEM IN SHAPE ALL SUMMER
A little ongoing attention goes a long way. After any significant storm or wind event, do a quick visual check. Keep awnings retracted during heavy, prolonged rain as water pooling on canvas stretches and weakens the fabric over time. Periodically rinse with a garden hose to clear salt residue, which builds faster at the shore than almost anywhere else.
Check your hardware throughout the season. Tighten loose brackets and bolts and lubricate the moving parts on retractable awnings to keep
the mechanism running smoothly. A small tear patched now saves a costly replacement later.
STORM SEASON: DON’T WAIT
The Jersey Shore knows about storms. Nor’easters, tropical systems, and summer squalls with sudden wind gusts are par for the course, and awnings are vulnerable.
For retractable awnings, the rule is simple: Retract before any storm, without exception. Even a moderate gust can bend a frame or tear fabric beyond repair. As McBride points out, “Most models are equipped to handle winds up to 35 mph. Anything higher than that, definitely retract. I usually recommend customers to have their awnings retracted when they’re not at home, because winds can start gusting at a moment’s notice. If it looks like we’re in store for a hurricane, that’s enough time to retract and secure most awnings. For stationary deck awnings, the fabric needs to be removed, which your local awning company can help with.”
Well-kept awnings do more than shade a porch. They are part of what makes Spring Lake and Sea Girt so beautiful. A little care at the start of the season, and consistent attention throughout the summer, keeps them looking great and lasting for years.
WHERE THE SHORE MEETS THE Kitchen
Design Line Kitchens brings modern coastal living to a Jersey Shore beach house, with custom cabinetry crafted to let the ocean take center stage.
BY BRITTANY RIZZOLO
THERE IS A PARTICULAR challenge in designing a kitchen that sits steps from the Atlantic. The view is always competing. The salt air is always present. The family gathering around the island on any given summer weekend is, let’s be honest, probably still sandy. When I took on this coastal New Jersey project, I knew from the start that my job was one of restraint, to step back and let the architecture do the talking.
DESIGN FOR THE BEACH
To me, the Jersey Shore is airy and inviting, and I wanted every material choice to reflect that feeling. I pulled the palette toward whites and light grays and selected modified shaker doors with a subtle beveled edge. That detail gives the space a modern sensibility without sacrificing the warmth a beach house needs to feel like home. What I was going for was a
sophisticated coastal look: a kitchen that works equally well for a quiet weeknight dinner and a full summer crowd spilling in from the beach.
Achieving that level of precision meant building custom cabinetry from the ground up. With off-theshelf solutions, I would have been forced to use fillers to bridge the gaps left by standard sizing, and nothing undermines a clean design faster. By building every cabinet to the exact dimensions of the space, I was able to create a seamless run of storage with no wasted room. That flexibility was especially critical at the island,
where I incorporated uniquely shaped cabinetry that simply would not have been possible with prefabricated options.
Durability was equally nonnegotiable on this project. I specified MDF painted doors for their resistance to salt air, a material decision that protects the investment long term without compromising the polished look. The light finish palette also served a second purpose beyond aesthetics: It keeps the eye moving freely through the space rather than locking onto any single area, so the view outside the window always wins.
If the palette is the quiet backbone of this design, the hood is its undisputed focal point, and that was entirely intentional. I positioned the custom 54-inch hood with its stainless baffle independently between two windows, freeing it completely from the cabinet line so it could stand on its own. It really needed its own moment. That single decision elevated the entire room, transforming a functional necessity into a sculptural statement, and it is what separates this kitchen from just another nice space with a view.
Brittany Rizzolo is a designer with Design Line Kitchens in Sea Girt. Design Line Kitchens has been a fixture for custom Jersey Shore kitchen and bath renovations since 1976.
Hooked on TRADITION
The Shark River Surf Anglers’ Kids’ Trout Contest returns to Spring Lake for another beloved opening day.
BY JAY RUSSELL
WHEN THE FIRST warm days of April arrive, young anglers from across the Jersey Shore know exactly where to be. Spring Lake hosts one of the region’s most cherished springtime traditions: the Shark River Surf Anglers’ 2026 Kids’ Trout Contest.
Held on opening day of New Jersey’s trout season, this community event draws kids and families from around the area, all united by the timeless thrill of a fishing line hitting the water. Designed exclusively for children ages 15 and under, the contest has grown into a beloved destination event that attracts young anglers far and wide,
and for good reason.
