A hyper-focused community magazine that tells the stories of the people and places of Spring Lake. Do you know a story we should tell or know someone who should sponsor? Email us ron.schrader@strollmag.com
JANUARY 2025
Spring Lake
Cover Photo by Matt Paul Catalano
MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS The Scotto Family
TURN-KEY CONSTRUCTION HISTORIC RESTORATIONS
stephenclarkdesignbuild.com 732.859.0764
Stroll Spring Lake 3 est. 1996
2 January 2025
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
strollmag.com Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2025 The N2 Company, Inc.
732-449-1234 732-449-0800 732-449-0800 732-449-8810
PUBLISHER
Spring Lake Police Spring Lake Borough Hall Borough Administrative Offices First Aid Squad
Ron Schrader | ron.schrader@strollmag.com C: 732-859-1781 Katie Schrader | strollspringlake@gmail.com C: 732-232-5164
EDITOR
STROLL SPRING LAKE CONTRIBUTORS Ruth Crawford Lindsay Gilbert Matthew Breen Katie Schrader - Editor
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Ruth Crawford Lindsay Gilbert
Writers
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Matthew Breen, Ruth Crawford
CREATIVE TEAM
The N2 Company Design Team
Photographers
Ruth Crawford Lindsay Gilbert Michael Scotto - MJ Scotto Photography Matt Paul Catalano
DISCLAIMER: This publication is owned by The N2 Company and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2. We’re proud to showcase businesses that share our commitment to fostering local connections. When perusing our pages, keep an eye out for the “Local Sponsor” icon to identify articles highlighting these valuable partners. Please note that businesses profiled may have provided free products and / or services for the review.
We want to hear your family’s story. Email ron.schrader@Strollmag.com with submissions.
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ELEVATE ACTIVATE REGENERATE
Spruce Salon & Spa introduces Dr. George Peck Jr., MD for Dysport, Restylane & Sculptra
Contact me today Sandy Essex Sandy.Essex@BestLtcAdvice.com +1.847.695.6690
Serving Spring Lake and the surrounding communities.
732-282-0333 | www.sprucesalonnj.com 1924 Rt. 35, Ste 15 | Wall, NJ 07719
Live Well
Live Young
Live Long
4 January 2025
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This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!
ANIMAL/VETERINARY HOSPITAL Atlantic Veterinary Hospital Dr. Rick Baumgartner (732) 444-3686 atlanticvh.com
GUTTERS LeafFilter
Diane Turton Realtors Susan Miller
National Sponsor (833) 380-2581 LeafFilter.com/Strollsolved
(732) 539-6414 dianeturton.com
Diane Turton Realtors Cindy Napp (732) 859-7808 cindynapphomes.com ReMax Revolution Justin Bosak (732) 644-6217 revolutionnjhomes.com
AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP Brogan Cadillac of Totowa (201) 303-8103 www.brogancadillac.com
HEALTH/WELLNESS Best Coverage Sandy Essex (847) 695-6690 bestltcadvice.com
BANKING SERVICES Manasquan Bank Cari Horn
INSURANCE HUB W. Stuart Patterson (908) 790-6820 www.hubinternational.com INSURANCE AGENCY Danskin Agency John Casagrande (732) 556-7657 danskin-agency.com POWER WASHING Coastal Cleaning Crew TJ Hale (732) 449-1122 thecoastalcleaningcrew.com
(732) 974-4050 manasquan.bank
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty Michael Skea (732) 272-5898 michaelskea.wardwight.com
TD Bank Oxana Insull (732) 974-1753 www.td.com
SALON/SPA Spruce Salon & Spa Jackie Crawford (732) 282-0333 sprucesalonnj.com
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Sitar Realty Company
William Sitar Sr. (732) 283-9000 sitarcompany.com
TUTORING/EXAM PREP MST Tutoring Glenn Kliemisch (732) 722-7964 www.msttutoring.com WINE/SPIRITS/BEER Egan’s Wine & Liquors Joe Egan (732) 449-7090 eganswineandliquors.com YACHT SALES Schrader Yacht Sales Kevin Schrader (848) 333-4479 schraderyachts.net
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Clark Design Build Stephen Clark (732) 859-0764 www.stephenclarkdesignbuild.com
REAL ESTATE Berkshire Hathaway -The Brian Church Group Brian Church (732) 449-0671 brianchurchgroup.com
Louro Development Group Jim Louro (732) 547-8290 lourodevgroup.com
Century 21 Danskin Agency Dave Angelini (732) 685-3146
