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
JULY 2025
Spring Lake
meet your neighbor Sean Cecchetti
COVER PHOTO BY CHRISSY D’AMICO
TURN-KEY CONSTRUCTION HISTORIC RESTORATIONS
stephenclarkdesignbuild.com 732.859.0764
Stroll Spring Lake 3 est. 1996
2 July 2025
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FASHION Faherty Brand
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REAL ESTATE Berkshire Hathaway -The Brian Church Group Brian Church (732) 449-0671 brianchurchgroup.com
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HEALTH/WELLNESS Best Coverage Sandy Essex (847) 695-6690 bestltcadvice.com INSURANCE Danskin Agency John Casagrande (732) 556-7657 danskin-agency.com
AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP Brogan Cadillac of Totowa (201) 303-8103 www.brogancadillac.com
Diane Turton Realtors Susan Miller
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BANKING Manasquan Bank Cari Horn (732) 974-4050 manasquan.bank
ReMax Revolution Justin Bosak (732) 644-6217 revolutionnjhomes.com
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty Michael Skea (732) 272-5898 michaelskea.wardwight.com
HUB W. Stuart Patterson (908) 790-6820 www.hubinternational.com Maury Donnelly & Parr, Inc. Brian Phoebus (410) 547-3188 www.mdpins.com/ MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS Daniel J. Manfra, MD (401) 203-7377 www.drmanfra.com POWER WASHING Coastal Cleaning Crew TJ Hale (732) 449-1122 thecoastalcleaningcrew.com
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Sitar Realty Company
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CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Louro Development Group Jim Louro (732) 547-8290 lourodevgroup.com
CUSTOM HOMES/NEW/REMODELS Clark Design Build Stephen Clark (732) 859-0764 www.stephenclarkdesignbuild.com
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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.
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4 July 2025
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
SUMMER HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED in Spring Lake, and there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring town, or diving into community events, there’s truly something for residents and visitors alike. In this issue, we highlight the launch of Spring Lake Summer Nights, a new series introduced by the Business Improvement District (BID) and the Chamber of Commerce. Held on four consecutive Wednesdays in July and August, these evenings are shaping up to be a beloved new tradition. You’ll also read about the Sleep Out campaign, supporting Covenant House in its mission to fight homelessness and human trafficking, as well as the impactful work of Sean Cecchetti and The Blue Dot Community. Both causes are deeply meaningful, and we’re honored to help share their stories. As always, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the local business partners who make Stroll Spring Lake possible. Their generous support allows us to mail the magazine to all residents free of charge each month. We encourage you to support them in return whenever their services are needed. As I think back on my youth while working at North and South End, I recall the excitement that came with influx of new faces and friends during these summer months. Now, watching the DPW groom the beaches in the early mornings, it reminds me of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Feels Like Summer GUTTER CLEANING • WINDOW CLEANING SIDING CLEANING • PAVER CLEANING SOFTWASH • PRESSURE WASHING LOW PRESSURE ROOF WASHING
Lastly, a special shout-out to the Spring Lake Police Department, Fire Department, and Ocean Rescue team for keeping our town safe, not just in the busy summer months, but all year long.
Here’s to a season full of sunshine, community, and connection.
All the best, Ronnie & Katie Schrader Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @strollspringlake
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6 July 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 7
Around Town
EVENT SCHEDULE • Saturday, July 5th- Spring Lake Art Walk: Downtown • July (various dates)- “Annie”- Spring Lake Theatre • Saturday, July 12th- Christmas in July Santa Paddle: Spring Lake 10am (register!) • Friday, July 18th- St. Catharine’s Candlelight Ball at SLGC 6:30-10:30pm • Wednesday, July 23rd- Family Night with Friends Zone Band: Downtown 5-9pm • Wednesday, July 30th- Family Night with So Shot Band: Downtown 5-9pm • Saturday, August 2nd- Booster Bash: Live Band & Open Bar 7pm (get your tickets!) • Wednesday, August 6th- Family Night with DJ Bobby Wasabi: Downtown 5-9pm • Saturday, August 9th- Spring Lake Summer Sidewalk Sale: Downtown 10am • Saturday, August 13th- Family Night with So Shot Band: Downtown 5-9pm • August (various dates)- “The Sound of Music”- Spring Lake Theatre
8 July 2025
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Above the Lake KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR
I f you’ve glanced up recently and caught the silhouette of a massive bird soaring above Spring Lake, you’re not imagining things. That’s a Bald Eagle, and it’s been nesting just beyond the green at the Spring Lake Golf Club. Most days, if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll see him gliding toward the ocean, laser-focused and majestic.