This year’s contest takes place on Saturday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Spring Lake, but the fun actually kicks off two days earlier. On Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m., all kids are invited to take part in a bonus stocking event. Meet by Mercer Avenue to help release trout directly into the lake. It’s a rare and exciting behind-the-scenes experience that gets everyone fired up for contest day.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
And when it comes to what’s swimming in that water, the Shark River Surf Anglers don’t hold back.
With the generous support of local businesses and independent sponsors, approximately 700 trophysized rainbow, golden, tiger, brown and brook trout are stocked into Spring Lake, making for some truly spectacular fishing.
On contest day, the energy along the water is electric. Kids arrive with rods in hand, cheered on by families lining the banks. Those who catch a trout should bring it to the big white tent at Mercer Avenue to weigh in and register it. Every child who weighs in a catch takes home a rod and reel combo, and even those who don’t land a fish will still go home with a goody bag packed with fishing tackle. Truly, everyone goes home a winner.
For those with their eyes on the top, the grand prize is something to get excited about. The price is an amazing trophy, a custom rod and reel, a charter fishing trip, and assorted tackle, all awarded to the child who lands the largest trout of the day. Additionally, first, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for the three heaviest trout in four age divisions: 5 and under, 6 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 years old. Prizes will be
awarded at the club’s tent at 2 p.m., and winners must be present to claim them.
The contest’s roots run deep for many families along the Shore. Greg Hueth, chairman of the SRSA Children’s Trout Tournament, knows that better than anyone.
“I have been fishing this tournament since I was 6 years old with my father and brothers,” he says. “It has been a family tradition, and it’s great to share my love of the sport with other families. I cannot tell you how many kids have started fishing at this contest on opening day of trout season. Many of them now bring their kids to the event to keep the tradition going. The town, merchants, and organizations like the Spring Lake Five Mile Run fully support the event and help make it a huge success.”
The tent at Mercer Avenue is the place to stop by throughout the day for free food and bait, fishing guidance, or to make a donation to support future events. Those interested in donating can also call Greg Hueth directly at 732-492-6936.
For more information, follow the SRSA Kids Trout Contest on Facebook, Shark River Surf Anglers on Instagram, or visit sharkriversurfanglers.com.
Jay Russell is a lifelong fisherman who can be found casting a line along the coast almost every evening.
Greg Heuth (middle) with Tim McMahon and Irwin Weinerman from Surf Kings Fishing Club in Sea Girt at the 2025 contest.
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Paws
for Books
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
SSINCE 2016, therapy dogs have been a cherished and consistent presence at the Sea Girt Library, offering comfort, encouragement, and connection to children and families. The program began shortly after Library Director Lisa Luke and staff member JoAnn Johnson joined the library.
“Back in 2016, when JoAnn and I had just started working at the library, we had heard how therapy dogs were a great way to encourage early literacy in children,” Luke explains. “We were hooked at the thought of dogs and reading together; two of our favorite things.”
From the outset, the goal extended beyond literacy.
“Not only did we hope that therapy dogs would attract more families to our library, but we hoped this program would increase local awareness of the great programs we offer at Sea Girt Library,” Luke says.
Nearly a decade later, the program continues, with dogs visiting on the third Thursday of every month.
FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
The Sea Girt Library partners with The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose therapy dogs and handlers complete formal training and certification.
“Our therapy dogs are members of Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. The dogs and their owners go through training through B&B,” Luke says.
Judy Karrberg, who has volunteered with Bright and Beautiful since approximately 2012, described the longstanding collaboration with appreciation: “My husband and I have been involved with The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. since
approximately 2012,” she says. The Karrbergs began visiting the Sea Girt Library a few years later, and the relationship quickly became meaningful. Today, they bring three Smooth Collies and one Rough Collie to visits at the library.
Luke emphasizes the importance of consistency and teamwork among the therapy dog group. “The dogs are part of a working group, and they all know each other. This is important as the dogs must be used to each other on working visits,” she says. “They typically arrive 15 minutes before their visit officially starts so that the dogs can greet each other and get settled in our children’s room.”
Because the same handlers
have participated for years, the partnership has grown beyond professionalism into friendship.
“We have been working with the same dog owners for so long, we’ve developed a strong friendship with them. Their visits are always a highlight!” Luke says. As a gesture of appreciation, the library even created custom “Sea Girt Library Dog Librarian” bandanas for the dogs several years ago.
