It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Shark River Hills, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Shark River Hills, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Shark River Hills, NJ, including the following:
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Shark River Hills, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
Stop by 113 Highland Avenue in Shark River Hills for what is "most likely the biggest and best Halloween display in the area."|Updated Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 11:56 am ETSHARK RIVER HILLS, NJ — Once again, the Bizzaro Circus & Midway will be pitching its tent next to a haunted graveyard that magically appears each Halloween at the Granelli home at 113 Highland Avenue in Shark River Hills, Neptune.So far this year, the show has already raised $6,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and conti...
|Updated Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 11:56 am ET
SHARK RIVER HILLS, NJ — Once again, the Bizzaro Circus & Midway will be pitching its tent next to a haunted graveyard that magically appears each Halloween at the Granelli home at 113 Highland Avenue in Shark River Hills, Neptune.
So far this year, the show has already raised $6,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and continues to be a fun time for every visitor. But life is not fun for children with cancer, it’s downright scary.
In addition to raising awareness for children’s pediatric cancer, the Halloween display raises money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation in Irvine, California. Every year since inception, the Granelli’s Halloween Fundraiser has surpassed their fundraising goals. Last year they more than beat their original goal of $2,000, raising $2,504. This year’s goal of $2,500 puts the effort on track to raise $10,000 or more for the PCRF in 9 years, a full year ahead of its 10-year commitment. In 2021, the PCRF provided a QR code, which was a huge help in raising donations.
“We’ve done Halloween big for over 13 years now, especially after Hurricane Sandy to thank volunteers who helped us after the storm," said Laura Granelli. "Jim’s Halloween Prop Shop really built it up over the years and it’s been extra busy this year creating new props. Starting in August with the creation of the new items, it’s a lot of work to set up and maintain, but it’s worth it considering the laughter from children and adults alike.”
2023 marks a major investment in the 3,000-square-foot display: There's a new layout for the graveyard, which includes a walk-thru Haunted Trail and new animatronics and props, all highlighted by haunting fog and music. It’s expected that over 16 animatronics will be on display and hopefully some lively ghosts might visit on Halloween night.
Don't worry if you haven't seen the Granelli's display yet: The best viewing nights are Mischief Night and Halloween night when most of the animatronics are active. So, come take a walk on the Hunted Trail, see what’s new and why last year nearly 300 people enjoyed the display; all while helping raise some funds for children’s cancer research.
Modest donations are all they ask, so please bring along a few dollar bills and leave them in the Clown Donation Box by the driveway as you enjoy what is most likely the biggest and best Halloween display in the area.
Remember: 100% of your donations go to the PCRF. Don’t worry, the clowns won’t bite, but you must be careful of the haunted spirits who will gladly take you instead of a donation.
This year, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation celebrates 40 years of cutting-edge research. Its mission is “to fund research that reduces the percentage of children who perish from cancer until that number reaches zero.” Its purpose is to accelerate breakthroughs that transform pediatric cancer care so kids with cancer can spread their wings and soar.” Since 1982, PCRF has been partnering with businesses, foundations, and individuals to improve the care, quality of life and survival rates of children with malignant diseases because the PCRF is committed to continuing to fund innovative research so that every child can have the hope of a cancer-free future.
This Neptune Halloween Home Raises Money To Fight Kids' Cancer (2022)
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Shark River.png((New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection))TRENTON -- Shellfish harvesting is off-limits in the Shark River after state officials determined the waterway in Monmouth County poses health dangers.The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a public notice on Tuesday announcing the indefinite suspension of shellfish harvesting in the Shark River because water samples there exceed allowable fecal coliform l...
Shark River.png
((New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection))
TRENTON -- Shellfish harvesting is off-limits in the Shark River after state officials determined the waterway in Monmouth County poses health dangers.
The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a public notice on Tuesday announcing the indefinite suspension of shellfish harvesting in the Shark River because water samples there exceed allowable fecal coliform limits.
Until Tuesday, shellfish harvesting there had been permitted under certain conditions, but this new action suspends harvesting until the DEP determines how to officially classify the area.
For years, county and local officials have been fighting to get the river cleaned up.
The Shark River has been the subject of a major dredge project that was suspended when the state's Transportation Trust Fund ran out of money and Gov. Chris Christie ordered many projects halted. The work only recently restarted.
The Shark River Cleanup Coalition has noted three beaches along the river that exceed allowable fecal coliform limits. The Natural Resources Defense Council ranked the beach at the Shark River Beach and Yacht Club beach in the Shark River Hills section of Neptune Township as the second most polluted beach in the state, the coalition noted.
