Spring Lake May 2026

CHEERS TO 250 YEARS! CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S MILESTONE BIRTHDAY BEHIND THE DESIGN OF THE SPRING LAKE FIVE T-SHIRT

Spring Lake Building Community And Character

ALSO SERVING SEA GIRT

Denise Dreyer

REALTOR® Associate GRI, ABR, SRS, SRES

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty | Sea Girt

Company Top Producer 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024

2024 Top Producing Agent in Sea Girt*

NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Platinum Sales Award ®

Named #3 in NJ by RealTrends Verified

*MOREMLS Sea Girt Closed Sales: All Categories 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024

2639 River Road - Wall, NJ

Construction is officially underway at 2639 River Road allowing you to experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature in this stunning new construction along the picturesque shores of the Manasquan River. Situated on a 90 x 220 lot will offer over 5,700 sq ft. feet of living space with breathtaking water views, unparalleled tranquility and the ultimate in coastal living. Entertain in style with an open floor plan offering 5/6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, multiple gathering spaces, and unsurpassed interior and exterior amenities. This thoughtfully designed home boasts open-concept living spaces filled with natural light, high ceilings and premium finishes. An attached two-car garage, elevator, saltwater heated in-ground pool and spa are just a few of the amenities offered. A fabulous location that provides access to both tranquil waters and the open sea, giving you the best of both worlds. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of paradise on the Manasquan River.

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The Skea Team Represented the Seller in this Sale.

HERE COMES THE SUN

tTHERE IS SOMETHING about finally emerging after months of gray that makes you feel genuinely alive again. The world looks a little brighter, a little more hopeful, and here at the Jersey Shore, the energy is unmistakable.

I felt it firsthand when I stopped into the Spring Lake Historical Society recently to do some photo research. It was buzzing with activity and visitors.

President Barbara Kolarsick-Harrigan and the staff are doing extraordinary work documenting and preserving this town’s history, and it shows. It is quite astonishing that a town of this size has such a beautifully curated museum.

Next month, the Historical Society hosts its beloved annual House Tour

on June 4, opening the doors to some of Spring Lake’s most storied homes. Details are inside.

This May, the start of summer coincides with the beginning of one of the country’s greatest celebrations: the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Sea Girt kicks off the local festivities on May 30, and the excitement is building. To mark the occasion, we look back at the history of our own corner of the Shore in Vinnie Dicks’ fascinating story of the evolution of our towns.

On our cover this month, we celebrate the Spring Lake Junior Fire Department and the remarkable young people who are part of it. Their story is a powerful testament to what volunteer organizations give back, not only to the residents they serve but to the volunteers themselves.

Of course, May also means Memorial Day weekend. Festivities kick off with the Spring Lake Five Kids Race, followed by the iconic Five Mile Run, and the sidewalk sale on Third Avenue. For so many families, this is the weekend that brings everyone back together; it’s a tradition, a reunion, and a celebration all in one. This year, we went behind the scenes and chatted with the Spring Lake Five T-shirt committee to get the inside scoop on how the design is chosen.

However you spend the season’s first long weekend, we hope it is filled with sunshine, good company, and that anticipation of summer. And as we gather with family and friends, let us also pause to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day: to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country.

Brynn Coleman Publisher

Publisher and Editor

Brynn Coleman

Brynn.Coleman@wainscotmedia.com

Lead Writer and Editorial Coordinator

Danielle Kutcher

Editorial Intern

Kylie Aprilante

Writers

Kate Czyzewski

Vincent Dicks

Mary Catherine McCarthy

Maria O’Donnell

Photographers

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

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Rosemary O’Connell

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Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

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Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden Spring

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.

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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!

Charlie’s of Bay Head & Charlie’s of Lincroft

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Denise Dreyer

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty, Sea Girt

Denise Dreyer is one of the top agent of the Jersey Shore—just ask the clients that she helps guide through one of the biggest milestones of their lives. Exemplifying excellence in service, marketing, and creative solutions. She consistently ranks as the Company Top Producer, an accolade that she has received in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. 201-819-2604 | denisedreyer.com ddreyer@wardwightsir.com @denisedreyerrealestate

Town and Country

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Comprehensive design and project management from concept through installation

As creative designers and skilled technicians, we offer a holistic, detail-oriented approach. We expertly select materials that look and feel beautiful, backed by a deep understanding of construction and the practicalities that bring our vision to life. 732-345-1441 townandcountrydesignstudio.com @townandcountrydesignstudio

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Megan Schell Schnurr

Helping Dreams Come True!