A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
On visit days, the Children’s Room transforms into a warm, interactive literacy space. They set out books they think will be fun for children to read to the dogs, and then visitors are welcomed. Most people
circle the room to meet all the dogs, then children may choose dogs to read to. Some people spend all their time petting these calm and friendly dogs, which can be the best part.
The informal structure allows children to engage at their own pace, whether by reading aloud or simply enjoying the dogs’ calming presence. There are all age ranges of visitors, who can enjoy a room full of gentle dogs.
Parents frequently report that the program’s impact extends beyond the
library walls.
“We have been told by parents that children will go home and read to their stuffed animals, and that makes us so happy to hear,” Luke says.
Such feedback reflects how therapy dogs help build confidence and foster positive reading habits.
Karrberg echoed the sentiment, describing the Sea Girt Library as “extraordinary in so many ways” and praised the staff as warm and welcoming to the visitors, guests, and therapy dogs and their handlers.
She added that their visits “remain a highlight of our therapy dog experiences, without fail.”
LASTING IMPACT
The continued success of the therapy dog program demonstrates the power of thoughtful community partnership. What began as an effort to promote early literacy has evolved into a beloved tradition that strengthens connection, confidence, and joy within the Sea Girt community.
Through collaboration with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., and the dedication of library staff and volunteers, the Sea Girt Library has created an environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and inspired. Nearly 10 years later, the therapy dogs remain not just visitors, but valued members of the library family, bringing a fun and festive time with a lot of love for all.
Visit golden-dogs.org to learn more about Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. and the Sea Girt Library for information on this and other programs at seagirtlibrary.com.
Danielle Kutcher is a retired elementary teacher and mom of three. She loves to read, walk on the beach, and go on adventures with her family.
Planting for the Future
Spring Lake’s Canopy 2050 initiative is ensuring that the borough’s tree-lined streets and shaded neighborhoods thrive for generations to come.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
TTHE BEAUTIFUL TREES of Spring Lake play an important role in the health and character of the community. Through a long-term initiative known as “Canopy 2050,” the borough is working to preserve and expand Spring Lake’s trees so that future generations can enjoy the same wonderful landscape that is valued today. The program is supported by the Spring Lake Shade Tree Committee, led by Chairman Scott McMurray.
“It’s barely been a year since the Spring Lake Shade Tree Committee launched our Canopy 2050 Plant it Forward campaign to raise public awareness of the challenges facing our beloved shade tree canopy and to ask for public support,” McMurray explains.
The initiative encourages residents to plant shade trees between curbs and sidewalks and invites those who wish to support the effort to contribute through tax-exempt financial donations.
McMurray, along with Vice Chair Deirdre King and Spring Lake councilwoman and liaison to the shade tree committee Syd Whalley, help lead the planning and maintenance of the borough’s shade trees. Working with volunteers, borough officials, and the Department of Public Works, they are dedicated to planting and maintaining shade trees throughout the borough’s parks, streets, and public spaces. They all work hard
Scott McMurray, chairman of the Spring Lake Shade Tree Committee, stands with children from the community, who are the reason behind the project.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELLE WOLFE.
to ensure that Spring Lake’s trees continue to provide environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits for the community.
“The beauty of a small town like Spring Lake is that we all know each other and have worked closely together for the past two decades to care for the town’s shade trees. Canopy 2050 ensures we stay focused on the big picture and our goals for the next 25 years,” says Whalley.
TREES MATTER
While trees contribute to the town’s aesthetic charm, their value goes far beyond appearance. Healthy shade trees help cool neighborhoods during hot summer months, improve air quality, and reduce noise levels in residential areas. Their roots stabilize soil and help manage stormwater runoff, an especially important function in coastal communities. Trees also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, helping maintain ecological balance.
Studies across the country have also shown that well-maintained street trees can increase property values and enhance walkability, encouraging residents and visitors alike to spend more time outdoors. In a place like Spring Lake, where strolling along shady streets, biking to the beach, or walking around the lake are enjoyed
daily, trees are a defining feature of the town’s quality of life. Recognizing these benefits, the borough has taken a proactive approach to protecting its canopy.
THE VISION
Canopy 2050 is a long-range vision focused on ensuring Spring Lake’s tree canopy remains strong and diverse well into the future. Like many communities across the United States, Spring Lake faces challenges related to aging trees, storms, and invasive pests that can weaken or destroy entire species. Without careful planning, these factors can gradually reduce the number of trees lining local streets.