Memorial Park Beach in Neptune City has been closed for more than 25 years because of high bacteria counts and the L Street Beach in Belmar closes because of high bacteria levels whenever there is more than one-tenth of an inch of rain, the group noted.
MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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@AustinBoguesA few leaky pipes are to blame.The source of bacteria contamination that played a role in preventing the harvesting of shellfish beds in the Shark River has been pinpointed, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.With the help of dye tests and cameras provided by NJDOT, officials said they found sewage leaking into a stormwater discharge pipe at West Sylvania Avenue in Neptune City, the source being two municipal sewer lines. The lines have been repaired.The investigat...
@AustinBogues
A few leaky pipes are to blame.
The source of bacteria contamination that played a role in preventing the harvesting of shellfish beds in the Shark River has been pinpointed, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
With the help of dye tests and cameras provided by NJDOT, officials said they found sewage leaking into a stormwater discharge pipe at West Sylvania Avenue in Neptune City, the source being two municipal sewer lines. The lines have been repaired.
The investigation was done in collaboration with NJDOT, the Department of Environmental Protection, Monmouth County and Neptune City.
READ MORE: Shark River dredging gets $7.6M deal
“NJDOT personnel have the experience and skills needed to investigate the vast network of underground water and sewer pipes that run beneath the roadways in New Jersey – whether they are state, county, or municipal roads,” NJDOT Commissioner Richard T. Hammer said.
Last November, after the high-bacteria levels were detected, DEP's Bureau of Marine Water Quality Monitoring suspended clam harvesting on two stretches of the Shark River. The two areas of the river totaled 266 acres, 122 acres in the northern portion of the river in Neptune City and another 144 acres in the western portion in Belmar, according to a release.
The Shark River is about 12 miles in length and is connected to the ocean by a narrow inlet.
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“This has been a team effort in the truest sense of the term,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, in a statement. “Our scientists worked very closely with NJDOT engineers, who provided extensive technical and resource support."
DEP is now launching an effort to find the source of bacteria being discharged into the western portion of the river basin, which the agency believes is also being caused by a sewer leak.
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The shellfish beds have not been harvested in years because they would have to be taken to a special plant to be cleaned, before being shipped to market, the release said.
According to the most recent data, the percentage of shellfish beds considered safe for harvesting across the state is now nearly 90 percent, compared to 75 percent in 1977.
Austin Bogues: 732-643-4009; abogues@gannettnj.com
Who's the best speller at the Jersey Shore? Watch this live stream of APP and the Home News Tribune's 31st Annual Regional Spelling Bee Competition to find out -- and play along.Watch the Spelldown go down on APP.com as we stream the bee and give you a chance to show off your spelling skills for random giveaways in our CoverItLive chatroom.Can you spell better than a 5th grader? You'll know next week.Only participants who are logged in are eligible for giveaways. Register to participate now and check out t...
Who's the best speller at the Jersey Shore? Watch this live stream of APP and the Home News Tribune's 31st Annual Regional Spelling Bee Competition to find out -- and play along.
Watch the Spelldown go down on APP.com as we stream the bee and give you a chance to show off your spelling skills for random giveaways in our CoverItLive chatroom.
Can you spell better than a 5th grader? You'll know next week.
Only participants who are logged in are eligible for giveaways. Register to participate now and check out this year's local bee winners who will be competing below.