NJ REALTORS Circle of Excellence Sales Award

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The Skea Team

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John C. Tassini, Esq.

Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC

Wills, Trusts & Estates: Planning and Administration

John C. Tassini, Esq.

Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC

Your Spring Lake attorney for thoughtful estate planning, smooth and efficient estate administration, and peace of mind for you and your family.

732-230-5003

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Spring Lake Community House & Theatre

Theatre Productions, Dance & Theatre Academy

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INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH SPRING LAKE MAGAZINE?

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Red, White, and Coastal

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with two distinct table settings that honor our nation’s history and our local heritage.

BY MARY CATHERINE MCCARTHY

AS 250TH ANNIVERSARY celebrations of America’s birthday take place nationwide this year, a tablescape offers hosts the perfect opportunity to blend linens, dinnerware, glassware, and centerpieces. These elements set a mood that makes the dining experience truly special for guests.

We have curated these settings to provide inspiration for your own festivities. Our picnic table setting introduces the classic American colors of red, white, and blue. This casual, playful arrangement features bandanas used as napkins and lighting that mimics the glow of fireworks. Yellow daisies in pinstriped vases provide a light touch for a family gathering, while a colonial red table runner—made specifically for the occasion—anchors the look. The vintage, gold-rimmed china coordinates seamlessly with the utensils.

For our second setting, we opened the champagne and leaned into elegance. A navy and white

patterned square runner serves as the centerpiece of this party. Beautifully crafted oyster plates hint at the promise of delicious food and joyous conversation. Ivory linen embroidered napkins evoke memories of the grand hotels that once graced local beaches, such as the Monmouth Hotel and the Essex and Sussex Hotel. A clear red vase filled with sparkler lights completes our red, white, and blue theme.

As a designer, I strive to integrate the past into family gatherings whenever possible. It is a salute to our forefathers and a toast to our history as we celebrate the great country we live in.

When designing your own table, choose items that hold personal meaning or experiment with uncommon pairings. If you love to cook, offer your favorite dishes. If you aren’t confident in the kitchen, order from local restaurants but serve the meal on your prettiest tablescape.

Our custom wreath is available on our website www.mcm2design. com. For inquiries, contact MCM2customdesign@gmail.com.

A Garden Like No Other

From manicured landscapes to a miniature railroad village, the Seaside Garden Tour offers an inside look at the area’s most extraordinary private spaces: Take an inside look at this magical garden.

BY MARIA O’DONNELL

ALL ABOARD! Don’t miss this standout stop on the 2026 Seaside Garden Tour, a town tradition since 2003. As the Spring Lake Garden Club’s premier fundraiser, the biannual tour features a curated selection of homes throughout Spring Lake.

I remember my first tour in 2018. I expected the perfectly manicured lawns, precisely placed flowers, and groomed shrubbery. While I found all of that, I also discovered something I never imagined. One home was particularly captivating, and when I walked into the backyard, it felt like entering a dream. There before me was an elaborate outdoor village with model trains weaving through hand-carved tunnels. Miniature buildings dotted the man-made hillsides, surrounded by flowers and foliage scaled to size and manicured in a bonsai style. It was stunning and reminiscent of the Germany pavilion at Epcot.

A LONGTIME PASSION

The garden is a passion project for longtime Spring Lake residents Richard and Barbara Nelson. As a young boy, Richard was an artist who spent hours imagining scenes of covered wagons and frontier towns. He eventually turned that creativity into a career; he and Barbara became designers for international trade show

exhibits. Locally, they created elaborate fashion shows for Saks Fifth Avenue at the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club, a staple in their life since moving to the area.

As their business grew, the miniature towns of Richard’s youth became a reality. Soon after building their dream home about 30 years ago, the couple brought those childhood visions to life in their own backyard. The project began when they decided to install a garden instead of a pool, following a friend’s suggestion to join the Bath and Tennis Club for swimming and socializing instead.