FASHION Faherty Brand
(848) 469-8829 fahertybrand.com
6 January 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 7
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
The Gifts of a New Year
A NEW CALENDAR, last year’s plans packed away, and January is standing at the door like an old friend — crisp, clear-eyed, ready to make something of itself. But this isn’t about empty resolutions or hitting the ground running. It’s about the chance to look at what worked and what didn’t and decide where we’re going with purpose and intention. This month is all about defining what we’re bringing with us into the new year and, more importantly, what we’re leaving behind. Holiday leftovers are gone, and now it’s time to focus on stripping down to essentials. Harvard Health suggests that small, focused steps work best when we want lasting change. Rather than tackling everything at once, it’s about building on simple, achievable shifts. Improving one percent per day will have compounding effects, and after a year, those improvements can be life changing. The January issue is packed with inspiration, but not just for personal growth. This month, we are thrilled to meet with the Scotto Family; Mike & Kathleen and their four grown children Michael, Thomas, John, and Kathryn
(KK). For many years, Mike has been documenting and preserving images of Spring Lake through his own daily walks throughout town. He regularly spotlights the people, places and businesses that define Spring Lake — the characters and mainstays that make our community more than just a collection of streets. His pictures remind us of the value of getting back to basics and making real connections with those around us. Here’s to a fresh start that feels natural, maybe even unrushed. We’re grateful to have you with us in 2025, sharing your time, your
attention and your energy. Thank you for being part of what makes Stroll Spring Lake so meaningful — every read, every thought and every connection counts. Let’s make this a year to remember.
All the best, Ronnie & Katie Schrader
8 January 2025
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Cindy Napp REALTOR® 732-859-7808
cnapp@dianeturton.com @jerseyshorerealestate CindyNappJerseyShoreRealtor
Looking for a Beach House? Selling and Renting Homes Along the Jersey Shore. Spring Lake • Sea Girt Manasquan • Avon Brielle • Belmar Lake Como
Bradley Beach Wall Township
Event Schedule February (various dates): “The Prom”- Spring Lake Theatre Around Town
1216 ird Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762 www.cindynapphomes.com
Thanks to Michael Scotto Photography for his shots!
10 January 2025
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HEALTHY LIVING
New Year, New You
A fresh start with LifeWave
A s the calendar flips to 2025, many of us are reevaluating how we care for our bodies and minds. Stroll recently sat down with Sandy Essex from LifeWave, a company blending decades of science and innovation to support wellness through phototherapy. What exactly is LifeWave, and how can it help people achieve better health? LifeWave is about harnessing the natural restorative energy within our bodies to promote wellness and vitality. By combining science with cutting-edge technology, we’ve created tools that help people maximize their potential. The New Year is a fresh start to embrace this philosophy and renewed energy. Lifewave patches use phototherapy. Can you explain what that is and how it works? Phototherapy is a method that uses light to support the body’s health.
products can easily fit into anyone’s lifestyle, making it simpler to stay on track with wellness goals. We’re deeply committed to quality and social responsibility. From maintaining high standards for our products to advancing humanitarian efforts, our goal is to truly make a difference. As we enter 2025, LifeWave encourages you to focus on unlocking your potential and living with renewed passion. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, seeking more energy, searching for a path of healing, or simply hoping to feel your best, this innovative approach might be the inspiration you need. Contact your neighbor, Sandy Essex, to learn even more and find out how LifeWave can help.