BUILT FOR THE CATCH: BALD EAGLES VS. OSPREYS
Bald Eagles and Ospreys have much in common. They’re both raptors, meaning they share certain predator perks including razor-sharp talons, hooked beaks, and eyesight that could outmatch any pair of binoculars. But when it comes to fishing, their techniques diverge in fascinating ways. Bald Eagles are opportunists. They hunt fish by skimming low over water, dipping their talons just below the surface to snatch their meal. Their hit rate? Roughly 30%. Not exactly a standout number. Ospreys, on the other hand, are sharpshooters and far more accurate. With the help of long, arched wings and specialized feathers that repel water, they dive feet-first, sometimes plunging up to two feet deep. Once they’ve secured their target, they’ll rise dramatically from the water, shaking off the splash mid-flight like a dog coming out of the surf. They even reorient their catch midair, turning the fish so its head faces forward. Their success rate? An impressive 70%. Aerodynamic efficiency at its finest.
the Osprey in hopes of startling it into dropping its lunch so it can swoop down and claim the prize. In parts of the country where eagle populations have boomed, Osprey numbers have occasionally dipped. This is not solely due to its predators, but because it’s hard to fish when someone’s always trying to rob you of your next meal. Rising Eagle populations can also create a competition for nesting sites. Bald Eagles have been recorded commandeering Osprey nests and enjoying a snack of Osprey eggs. Fortunately Ospreys are resilient and adaptable. THE COMEBACK BIRDS It’s easy to take sightings of either bird for granted, until you realize how close
RAPTOR RIVALRY: WHO’S WATCHING WHOM?
Given their high success rate, Ospreys often find themselves shadowed by none other than Bald Eagles. Yes, the Eagle, our symbol of power and independence, is known to watch patiently from a perch, waiting for an Osprey to do all the hard work. Once the Osprey grabs a fish and takes to the sky, the Eagle begins the chase, even dive-bombing
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we came to losing both species. Back in the 1970s, there was only one Bald Eagle nesting pair left in New Jersey. Ospreys weren’t doing much better, with nest numbers hovering around 50. The culprit? Widespread use of DDT, the pesticide that poisoned the food chain and caused eggshells to thin and crack before chicks could hatch. The road to recovery began when DDT was banned in 1972. Scientists stepped in with everything from artificial incubation to cross-state Eagle adoptions and innovative nest-platform projects for Ospreys. The work was painstaking and took decades, but it ultimately paid off. By 2012, the number of active Bald Eagle nests in New Jersey surpassed 100. By 2024? There were a record-breaking 293 nesting pairs, 264 of which laid eggs. Ospreys, too, made a remarkable return, with an impressive 800 occupied nests recorded last year. Thanks to these recoveries, both birds have been removed from New Jersey’s endangered species list. Bald Eagles are now categorized as “special concern,” and Ospreys are considered “stable.” Still, both species remain under close observation to ensure their populations continue to thrive. A SPRING LAKE SIGHT TO BEHOLD Back here at home, it’s hard not to feel inspired watching these birds reclaim the skies above our coastline. The Eagle soaring over the Spring Lake Golf Club or the Osprey diving near Wreck Pond or Lake Como aren’t completely rare sightings anymore. Still, they’re not experiences that should be taken for granted. They’re a quiet reminder that without people caring enough to protect them, we might have lost them for good. So next time you’re out walking around the lake or teeing off at the Golf Club, look up. You might just see the nation’s emblem gliding above or a fish hawk cartwheeling through the air, fresh catch in tow. And if you do, give them a moment of your attention. After all, it took us more than 40 years to bring them back.
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RAPTOR FAST FACTS
1. Double Vision: A Bald Eagle’s eyes can spot prey from up to two miles away. Their vision is estimated to be 4–5 times better than a human’s. 2. Nature’s Pickpocket: Bald Eagles are kleptoparasites meaning they steal fish from Ospreys by chasing, harassing, or dive-bombing them mid-air. 3. Reversible Toe: Ospreys have a reversible outer toe, which is perfect for holding slippery fish. This unique toe arrangement is called zygodactyly. 4. Nose Plug & Goggles: Ospreys have a special adaptation allowing them to close their nostrils to keep water out. They also have clear eyelids they draw over their eyes like a pair of goggles which allows them to maintain clear sight and find their prey during underwater dives. 5. Talon Lock: Bald Eagles’ talons can lock into place, allowing them to carry prey for long distances without straining their muscles. 6. High Flyers: Bald Eagles can soar at altitudes of 10,000 feet and reach speeds of 35–40 mph in level flight and over 100 mph in a dive. 7. Sky Nests: Bald Eagle nests called “eyries” are the largest of any bird in North America. Some span over 8 feet wide and weigh a literal ton. Ospreys generally build nests about 3-6 feet in diameter. 8. Long Lives: In the wild, Bald Eagles can live 20–30 years. Ospreys tend to live slightly shorter lives, around 15–20 years. 9. Similar But Different: Bald eagles are larger than Ospreys. Adult Eagles have a clean white tail and dark body, and Ospreys have a banded tail and a white body. 10. International Flyer: The Osprey is one of the most widespread birds of prey on Earth. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.