2026 SEASIDE GARDEN TOUR

The Spring Lake Garden Club will present the 17th Seaside Garden Tour on Wednesday, June 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event showcases 10 private gardens and one spectacular porch. Tickets go on sale soon; visit gardenclubofspringlake.org for updates.

Around that time, Barbara bought Richard his first 48-inch track circle. Within a week, he had trains running throughout the house. Before long, the hobby moved outdoors, and the railroad garden was born.

The Nelsons aimed to replicate 1930s New Jersey, ensuring every detail was era and size-specific. The garden even includes a stretch of Third Avenue, featuring Main Pharmacy and a miniature Jersey Mike’s, a nod to their friendship with the franchise’s founder, Peter Cancro. Through real plants, immense patience, and shared love, the couple kept the garden flourishing for decades.

Following Richard’s death several years ago, visitors still marvel at the couple’s creation. Barbara will once again open her extraordinary gates for this year’s tour to share the magic with the community.

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.

TBuilding Community and Character

The Spring Lake Junior Fire Department is shaping young residents into standout citizens.

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

THE SPRING LAKE Junior Fire Department has long been an integral part of the Spring Lake community, fostering civic engagement, leadership, and teamwork among local youth. Located on 5th Avenue, the Spring Lake Volunteer Fire Department has served the borough since the late 19th century. The junior department provides young residents with the opportunity to learn essential firefighting skills, develop community connections, and participate in fun traditions that have a long history in Spring Lake.

DEEP ROOTS

The Spring Lake Volunteer Fire Department was officially established in 1899, making it one of the oldest and most respected volunteer organizations in the region. Over the years, the department recognized the importance of involving youth in public service, leading to the formation of the Spring Lake Junior Fire Department. The junior program allows young men and women, typically ages 14 to 18, to gain hands-on experience, learn fire

safety practices, and cultivate a sense of responsibility and civic pride. Then, after children turn 18, they may transition into a firefighter role and go through the fire academy. Many of the firefighters present within the department started off as junior members, with some rising through the ranks up to Chief of the Department.

IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

The Spring Lake Fire Department provides more than emergency support; it fosters a sense of community. Residents often cite the professionalism and dedication of junior members as a reflection of the department’s longstanding commitment to service.

“The retired and active members set the example of what it is to be a responsible firefighter and an involved member of the Spring Lake Community,” says Debbie Hershman, who is a Spring Lake resident and department volunteer.

“The junior members very quickly become members of the Spring Lake Fire Company’s family.”

For junior members, the department offers a unique environment for personal growth. Through participation in training exercises, mentorship programs, and community events, juniors can develop practical skills. They also gain early exposure to teamwork and public service, which are lessons that carry forward into future academic and professional endeavors.

The members all agree that the

connection with other good and dedicated people from the community has a valuable impact on them. When referencing the Junior Fire Department, Dylan Thomas, a junior firefighter, says, “It teaches you many useful skills, as well as building sound moral judgement and good character.”

A common thread among all the kids is that they love their community and helping others as much as possible.

The department’s emphasis on mentorship is particularly impactful. Experienced firefighters provide support and encouragement, fostering an environment where juniors can learn from role models. Participation in department events also allows juniors to witness firsthand the difference that dedicated individuals can make in the lives of others.

TRAINING AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Captain RJ Dawson, a 10-year veteran, has been running the program for the past four years. He says that before participating in any hands-on activities, junior members receive basic training focused on safety, fire department operations, and foundational skills.

“This often includes things like equipment familiarization, radio communication, first aid/CPR, and an introduction to fire behavior. The emphasis is always on learning safely, not replacing fully trained firefighters,” Dawson says.

The junior members follow a structure similar to the main department’s training schedule. Junior members attend drills, meetings, and community events. When they “graduate” or age out of the program, many move on to become full members of the department, entering more advanced training and eventually becoming certified firefighters.

Within the department, junior members play a supportive role. They assist with non-hazardous tasks such as maintaining equipment, setting up tools at training scenes, helping with community events, and learning how the department operates behind the scenes. Their role is essential in building future firefighters while contributing meaningfully to the team.