The goal of Canopy 2050 is simple but ambitious. “Canopy 2050 is really
about investing in the future of Spring Lake’s tree canopy,” King says. By gradually introducing new trees while managing older ones, the borough hopes to ensure that Spring Lake’s streets remain shaded and beautiful for decades to come.
An important part of this effort involves planting the right trees in the right places. Different species thrive in different conditions, and selecting a diverse range of trees helps reduce the risk of disease or pest outbreaks that could affect large portions of the canopy at once. A diverse urban forest is also more resilient to changing climate conditions.
PRESERVING SPRING LAKE’S CHARACTER
Spring Lake’s identity has always been closely tied to its natural surroundings. From the shady paths that circle the lake to the quiet residential streets framed by mature trees, the borough’s landscape reflects more than a century of careful preservation.
Canopy 2050 recognizes that maintaining this environment requires ongoing attention and planning. Trees, like any living part of the landscape, age and eventually need to be replaced. Without a longterm strategy, communities may lose the canopies that are so vital to them. Instead, Spring Lake is taking a proactive approach by planting new
trees today that will grow into the towering shade trees of tomorrow.
As the name suggests, Canopy 2050 is about thinking far into the future. Many of the trees planted today will not reach their full size for decades. The decisions made now will shape the look and feel of Spring Lake well into the middle of the century. For residents walking along tree-lined streets today, it may be easy to take that canopy for granted. Yet every tree represents years of growth, care, and planning.
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
One of the unique aspects of Spring Lake’s tree program is the strong role played by volunteers and residents. The Shade Tree Committee is made up of local volunteers who are passionate about maintaining the borough’s natural beauty. Their work includes planning tree plantings, monitoring tree health, and advising maintenance and removal when necessary.
Residents can also play a role in the program. Through the borough’s street tree initiative, homeowners may request a tree to be planted in the right-of-way area near their property. In many cases, the borough provides and plants the tree at no cost, using funds generated through permits, grants, and other municipal resources. In addition, the program also offers commemorative trees that families may purchase and have planted in honor of a loved one. These special
plantings create lasting tributes while contributing to the borough’s long-term canopy.
Once planted, residents share responsibility for caring for the tree, particularly during its early years when watering and proper maintenance are critical to its survival. This partnership
between the borough and residents helps ensure that newly planted trees grow strong and healthy.
In the end, the initiative is about more than planting trees. The project strives to be all-inclusive, involving all community members, and even the local elementary school.
“Teachers have embraced it in the classroom, and students are learning firsthand how caring for trees helps preserve the beauty of our town. It’s been wonderful to see that excitement grow,” King says.
For McMurray and the committee, the work is only beginning. “One year is a good start, but it’s just a start,” he says. “This is a multi-year, multi-generational effort.” He often points to an old saying that captures the spirit of the project: “A society grows great when elders plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
To learn more about Canopy 2050, visit springlakeboro.org/boards/tree.
Where Everyone Belongs
On the Manasquan High School Esports team, students connect and build confidence that extends far beyond the screen.
BY DANIELLE KUTCHER
WWALK
INTO THE Esports Arena at Manasquan High School during any lunch period, and you will likely find students in conversations about gaming strategy, laughing with teammates, and working together toward a shared goal. For many students, this space has become a judgmentfree place where everyone belongs. The environment is intentionally welcoming, offering a space where students can practice games and connect with peers who share their interests.
Through competitive gaming, students on the Manasquan High School Esports team are building friendships and developing leadership skills. The program has become a model for inclusion, demonstrating how shared interests can bridge differences and foster genuine connections.
INCLUSIVE GAMING
Esports offers a unique platform for inclusion because it removes many of the physical barriers often present in traditional athletics.
“Because the league offers such a wide range of games and experiences, there truly is something that sparks interest
for every student,” explains Esports Team Faculty Advisor Amy Edwards. “That variety makes it easier for students of all abilities and backgrounds to find a place where they feel comfortable participating.”
Esports competitions take place online, with students logging into a shared server to compete in live matches against teams from other schools. Each player assumes a role within the game, working together in real time. They also compete across all three seasons of the Garden State Esports schedule. Each week, students meet in the school’s Esports Arena to complete asynchronous time trials in the league’s featured game, with their results logged on a statewide leaderboard that tracks progress throughout the season. The competition builds toward the GSE State Championships, where teams from across New Jersey gather to compete in person. Manasquan students have consistently performed at a high level, making their mark among the state’s top competitors.