It’s not new—ancient Egyptians and Greeks explored how light could influence well-being. Our phototherapy patches work by reflecting the body’s natural infrared energy back onto specific points on the skin. This stimulates those areas, helping improve energy flow, strength, stamina, and overall health—all without drugs or stimulants. What kind of results do people experience? Users often report better energy levels, enhanced performance during exercise, and an overall sense of well- being. We’re all about encouraging people to live with more enthusiasm, focus, and energy. Why do you think people are drawn to LifeWave’s products and philosophy? LifeWave resonates because it offers a holistic way to improve health. We also emphasize flexibility—our
CONTACT INFORMATION: Sandy Essex 847.695.6690 sandy.essex@bestltcadvice.com
12 January 2025
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IT'S YOUR LIFE. CRAFT IT.
Catalina 24
THE ONLY BOAT DEALER YOU NEED TO KNOW. 877-947-7937 or 732-899-8010. 1723 Bay Avenue, Point Pleasant, New Jersey
14 January 2025
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YOUNG ACHIEVERS
Spring Lake to Stratton
BY MATTHEW BREEN
T here is a beautiful mural displayed in a house in Stratton, Vermont. Nobody would guess it was painted by a sixth grader from Spring Lake, New Jersey. This student is none other than Sophia Louro. Sophia’s mural of the ski mountain was inspired by her love of Stratton and the amount of time she spends there with her friends and family. Her dad had an idea for her to paint Stratton Mountain to hang in their new house, and Sophia was eager to take on this challenge. It was a difficult project, and would undoubtedly take time
to complete. She started to divide the work into sections, spanning about six weeks before she had a finished project. Today, it is hanging in the game room at her house in Stratton, Vermont, as a reminder of her talent and dedication. Sophia’s love of art isn’t a recent hobby. She has been taking art lessons for a few years and they have always inspired her to create art on her own, using skills and techniques developed by her art teacher. One thing that she loves about painting is having an idea and watching it come together in the finished product. Most people would finish a
for Manasquan during the football season. Sophia likes to surf with her dad and go to the beach during the summer. Although, skiing with her family in Vermont is one of her favorites. Sophia is adept at balancing her hobbies, sports, and other interests. Whether she is painting, on the basketball court, or spending time with her family, she finds joy in whatever she is doing. Her Stratton Mountain mural is just one example of how
project and take a break, but finished projects just make her want to create more. The Stratton mural isn’t the only work of art she has created. She has paintings hanging in her art room and also had one of her pieces submitted to the Spring Lake Community House. She doesn’t have any ideas for another big project, but she continues to do small paintings and sketches when she can. Sophia’s talents don’t stop at her artwork. She plays basketball for H.W. Mountz, and this fall she was on the cheer team
she attacks challenges and stays dedicated to her goals.
16 January 2025
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TRAVEL
Nantucket Christmas Stroll
50th anniversary
BY KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR
NANTUCKET’S CHRISTMAS STROLL is a festive weekend that transforms the charming island into winter wonderland. This year, the event celebrated its 50th anniversary.Stroll magazine made the journey from Spring Lake to join the festivities. Their magazine’s name couldn’t be more fitting for such an occasion, and their experience was a memorable one. A FESTIVE WEEKEND Nantucket Christmas Stroll is held annually during the first weekend of December. The multi-day event is packed with activities and traditions that bring the holiday spirit to life. From caroling and live performances by local schools, the theater group, and local bands to an artisan market featuring handcrafted gifts, the weekend has something for everyone. Shoppers are treated to beautifully decorated storefronts, while restaurants and cafes offer seasonal delights. Runners can partake in a 5 mile timed winter run starting at Surfside Beach. Art lovers will love the opportunity to attend many events such as the Cool Yule Art Reception hosted by the Artists Association and a family friendly Nutcracker rendition by the Nantucket Dance Theatre. The highlight of the weekend? Santa’s grand arrival by boat midday, where he’s met by the town crier and escorted through the heart of Nantucket on a fire truck to the delight of children and adults. A STORIED HISTORY The Nantucket Christmas Stroll began in 1973 as a way to encourage islanders to shop locally instead of heading to the mainland. What started as a small, three-hour event
called the “Christmas Shoppers Stroll” quickly became a beloved tradition. Shopkeepers kept their doors open late, offering mulled cider, cookies, and other treats to entice customers while they browsed gifts and holiday wares. Over the years, the event has
grown exponentially, attracting visitors from across the country
and even internationally. Today, the event has been expanded to include a host of activities, from the Festival of Trees at the Whaling Museum to live entertainment on Main Street. One of our favorite details was the live Christmas trees every ten feet decorated by local schools, shops, and organizations. There are more than one hundred trees, all cleverly themed, with the centerpiece being a towering 20-foot tree at the top of Main Street. A JOURNEY WORTH TAKING During Stroll, the island is accessible by ferries departing from Hyannis on Cape Cod, which means careful planning and a multi-day visit are essential. Remember to plan early and check out all the lodging options. Some people book their trip a full year in advance. If you are traveling with an extended group, renting a home near town might be the best option. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or planning your first trip like we were, the Nantucket Christmas Stroll is well worth the travel adventure!