As far as responding to calls goes, junior members are allowed to respond to certain types of incidents once basic training is complete. However, they are strictly limited to safe zones and are not permitted to engage in dangerous firefighting activities. Their presence on calls is primarily observational and supportive, ensuring they gain experience without being put at risk.

The Spring Lake Junior Fire Department prepares young members for future public service and strengthens the Spring Lake community. Participation in the Junior

Fire Department fosters personal growth and a sense of pride and connection for both the youth and the residents they serve. Dawson sums it up by saying, “Overall, the Junior program is about much more than firefighting. It’s about mentorship, leadership, and giving young people a positive path where they can learn discipline, build friendships, and make a real difference in their community.”

To learn more about becoming a member of the Junior Fire Department, visit springlakefire.org, follow them on social media, or call 732-449-7010.

FFOR RUNNERS WHO toe the line at the Spring Lake Five Mile Run each year, crossing the finish line is only part of the thrill. Just as eagerly anticipated is the unveiling of the commemorative T-shirt, a tradition that has taken on a life of its own over the race’s 48-year history.

“It’s always been exciting to see the runners picking up their race pack and seeing the current race shirt,” says race committee member Luann McGraw. The design story begins simply enough. In the 1970s, the race shirt was little more than a classic font identifying the event and the year. That was the understated approach for 13 years. Then, in 1990, a new leadership team took the reins and brought in a graphic artist, ushering in an era of bolder, more original designs. When the Friends of the Spring Lake Five Mile Run eventually assumed control of the race, the creative process was opened up to local artists. Over time, however, the committee streamlined its approach, looking inward and backward for inspiration, often revisiting the race’s vintage shirts to inform new designs.

CURRENT CREATIVITY

The Art of the RACE

We got a behind-the-scenes look at how the iconic Spring Lake Five Mile Run T-Shirt design is chosen.

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

Today, the process is a collaborative, gut-driven effort led by a tight-knit committee. “The committee has several meetings and openly discusses the design and layout,” says committee member Sue Burrus. “This year, for example, we started over several times. At one point, we were at the printer and changed our minds. All it takes is one person to suggest a different route, and that usually gets the rest thinking.”

The timeline for that process is fluid. According to committee member Bernadette Taylor, planning typically kicks off in the fall, though inspiration can strike at any time. “Some years we get an idea while working on the current design and say we can use that idea next year,” she explains. For 2026, the direction was clear from the start: With the country’s 250th anniversary

Each year’s race logo is used on mugs for top finishers, pint glasses, medals and T-shirts. A commemorative poster featuring each year’s designs was created for the 40th anniversary and is on display at the Spring Lake Historical Society.

GETTING YOUR SHIRT AND GLASS

Race shirts may be picked up at the T-Shirt Tent on race day morning from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pint glasses are available at the Glasses Tent. To skip the lines, pick up early at the Spring Lake Train Station, Warren Avenue near Fifth, Spring Lake.

• Early Pickup Schedule: Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday to Thursday, May 20 to 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Important Reminder: You must present your race number bib to pick up your shirt.

on the horizon, the committee knew it wanted to weave red, white, and blue into the design. They took outside suggestions into consideration and designed something to capture it.

Color is central to the shirt’s identity from year to year, and the committee takes that seriously. The palette has been refined over time, with the goal of using a four-color process. As Burrus puts it, “A great T-shirt design often succeeds based on the colors the committee chooses. We strive to stay true to the spirit and history of the Spring Lake Five race.” There is no single person with final say; the decision belongs to the group. “There is not a vote,” Burrus notes. “It’s ‘gut’ and respect for other people’s opinions.”

One of the design’s most beloved constants is the sandpiper. The bird is part of the race’s corporate logo and has been incorporated into the design year after year. Its presence connects each new shirt to the race’s coastal

identity and its long history in Spring Lake. Once the shirt design is locked in, the commemorative pint glass and medal follow, each serving as a variation on the main design. The glass is rendered in two colors, a practical and elegant extension of the shirt’s look.