The Esports program also participates in the Unified League of Garden State Esports (GSE), which brings together
Left: Manasquan High School Esports students, including team president Jack Porcello (left), joined competitors from across New Jersey at a Garden State Esports event.
neurotypical students and students with special needs to compete and collaborate as teammates. The program intentionally has shared gameplay, since gaming provides a natural environment for interaction, encouragement, and support.
During one of the weekly Peer Leadership classes, the Unified students come to the Esports Arena to compete in their weekly time trials. This period provides natural opportunities for students to interact with their peers in a supportive environment, where strategy discussions and friendly competition quickly shift from winning to a sense of belonging. The program has earned high praise from Dr. Kukoda, MHS principal.
“Manasquan High School’s Esports team has done an outstanding job using their shared interest in gaming to build meaningful connections with our Unified students,” Kukoda says. “Their willingness to volunteer their time and create an inclusive environment speaks to the character
of our students and the strong sense of community we value at Manasquan.”
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
For many participants, Esports is a way to belong.
“High school can be a scary, intimidating place,” Edwards reflects. “For some students, the Esports team is the first organized team activity they’ve ever been part of. When they realize they belong to a team and their contributions matter, you can really see their confidence grow.”
Edwards and her students cultivate an inclusive culture by welcoming everyone. “We know their names, we ask about their interests, and we help them make connections with other students who share those interests,” she says.
Junior Matthew Kutcher says, “When you walk into the Esports Arena, everyone is there because they love the same thing. It’s a place where we feel comfortable being ourselves.”
MORE THAN A GAME
The Esports program provides students with valuable life skills that extend far beyond gaming. Students develop leadership abilities as team captains, mentors, and event organizers. Others explore behind-the-scenes roles such as shoutcasting, production, and tournament coordination, all experiences that mirror careers in broadcasting and digital media.
“Esports has reinforced the idea that learning can happen anywhere,” Edwards says. “When educators meet students where their interests are, incredible growth can happen.”
For some students, these experiences have even opened doors to college scholarships and internships, showing that their passion for gaming can translate into meaningful opportunities.
Perhaps the most powerful impact of the Esports program is the sense of belonging it creates. Edwards recalls one moment that perfectly captured the program’s influence. During a Community Gaming Night, an eighth-grade student who had come to visit the high school left the event with a newfound sense of excitement about the future.
“He turned to his family and said, ‘I found my people,’” Edwards says.
Moments like these illustrate why Esports has become such an important part of the MHS community.
In a world where students often struggle to find their place, the Esports Arena offers a space where everyone is welcome. The program demonstrates that the strongest teams are built not just on skill, but on connection.
In many ways, this connection reflects the heart of the Esports program itself, where every student has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and be part of the team.
Esports Team Faculty Advisor Amy Edwards, along with Vice President Chris Rechner and President Jack Porcello, help lead the school’s growing competitive gaming program.
Small Stage, Big Heart
Wives, lovers, tenors, and chaos; the South Street Players bring Ken Ludwig’s hilarious “A Comedy of Tenors” to Wesley Hall this May.
BY MARIA O’DONNELL
INTERVIEW WITH BILL KING AND MELANIE TAYLOR
THE SOUTH STREET Players (SSP) have been a beloved fixture of Spring Lake’s arts community since 1983. Board President Bill King, who joined in 1993 with a background at The New Yorker and Conde Nast, leads the company alongside board member and fellow director Melanie Taylor, a Drama teacher at Raritan High School.
Since 2010, SSP has called Wesley Hall home, a historic venue in the heart of Spring Lake, staging two productions a year with auditions always open to the public. Each fall,
Bill and Melanie also co-produce the Tri-State Theater Festival there, drawing over 300 play submissions from playwrights around the world. We sat down with directors Bill King and Melanie Taylor to learn what drives their passion for the stage.
A PASSION FOR THE STAGE
Ask Bill about his favorite play, and he doesn’t hesitate: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
“I love it for its beautiful language and its whimsical take on the origins
of love,” he says. But when it comes to his proudest moment at SSP, he points to a production closer to home. “One of my favorites was ‘Picnic’ by William Inge, which we did in 2015. It was one of those rare productions that came together on every level. The set, the lighting, the cast, and performance all nearly reached perfection.”
Melanie shares that same deep connection to the work she’s done at Wesley Hall. Having directed for SSP since the very first Tri-State Festival, she finds it nearly impossible to single out a favorite.