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Thank you to Michael Scotto for all photos in this article
Extra thanks to Michael Scotto for capturing these photos.
12 July 2025
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14 July 2025
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my backyard with the CBA cross country team and other CBA peers,” Ben reflects. Collectively, they raised over $10,000 for the Covenant House Asbury Park chapter that year. FUTURE OF COVENANT HOUSE Both Ben and John continued fundraising for the Covenant House at CBA and St. Rose until they graduated. Since then, Will has brought the Covenant House’s mission back to CBA and will continue to do so until he graduates in a couple of years. Will recalls one sleepout in particular being influential to him and his community, “I held an event with close to sixty kids for the Covenant House student sleepout in Asbury Park. Three local high schools raised a collective $120 thousand with all of the other chapters who were hosting.” Even though John graduated high school this past year, he plans to bring the organization to Providence College. In doing so, he hopes to unite a new community around the cause, proving that one person’s commitment can ignite change, not just at home, but wherever they go. GET INVOLVED Sadly, homelessness continues to be a growing problem. Last year, New Jersey experienced a 24% increase in homelessness from the year before. You can help. Getting involved can be as simple as becoming informed and raising awareness. Keep a look out for upcoming sleepouts happening locally. You can even reach out to the Covenant House New Jersey chapter itself, if you’d like to organize your own sleepout. Change starts with you. Continue the work the Pattersons, and many other students, have started in fundraising for youth homelessness.
FROM HOMELESSNESS TO HOPE Students Rebuild Futures with The Covenant House RUTH CRAWFORD
V olunteerism can have a significant impact on a community. All it takes is one person to want to make a change, that inspires others to follow suit. Students across the globe like Ben, John, and Will Patterson have brought communities of peers together in working with the Covenant House. The Covenant House is a youth homelessness organization that fundraises for human trafficking and homelessness by hosting sleepouts at high schools across the country. These sleepouts fundraise for communities in different areas, creating jobs, shelter, and food for individuals who are less fortunate.
and other schools around the area to host his first sleepout. The sleepout was hosted in Atlantic City, and although the weather wasn’t ideal, the students persevered and raised one-thousand dollars for the cause. Ever since then, Ben knew he wanted to continue his work with the organization and give the community insight into how homelessness affects individuals everywhere. Even during the pandemic, Ben was not to be deterred. “I reached out to the Covenant House local Chapter of New Jersey and asked how I could help them with the youth homelessness that were without homes during the pandemic. I hosted a virtual sleep out in
The Patterson brothers are all student ambassadors for the organization, and have raised awareness and funds for youth homelessness throughout their high school careers, paving the way for younger generations to want to volunteer too. HOW DID IT ALL START? Since 1972, the Covenant House has had its doors open for individuals in need. Ben Patterson first heard about the organization when he was a freshman in high school through a family friend. Immediately, he knew he wanted to be involved. Using Facebook to spread the word, Ben gathered a community of peers from Christian Brothers Academy
16 July 2025
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T his summer, Downtown Spring Lake is getting a glow up for four Wednesday evenings. The Spring Lake Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce and with the enthusiastic support of Mayor Naughton, the Borough Council, and Kathy Heine from Spring Lake Recreation is introducing the launch of Spring Lake Summer Nights, a four part event series designed to bring neighbors and visitors together for fun, food, and community. We spoke with Dawn McDonough, Executive Director of the Spring Lake BID, to learn how it all came together and why it is worth adding to your calendar. What inspired Spring Lake Summer Nights? These events are thanks to the passion of Elyse Ciliberto of Faherty Brand along with many local business owners. She had a vision for something that would bring more energy to town SUMMER NIGHTS DOWNTOWN RON SCHRADER - PUBLISHER
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Is this meant to be a family event? Definitely. It is designed for all ages. There will be face painters at different spots, cornhole boards throughout the street, and two five-hole mini-golf courses for kids. That part came together with help from Joyce at Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe. And for adults, the Tap House will have a beer truck set up at the corner of Third and Morris. How can the community support or get involved? Mark your calendars and show up! The events will take place on four Wednesdays in a row, July 23, 30, August 6, and 13. Come out, bring friends, and enjoy everything downtown Spring Lake has to offer on a summer night. It is going to be a great time.
during the week, and it really struck a chord. From there, it became a true team effort with support from our local businesses, the Chamber, and the Borough. What can people expect when they come downtown for these events? We’re transforming Downtown into a pedestrian-friendly block party. From Passaic to Washington Avenues, Third Avenue will be closed from 5 to 9pm so people can safely walk, eat, shop, and enjoy downtown. Shops will be open late with sales and events, restaurants will have outdoor dining, and we’ll have live music right in front of Clayton’s Limousine. There will be a great mix of things to do.