Nostalgia plays a powerful role in the whole process. Vintage shirts from the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s are having a moment, and the committee leans into that. “Shirts from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s can look modern today,” Burrus observes. Collectors, meanwhile, are particularly keen on tracking down vintage pint glasses, often lost to breakage over the years, though the committee does not hold back stock, selling any leftovers until they are gone. In the end, what makes the Spring Lake Five shirt special isn’t any single design element. It’s the care that goes into it each year, and the sense of history it carries forward.

Celebrating 250 Years of Independence

As Sea Girt prepares to honor America’s milestone anniversary with a day of familyfriendly events, take a look back at other historic events to celebrate our country.

BY VINCENT DICKS

SSEA GIRT WILL HOST an America 250 celebration on Saturday, May 30.

Every 50 years, America’s patriotic summer holiday can’t be contained to just July 4. The Semiquincentennial marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a statement of unity among the states and the right to self-determination. Its signing triggered a war that was fought in Monmouth County to defend liberty.

Monmouth County has scheduled events throughout the year to recognize America’s birthday, including one at Sea Girt’s Baltimore Park.

The borough’s daylong party will feature music from popular shore cover band Enjoy!, with food provided by The Blonde Shallot, Ray’s Cafe, and Shore Pour. Events will include an apple pie contest, beer, and a hot dog-eating competition at the firehouse.

Councilwoman Diane Anthony says the event is meant to honor the founding generation and those who followed.

“To recognize the true meaning of the 250th celebration of America’s birth

as a nation, as it pertains to the grave sacrifices made, the overwhelming accomplishments achieved, and the fortitude and perseverance of our founding fathers and generations to follow, is a true testament to the traditions that Sea Girt respects, appreciates, and cherishes,” Anthony says. “The May 30 event will be an invitation to those who value the history of our country, the place that Sea Girt has played in making meaningful impacts since our founding and promoting the strong sense of community participation and enjoyment,” she adds.

JUBILEE

The tradition of celebrating every 50 years dates back to 1826, when hundreds of New Jersey veterans of the Revolution were honored with church sermons and parades for the first “Jubilee.” Former presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both instrumental in creating the Declaration of Independence, died July 4, 1826, 50 years to the day after its signing.

CENTENNIAL

In 1876, the nation celebrated with a yearlong Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the first World’s Fair in America. The

event showcased industrial America and introduced bananas, Hires Root Beer, Heinz Ketchup, and the telephone to more than 12 million visitors in a nation of 45 million. When the fair ended, many of its 200 buildings were auctioned off. The largest came to the Jersey Shore to help build resorts at Spring Lake and Sea Girt. The Lake House Hotel was built from the Department of Public Comfort Building. The Missouri State Building became a private home that still stands on Ocean Road. Parts of the Agricultural Hall were used to build the Ventnor Cottages (Beacon House), the Wreck Pond bridge, and to curb streets in Spring Lake Beach. The grand staircase from the Ocean House hotel also came from the Centennial.

SESQUICENTENNIAL

The 1926 Sesquicentennial featured another fair in Philadelphia, this one showcasing a giant Liberty Bell. Across the region, communities prepared weeklong celebrations. In Spring Lake, Mayor Daniel Hills, owner of D.H. Hills Drugs, now the site of Sundae Times Ice Cream, asked the Sesqui-Committee to keep Sunday as a day of worship and moved the town’s celebration to Monday, July 5. The Spring Lake

Gazette called it “An Adequate Celebration.” Events included a parade of decorated automobiles through town, a choral program at the Community House, and a twohour fireworks show at the beach. In Sea Girt, events were held later in the summer when New Jersey Gov. Harry A. Moore, who occupied the Little White House, hosted three Governor’s Day celebrations attended by thousands of day-trippers arriving by special train.

BICENTENNIAL

The 1976 Bicentennial sparked a revival in Spring Lake. With the 1975 demolition of the Monmouth House, residents grew nostalgic for the past.

45TH ANNUAL SPRING LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOUSE TOUR

Don’t miss the 45th Annual Spring Lake Historical Society House Tour on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! This beloved self-guided tour is a wonderful opportunity to step inside some of Spring Lake’s most beautiful and storied homes. Tickets are $50 in advance (available through June 3 at Kate & Company, Bain’s Hardware, and J. McLaughlin on Third Avenue) or $60 on tour day. Pick up your ticket and map at the Spring Lake Train Station starting at 9:30 a.m.— coffee will be served! For more information, call the Spring Lake Historical Society at 732-449-0772.