Here are the bee champs in their local districts who are now on their way to the regional Spelldown:
Monmouth County
David Averbach, Hillel Yeshiva Elementary School, Ocean
Sage Basri, Forrestdale Middle School, Rumson
Emma Belletier, Avon Elementary School, Avon-by-the-Sea
Maya BenHarush, Solomon Schechter Day School, Marlboro
Mia Bersalona, Sea Girt Elementary School, Sea Girt
Hassan Champion Joseph R Bolger Middle School, Keansburg
Rhea Chandragiri Lafayette Mills Elementary School, Manalapan
Brianna Clark, Beers Street School, Hazlet
Andrew Cohen, Wayside Elementary School, Wayside
Adelaide Cope, Knollwood Elementary School, Fair Haven
Kimberly Corpuz, Green Grove Elementary School, Neptune
Isabella DeCrosta, Wolf Hill Elementary School, Oceanport
Marissa Deignan, Harmony Elementary School, Middletown
Cameron Eng, Frank J Dugan Elementary School, Marlboro
Leanna English, Shark River Hills Elementary School, Neptune
Stavros Fay, Ocean Township Elementary School, Oakhurst
Malica Feratovic, George L. Catrambone Elementary School, Long Branch
Michael Ferraro, Milford Brook School, Manalapan
Aiden Freeman, Summerfield Elementary School, Neptune
Matthew Friedman, Asher Holmes Elementary School, Morganville
Max Furst, Middle Road Elementary School, Hazlet
Pranav Sai Gaka, Pine Brook Elementary School, Manalapan
Nicholas Geissler, Oak Hill Academy, Lincroft
Brian Gero, St. Denis School, Manasquan
Pranavi Gollamudi, Robertsville Elementary School, Morganville
Frankie Grabowski, St. Mary School, New Monmouth
Advait Gupta, Clark Mills School, Manalapan
Jyllian Herman, Keyport Central Elementary School, Keyport
Thomas Joseph Hernaiz, Amerigo A. Anastasia Elementary School, Long Branch
Seth Holzer, Wemrock Brook School, Manalapan
Kelly Huang, Margret L. Vetter Elementary School, Eatontown
Oresti Iliopoulos, Gregory Elementary School, Long Branch
Blake Jaronko, Maple Place Middle School, Oceanport
Emily Jiang, William R Satz Intermediate School, Holmdel
Gemma Lascano, Woodmere Elementary School, Eatontown
Katherine Lee, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Neptune City
Romie Levybensetton, Highlands Elementary School, Highlands
Jacqueline Litowinsky, Belmar Elementary School, Belmar
David Livingston, Lillian Drive Elementary School, Hazlet
Desiree Marshall, Red Bank Middle School, Red Bank
Avinash Menon, Taylor Mills School, Englishtown
Daniel Moran, Midtown Community Elementary School, Neptune
Joseph Murphy, Raritan Valley Elementary School, Hazlet
Michael O'Hearn, H.W. Mountz Elementary School, Spring Lake
Elizabeth Olshanetsky, Stone Bridge Middle School, Allentown
Armand Padilla, Gables Elementary School, Neptune
Kristen Rass, Manalapan Englishtown Middle School, Manalapan
Melanie K. Reda, Cove Road Elementary School, Hazlet
Ben Robinson, Shrewsbury Borough School, Shrewsbury
Musa Shaikh, Baytul-Iman Academy, Hazlet
Kenneth Shaw III, Monmouth Beach Elementary School, Monmouth Beach
Emma Sheehan, Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, Atlantic Highlands
John Shelly, Wanamassa Elementary School, Ocean
Matthew Shen, Frank Defino Central Elementary School, Marlboro
Prabhnoor Singh, Meadowbrook Elementary School, Eatontown
Jack Spagnuola, Rumson Country Day School, Rumson
Zachary Steinglass, Marlboro Elementary School, Marlboro
Hannah Stone, Frank Antonides Middle School, West Long Branch
Kylie Tang, Memorial School, Eatontown
Dane Tedder, Ocean Township Intermediate School, Ocean
Max Van de Graaff, Point Road Elementary School, Little Silver
Emma Williams, St. Rose Grammar School, Belmar
Brian Young, Neptune Middle School, Neptune
Emily Zembricki, Hazlet Middle School, Hazlet
Ocean County
Nicholas Afanador, Howard C Johnson Elementary School, Jackson
David Averbach, Hillel Yeshiva Elementary School, Ocean
Sunny Ball, Memorial Middle School, Point Pleasant Beach
Juliana Batich, Lucy N. Holman Elementary School, Jackson
Victoria Benesch, St. Joseph's Grade School, Toms River
Kyler Brodzinski, Toms River Intermediate School East, Toms River
Sydney Burton, Veterans Memorial Middle School, Brick
Abbie Chan, Pinelands Regional Junior High School, Tuckerton
Tasman Cioppa, Bay Head Elementary School, Bay Head
Brian Cooper, Switlik Elementary School, Jackson
Felicia Gelinas, G. Harold Antrim Elementary School, Point Pleasant Beach
Mushfiqul Hashem, Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School, Jackson
Justin Malabanan, Central Regional Middle School, Bayville, Berkeley
Leah Morrin Frog Pond Elementary School, Little Egg Harbor
Stuti Patel, Toms River Intermediate North School, Toms River
Grace Salko, Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School, Jackson
Dominic Sari, All Saints Regional Catholic School, Manahawkin
Emilia Savich, George J. Mitchell Elementary School, Little Egg Harbor