“I love everything I have done here,” she says. Fresh off closing “I Hate Hamlet” just two weeks ago, that show is at the top of her list for now, though she’s quick to admit the list is long.
THIS SPRING: “A COMEDY OF TENORS”
This May, Bill is directing “A Comedy of Tenors,” Ken Ludwig’s farcical sequel to “Lend Me a Tenor,” a play Bill directed for SSP back in 2018.
“I had such fun with the original,
SHOW DETAILS
“A Comedy of Tenors,” directed by Bill King Venue: Wesley Hall, Spring Lake
Dates and Times: May 1, 2, 8, 9 at 8 p.m. | May 3 and 10, Matinees at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Adults: $20
Students and Seniors: $15
Group rates available for parties of eight or more
Contact: southstreetpaypal@gmail.com
Auditions are open to the public. Follow SSP on social media for announcements.
and the audiences loved the energy,” he recalls. “I wanted to bring that same spirit back and build an equally dynamic cast for the sequel.”
The humor is sharp, the situations delightfully absurd, and the one-liners are plentiful. Bill’s favorite line captures the spirit perfectly: “And now I must make a decision. The wife or the lover. Of course, it is someone else’s wife, but to an Italian man, that is a technicality.”
Melanie is equally charmed by the comic logic of Tito’s furious wife,
Maria, who storms off declaring, “I’m finished with him! I will go to Assisi and become a nun. But first I will go to Chanel and spend his money.”
“That line gets me every time,” Melanie says.
ROOTED IN SPRING LAKE
For Bill, the connection to Spring Lake runs deeper than just a venue. “Spring Lake is a town that has always had my heart,” he says. “Its beauty and its energy have always personified the small-town joy of coastal life in America.”
That spirit, the warmth, the beauty, and the sense of community that makes Spring Lake so special, is exactly what you’ll find at Wesley Hall this May. Whether you’re a longtime SSP devotee or stepping through those doors for the very first time, “A Comedy of Tenors” promises an evening of pure delight. Spring Lake is lucky to have Bill and Melanie.
Maria O’Donnell is a food, wine, and events writer who has contributed to many popular publications over the last 15 years. She lives in Spring Lake with her husband Brendan and their two children, Annabelle and Bubba.
Rooted in Reading
Celebrate Earth Day with our curated collection of nature-inspired titles for every age and interest.
BY LISA LUKE
AS EARTH DAY approaches, it is the perfect time to celebrate the natural world through stories that inspire curiosity, appreciation, and care for our planet. Lisa Luke, Library Director at the Sea Girt Library, has put together a thoughtful selection of books for readers of all ages. From beautifully illustrated children’s titles that introduce young readers to oceans and ecosystems, to adult novels and nonfiction that explore nature and the environment, these selections offer meaningful ways to see the beauty of our world.
FOR CHILDREN
ATLAS OF OCEAN ADVENTURES
by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Lucy Letherland (ages 7 to 12)
This is a large, illustrated children’s nonfiction book written by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Lucy Letherland. An illustrated journey through the world’s oceans, exploring marine animals, habitats, and underwater ecosystems. Each section focuses on one of the five major oceans—Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic—and highlights the fascinating creatures there.
THE EARTH BOOK by Todd Parr (ages 3 to 7)
This is a colorful children’s book that teaches simple ways people can help protect the planet. Using bright illustrations and easy-to-read sentences, the book explains that everyone—even kids— can take small actions that make a big difference for Earth.
THE WONDERFUL HAPPENS
by Cynthia Rylant (ages 3 to 7)
This book celebrates the wonderful acts of nature we see every day, from pies and cats and peaches to each individual child. A lovely, celebratory book.
FOR ADULTS
ATMOSPHERE
by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Fiction)
This is a character-driven novel set in the world of NASA and the early U.S. space shuttle program. The protagonist is one of the first women to become an astronaut trainee, and the sections where the astronauts look back at earth are beautiful.
THE BREATH OF THE GODS
by Simon Winchester (Nonfiction)
This tells the history of understanding of the global impact of wind and our increasing understanding of it—how wind affected cultures, ideas, language, art, and travel.
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (Fiction)
This tells the story of a young woman who learns to overcome her painful past and open her heart to love and forgiveness through the symbolic meanings of flowers.
Lisa Luke, a Sea Girt resident, is the Director of Sea Girt Library, who loves reading and the beach, but not necessarily in that order.
Photo by Amy Nolan
Megan Schell Schnurr
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