The town moved to preserve its historic character, placing plaques on 19th-century homes. Citizens formed a historical society and revived theatrical productions at the long-vacant Community House Theater. “Bye Bye, Birdie,” produced by Patricia Barry, was the first show. Barry became the executive director, and productions have continued for 50 years.

Sea Girt planted a Liberty Tree at Sea Girt and Washington avenues, painted fire hydrants with Bicentennial Committeeapproved designs, and staged a recreation of the 1800s Big Sea Day at the beachfront for residents. The national Bicentennial celebration featured a flotilla of tall ships in New York Harbor and fireworks displays.

SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL

The tall ships return in 2026. Sail4th is planning to display the largest collection of tall-masted sailing vessels in the harbors of Baltimore, New York, and Boston over the summer, with 60 nations sending more than 200 ships.

Communities and cities across the country are planning special fireworks around July 4. Monmouth County is hosting a gala at Bell Works in June, and Monmouth250 lists dozens of activities to mark the anniversary, including Sea Girt’s May 30 celebration. The county theme is “Freedom’s Battleground.”

The celebration also honors the 56 delegates from the 13 colonies who signed the Declaration, announcing their defiance of King George III and the most powerful empire in the world to assert: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

For more information, visit monmouthnj250.org or seagirt-nj.gov.

Vincent Dicks is a local author, photographer, and researcher bringing local history to life. Find more of his work at vincentdicks.com.

Running for a Cause

Team Freedom honors veterans and brings the Spring Lake community together in support of those who served.

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER

TEAM FREEDOM, a charitable running team based in New Jersey, has dedicated itself to supporting veterans and their families through fundraising and community engagement.

Founded by Spring Lake Heights native and West Point graduate Jim McInerney, the team has grown from a small group of Army friends into a recognized presence at the Spring Lake 5 Mile Run, raising thousands of dollars for veteran-focused causes.

Members of Team Freedom gather at the starting line of the Spring

a longstanding local tradition.

A STRONG MISSION

After graduating from West Point in 1993, McInerney was stationed in Germany for three years, forging lifelong friendships with fellow Army officers and a shared commitment to meet at least once a year. Over time, those reunions became linked to the Spring Lake 5 Mile Run, which takes place near Memorial Day and is a time dedicated to honoring fallen service members. Growing up in Spring Lake Heights, McInerney also had deep family and community ties, allowing Team Freedom to naturally blend his personal network with a mission of giving back to veterans.

The organization’s primary goal has remained consistent: Support veterans and honor those who served. By combining a passion for running with charitable action, Team Freedom provides a meaningful outlet for personal and community engagement. Initially, Team Freedom consisted of McInerney and his Army friends running together in patriotic Memorial Day shirts. As interest from other runners grew, the team began hosting a pasta dinner at Wall Methodist Church the night before the race. Generously hosted by Elwood Malick and his wife, MaryBeth, the dinners included presentations from charity representatives, giving organizations a platform to explain their missions and needs. As the Spring Lake 5 Mile Run formally recognized Team Freedom as a participating charity team, the group expanded its fundraising capacity with an increasing focus on local New

Jersey veterans’ issues.

Charities supported by Team Freedom are carefully vetted to ensure maximum impact. The team reviews IRS documentation, conducts online research, and contacts organizations directly to understand their missions and current needs. While the team initially supported charities serving veterans nationwide, recent efforts have focused on New Jersey veterans, though the team remains open to assisting any veteran in need.

IMPACT

Team Freedom has made a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Notable accomplishments include building homes for veterans, training service dogs, and providing essential equipment. In 2016, the team raised more than $30,000 to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for the

Asbury Park chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, enabling transportation for members with disabilities.

THE RACE EXPERIENCE

For participants, running with Team Freedom is not only about completing a race. It is also a personal and collective act of service. Many members have backgrounds in marathon running and Army training, making the physical challenge familiar. By running or walking the Spring Lake 5 Mile Run together, team members experience the satisfaction of contributing to veterans’ well-being while fostering camaraderie and community spirit.