18 January 2025
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MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS
th e
THROUGH THE LENS OF LEGACY S itting at the Scotto’s large, King Arthur-style round table, it’s immediately clear this isn’t just any piece of furniture. It doesn’t take long BY KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR
to realize this special place is the soul of a loving and busy home. Kathleen and Michael Scotto have built their lives around family, friends, and community, with this table often serving as the hub for lively conversations, memorable meals, and countless gatherings. “Our kids have big personalities,” Michael says, while Kathleen laughs asking, “I wonder where they get it from!” The Scottos have four children: Michael, Thomas, John, and Kathryn (KK). “When we’re all together, there’s fresh pasta and pizza, amazing dishes cooked by Thomas and John, and Michael is experimenting with the Big Green Egg. The table is always full, with friends and family coming and going. The side door is basically a revolving door—there is no inhibition for friends to come in at any time,” Michael says with pride. The Scotto home reflects the essence of Spring Lake itself: warm, inviting, and deeply rooted in connection. It’s a quality that Kathleen and Michael have cultivated over decades of marriage, parenting, and giving back to their beloved town. A Story Rooted in Ambition Kathleen moved to Spring Lake in 1969 with her four sisters and their mother, Marion. A single mom, Marion was a force who provided a stable, loving upbringing. “My mom was an overachiever in the best way. She was head cheerleader, valedictorian, and had so many close friends. When we moved to Spring Lake, she gave up a lot but never faltered. She commuted to Jersey City to earn her nursing degree to provide for us,” Kathleen remembers. Kathleen recalls her grandparents stepping in to help when they retired
family
20 January 2025
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Building a Family Legacy After they married, they lived in Stuyvesant Town, eventually moving to Tinton Falls when Kathleen became pregnant. The idea of living in Spring Lake didn’t form right away. While Kathleen stayed home to raise their family, the idea of Michael commuting never seemed doable.” Spring Lake was always in the back of my mind. I traveled for a living, and you didn’t see better places than Spring Lake. Ultimately, it was like a gravitational pull,” Michael says. In 1991, with a stroke of luck and a leap of faith, Michael and Kathleen jumped at the opportunity to move to Spring Lake with their two young sons, Michael and Thomas. “We both made sacrifices with the commute,” Michael explains. “But living here is worth it. We wanted our kids to have a childhood filled with independence and community.” “There’s something magical about Spring Lake— the boardwalk, the small-town feel. I wanted my kids to walk downtown, visit the candy shop, and grow up surrounded by the same kind of warmth I had.” Kathleen adds. Friendship First Friendship runs deep in the Scotto family. Kathleen continues to maintain lifelong friendships from Spring Lake, and the family home is a magnet for friends both old and new. Kathleen and Michael’s children grew up surrounded by company, with their home becoming a natural gathering place. One beloved tradition, a Fourth of July party that began as a simple barbecue in 1992, blossomed into
and moved to Spring Lake year-round. “My grandparents were a huge help, and my mom continued that tradition with her own grandchildren.” This multigenerational bond shaped Kathleen’s view of family, a value she and Michael carry forward with their own children and grandchildren. Her strong foundation and values eventually led Kathleen to Michael, whom she met while working in public relations on Wall Street on the 106th floor of the World Trade Center. While in different departments, their desks were fatefully placed side by side. “I’d ask him to grab annual reports just to get his attention,” Kathleen laughs. Thirty- eight years of marriage later, they’re still a team. Spring Lake entered their story early. On their first Memorial Day together in 1985, Michael joined Kathleen in running the Spring Lake 5. Though it started as a playful bet, the race planted a seed. “I didn’t have a specific inclination that we would live here, but as a 20 year old running through this beautiful place, I thought, I want to live here. I want to achieve that,” Michael reflects.