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18 July 2025
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FRIENDLY FACES sean spreads joy
W hen my kids were little, we drove past the alpaca farm on Allaire Road more times than I could count. There was a gentleman named Matt who would sit on the bridge, fishing. Every single car that passed got a wave and the biggest, warmest smile. In those long days of raising young children, that smile was a quiet boost. It gave me a little patience, a little more energy. There is something about a genuine smile that can shift your entire day. Recently, I met someone who has that same gift. His name is Sean, and getting a wave and his smile is like dropping a pebble into still water. You feel the ripple. And the joy spreads. A RIPPLE EFFECT Sean is part of the Blue Dot Community, a local organization that supports adults with disabilities through programming focused on independence, inclusion, and giving back. Its mission centers on building meaningful connections and contributions, not just within the group, but in the wider world. About a year ago, Blue Dot encouraged Sean to try journaling as a way to organize his thoughts. Those journals turned into a blog, and one of Sean’s entries turned into an idea for a T-shirt design. His aunt and uncle, who
KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR
Photo by Chrissy D’Amico
20 July 2025
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FINDING VOICE & PURPOSE Sean’s joy, however, didn’t come out of nowhere. It was built through years of showing up in his community. Sean is a fixture on the sidelines of Monmouth University, volunteering with both the football and women’s basketball teams. He also enjoys volunteering alongside members of the Wall Fire Department. And his daily strolls on the boardwalk? He walks close to 5 miles every day. Sean’s deep community ties and work with Blue Dot helped shape him into an advocate. “During Covid, the world stopped but especially for Sean and his friends. When programs such as Blue Dot shut down, it was felt at such a deep level,” Celeste recalls. “We were fortunate Sean could come to the store with us every day to stay active. He got to know our customers and learn new chores.” Not everyone had that and for many, these programs shuttering was devastating. Programs like Blue Dot offer far more than structure or social time. They provide space to grow, contribute, and belong. USING HIS VOICE FOR CHANGE Sean’s natural curiosity and interest in politics from a young age made advocacy a seamless next step. Watching the news with his dad has become a nightly ritual, helping them stay connected to what’s happening in current events. This past April, Sean traveled to Washington, D.C. with the National Down Syndrome Society to advocate for critical legislation, including protecting Medicaid. He shared his story with New Jersey’s Representatives and Senators, meeting with the staff of Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Andy Kim, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and had a direct meeting with Rep. Chris Smith, our New Jersey Representative. Through his personal testimony, Sean highlighted important issues affecting the Down syndrome community, such as the fight against cuts to Medicaid and Social Security, and the financial and medical discrimination many face. Sean spoke directly about how Medicaid is a lifeline for individuals with disabilities and the essential programs that support them. Without
own the Life is Good store downtown, helped print the shirts. The best part? The proceeds go straight back to support Blue Dot, proving that kindness does spread. WALKING THE WALK It didn’t take long for local shop owners and community members to notice what Sean was building. Sean loves to walk through town and on the boardwalk in Sea Girt. Whether he’s running errands for the store like grabbing lunch at Baileys or picking up coffee at Driftwood, he stops to smile and Greet everyone he sees. What started as a small project has become something much bigger. Those same store owners and friendly faces on the boardwalk started to buy his shirts. Sean’s mom, Celeste, has watched this transformation up close. “Sean was a quieter person before Blue Dot,” she says. “He has become more lively. His involvement has sparked an excitement about his day.”
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Medicaid, organizations like Blue Dot Community, Heart Space, and Mosaic Music risk disappearing, just as many did during the pandemic. “I advocate by sharing my thoughts, dreams, hopes, and feelings for myself and all my people,” Sean says. The Ambassador of All Good Things When asked what it means to carry that title, Sean explains, “It means I am representing happy things using my power and voice to help others be cheerful and make change in the world.” Sean’s joy is more than a smile. It is a mission. More than that, it is making a difference. Just like those smiles from Matt on Allaire Road so many years ago, Sean’s presence is powerful. And if you’ve crossed his path like I have, you already know. Happiness like his doesn’t end at the source. I’m thankful to have been caught in his ripple and to help spread the joy.
24 July 2025
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26 July 2025
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A Publication for the Residents of Spring Lake
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