Race day often produces memorable moments that highlight the team’s spirit and humor. One member famously ran while juggling, delighting spectators along the route. The team also operates a water station mid-race, offering hydration, encouragement, and an energetic atmosphere that keeps participants motivated throughout the course.

Team Freedom continues to focus on honoring and assisting veterans while expanding community involvement. As McInerney puts it, “Team Freedom is firstly to remember to honor, remember, and mourn U.S. service members who died in both war and peacetime.”

All Aboard!

Your

summer reading adventure starts now.

BY KATE CZYZEWSKI

“BOOKS ARE THE plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.”― Anna Quindlen, “How Reading Changed My Life”

For books and new releases, May marks the unofficial kickoff to summer reading! Here are some titles (and events!) our team recommends.

“THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN”

by Matt Haig 5/26

It’s been a few years since the phenomenon that was “The Midnight Library” took readers by storm! Matt Haig returns with “The Midnight Train”, which revisits some of the themes readers loved from “The Midnight Library.” For main character Wilbur, he feels his best days lie in the past. If given the chance, and with life flashing before him, what if he could make a “stop” and relive those moments once more?

“ROAD TRIP”

by Mary Kay Andrews 6/2

The queen of summer reading returns with a fabulous romp of a book and an event at Thunder Road Books (event is 6/5 at Spring Lake Theatre)! Inspired by the story of her own grandmother’s story of leaving Ireland to sail to the U.S., Kay began researching County Wicklow, Ireland, and the history and stories there. She weaves mystery through the story with the famous Oognah Guinness portrait and gives us heists and heart in this epic road trip!

“BIG

FAN: TWO FRIENDS, 82,490 MILES, AND THE WILD, WONDERFUL SPORTS WE LOVE”

by Joe Posnanski and Michael Schur 5/19

What do you get when you mix our favorite sports writer and an Emmyaward-winning producer and writer?

Best friends who hit the road for the adventure of a lifetime! The book comes from their fantastic chemistry found on the podcast “The Poscast.” Discussing everything from Taylor Swift to chess to professional sports, the dynamic between these two powerhouse buds is unmatched!

“TAKE ME WITH YOU”

by Steven Rowley 5/19

One of Thunder Road Books’ favorite authors returns with a standalone novel “Take Me With You.” We have come to expect (and adore!) Rowley’s novels. He blends the perfect mix of love, laughter, and pop culture. This new story focuses on marriage. When Jesse’s husband wakes one night, walks out their door and disappears, Jesse is left asking why?

What has gone wrong? Thunder Road Books hosts Rowley May 31 at the bookstore!

“AMERICAN RAMBLER”

by Isaac Fitzgerald 5/12

Grab yourself a beer from a dive bar and belly up to read “American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed.” This part-memoir, parttravel, part-historical tale shows Isaac walking the trails that Johnny Appleseed did, sharing history and humanity along the way. What I loved most about this book were a few things: I didn’t know much about Isaac’s upbringing, and I appreciate his raw and honest stories that shaped the man he is today. I also found Isaac’s writing made me feel like I was sitting next to a friend. He invites the reader to look inward, to meditate and listen, and to feel the gift of our natural landscape.

Kate Czyzewski is the manager and buyer for Thunder Road Books. She also coordinates their events.

Have a great image for Photo Op?

Submit your high-resolution shot to brynn.coleman@ wainscotmedia.com.

Megan Schell Schnurr

Realtor Associate

Sea Girt - Oversized Lot of 50 x 185

Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath expanded Cape in the very desired beach town of Sea Girt. Only 8 blocks to Sea Girt’s pristine beaches and boardwalk! The home features a large family room with hardwood floors, centered around a cozy gas fireplace, flowing seamlessly into a bright dining area and kitchen. The versatile bedroom wing offers the potential for a private primary ensuite on the first floor. Upstairs, discover a generous bedroom complete with expansive his-and-her walk-in closets as well as another bedroom with a large walkin closet. Additional features include a large 2.5-car detached garage and a massive unfinished basement providing endless storage or finishing potential. The 50x185 lot provides ample space for a future