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a large annual event hosting up to 350 people. Though the festivities paused for a time, their children revived the tradition. The Scotto children are also famous for a ten year running dodgeball tournament, complete with custom t-shirts and “Stanley Cup” trophy. “We get so much enjoyment from seeing our friends, our kids’ friends, and our grandchildren grow up,” Kathleen says. “Those connections are what make us happy.” Michael’s Passion for Photography: Capturing the Soul of Spring Lake Michael bought his first camera right out of high school. Though film was expensive, he cherished the ability to document moments. “I didn’t have many photos of my childhood, especially from sports,” he reflects. “The technology didn’t exist when I was younger, but that absence made me realize the importance of preserving memories.” In 2004, he transitioned to digital photography, a change that coincided with the rise of social media. Now, Michael manages over 30 Facebook pages and six Instagram accounts, capturing the beauty and essence of Spring Lake from sunrise on Washington Avenue to hundreds of community events like the Spring Lake 5. “What we have now is profound. We have constant access to memories with photos popping up on timelines.” “It’s not the photography that fascinates me,” Michael says. “It is a recording of the past. A way to record history, to preserve the past for future generations. The messages I get from people who’ve lost loved ones or moved away—those connections make it all worthwhile.” Balancing photography with his career as a financial advisor and his role as a father has been no small feat. Yet Michael embraces the challenge, often combining his photography walks with exercise, logging up to seven miles a day while carrying his gear. “It’s a way to stay present in the town I love,” he says. Kathleen’s Dedication to the Spring Lake 5 Kathleen’s passion lies in the Spring Lake 5, one of Spring Lake’s most beloved traditions. For over 25 years, she has been a driving force behind its success, working with hundreds of volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. “It is the largest team effort. It’s truly a celebration of community and the event supports incredible causes.” Over the years, the Spring Lake 5 has raised over $3 million for charities, including Interfaith Neighbors, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Collier Youth Services. “What’s important to me is how we give back. We are able to do so much good within our expanded community for people who need it.” Kathleen’s organizational prowess and deep love for Spring Lake shine through her work. “From managing volunteers to overseeing the train station operations, it’s all hands on deck including our kids!” she says. Seeing the joy it brings to the town makes the yearlong planning efforts all worthwhile. A Norman Rockwell Life For the Scotto family, Spring Lake isn’t just a place—it’s a way of life. From their work with local organizations like the library and Community House to their role as parents and grandparents, Kathleen and Michael embody the spirit of their community. “We’re so grateful to have raised our children here,” Kathleen says. “Now, we get to watch our grandchildren grow up in this beautiful town. It is a Norman Rockewell town. It’s like living in a piece of art.” Their story is one of passion, commitment, and love—love for their family, their friends, and their town. Whether through Michael’s photos or Kathleen’s work with the Spring Lake 5, the Scotto family continues to leave a lasting legacy, one snapshot and one race at a time.
Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together! Contact Susan M. Miller for Your Real Estate Needs!
Susan M. Miller, ABR, SRES, Sales Associate 1216 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Cell: 732-539-6414 smiller@dianeturton.com www.susanmillerhomesnj.com
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@susanmillerrealestate @thesmiller
24 January 2025
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26 January 2025
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9151 Currency St. Irving, TX 75063
A Publication for the Residents of Spring Lake
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