James Sundberg, Toms River Intermediate School, South Beachwood
Lexi Ulrey, Elms Elementary School, Jackson
Jenna Wronko, St. Dominic School, Brick
Bella Yedman, Lavallette Elementary School, Lavallette
Middlesex
Sanjana Bandi, Parsons Elementary School, North Brunswick
Tyler Boncoeur, Linwood Middle School, North Brunswick
Justin Cheung, Carl Sandburg Middle School, Old Bridge
Abhinav Dutta, Greenbrook Elementary School, Kendall Park, South Brunswick
Robert Ekeocha, St. Thomas The Apostle School, Old Bridge
Jonathan Feliz, Applegarth Elementary School, Monroe Township
Lily Hezrony, Roosevelt Elementary School, Roosevelt
Jaiden Shah, Woodland Elementary School, Monroe Township
Omkar Sonavane, Herbert Hoover Middle School, Edison
Sukruthi Thunga, Monroe Township Middle School, Monroe Township
Eric Wong, Brookside Elementary School, Monroe Township
In 2014, Terry Halifko snapped these photos of the Freedman’s Bakery sign being dismantled — only to emerge four years later as the winner of the top portion of the iconic piece of Belmar history. Terry Halifko and her husband, Joe, are the winners on the Freedman’s Bakery sign that was the grand prize in a fundraising raffle sponsored by the Belmar Arts Center. Photo Credit: Belmar Arts CenterPulling the winning ticket for the Freedman’s Bakery sign are Belmar A...
In 2014, Terry Halifko snapped these photos of the Freedman’s Bakery sign being dismantled — only to emerge four years later as the winner of the top portion of the iconic piece of Belmar history.
Terry Halifko and her husband, Joe, are the winners on the Freedman’s Bakery sign that was the grand prize in a fundraising raffle sponsored by the Belmar Arts Center. Photo Credit: Belmar Arts Center
Pulling the winning ticket for the Freedman’s Bakery sign are Belmar Arts Center vice chairman Jim Aberle and trustee Dorsey Lucas, who restored the iconic sign with her husband, Rich (not pictured).Photo Credit: Belmar Arts Center
In 2014, Terry Halifko snapped these photos of the Freedman’s Bakery sign being dismantled — only to emerge four years later as the winner of the top portion of the iconic piece of Belmar history. Photo Credit: Terry Halifko
Terry Halifko and her husband, Joe, are the winners on the Freedman’s Bakery sign that was the grand prize in a fundraising raffle sponsored by the Belmar Arts Center. Photo Credit: Belmar Arts Center
By Cathy Goetz
BELMAR, NJ — For Terry Williams Halifko, entering Belmar Arts Center’s raffle for the Freedman’s Bakery sign was more than a random toss of a ticket into the drawing basket.
Like so many others, she has many fond memories of the bakery that graced Belmar’s Main Street for 64 years. In fact, she also just happened to be Belmar on the day four years ago the red-and-white sign was being taken down from the bakery building at Main Street and Seventh Avenue.
So when Halifko recently received a phone call informing her she won the iconic metal sign, she could not have been happier. “This sign is so meaningful to me,” said the lifelong area resident who lives in the Shark River Hills section of Neptune. “I never, ever win anything, so this was quite a shock I shall remember always.”
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Halifko’s recollections of Freedman’s bakery reach back to her childhood. “My parents would drop me off to wait in the long lines for hard rolls and danish after church on Sunday as they drove round and round the block,” she recalled.
And during the early 1970s while attending St. Rose High School — located across the street from the bakery — she remembers the smell of doughnuts wafting through the school’s corridors, “driving us crazy on certain days,” she said. “When I had a bit of money, I bought a doughnut or brownie,” she said.
And there’s more: “I had a dear friend who worked there for years and years also, and I'd stop by and hang out in the back with her."
What’s next for the 12-by-3-foot Freedman’s metal sign that was repaired and preserved by Belmar Arts Center (BAC) volunteers Dorsey and Rich Lucas for the fundraising raffle? “This sign will be re-electrified and proudly hang in my den,” Halifko said.
She also thanked the arts center for the opportunity to raise funds for the nonprofit group. “I love the way such a small place can support the arts,” said Halifko, who has attended photography workshops at the center, located at 608 River Road.
Proceeds from the raffle will specifically support art openings and other creative events at BAC, whose core mission is to bring people together to discover, learn and celebrate the arts.
And according to its blog, “Rumor has it that in the future those large round letters that spelled out 'B A K E R Y' (on the Freedman’s sign) will be made available to the public.”
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