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 Spring Heights, 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 Spring Heights, 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 Spring Heights, 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 Spring Heights, 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.
732-526-2497For decades, Spring Lake Heights locals have relied on a neighborhood bar that sits a mile from the beach, on NJ-71. The staff at Heights 27 is proud to continue that tradition after taking over what used to be CJ’s Tavern (and Wine’s Tavern before that) just three years ago.There’s nothing more comfortable than a local spot where folks can reliably order food and drinks, or pick up some road sodas on the way home. Every town should have such a bar. Along with their staff, friends and business partners Brian LiCalsi ...
For decades, Spring Lake Heights locals have relied on a neighborhood bar that sits a mile from the beach, on NJ-71. The staff at Heights 27 is proud to continue that tradition after taking over what used to be CJ’s Tavern (and Wine’s Tavern before that) just three years ago.
There’s nothing more comfortable than a local spot where folks can reliably order food and drinks, or pick up some road sodas on the way home. Every town should have such a bar. Along with their staff, friends and business partners Brian LiCalsi and Bob DePetro are keeping this dream alive for the Spring Lake Heights community. With Heights 27’s third year in business on the horizon, the emphasis on quality from a neighborhood business continues.
From CJ’s Tavern to Heights 27, the business plan hasn’t changed much. “Basically, it’s quality food, quality drinks, and bar favorites,” said LiCalsi, as he summed up his goals for Heights 27. “We have a lot of live, local entertainment and we try to showcase NJ-based beers.”
From 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Heights 27 offers happy hour specials, like $2 domestic draft beers, $5 house wines or well drinks, and 25% off all appetizers. If customers find themselves at Heights 27 after those deals disappear, the full menu of drinks and food opens up, complete with wings, burgers, and chicken sandwiches.
You’ll find traditional bone-in and boneless wing options. LiCalsi goes into more detail on the wings. “Hog wings, most places don’t have pork shank, but we sell those pork shank hog wings with our sauces,” he said. “That’s one item that sets us apart.”
In addition to more conventional bar favorites, Heights 27 has added some exceptional entrees for customers interested in more of a homestyle meal, a nice steak, or seafood.
The menu boasts a beautiful New York strip steak with roasted potatoes, onion rings, vegetables, and steak sauce. And entrees like teriyaki sesame-crusted tuna or a fried seafood platter with clams, shrimp, cod, and fries make for solid seafood options.
“We also make a great chicken Francese, chicken Parm, and our pork chop Murphy with potatoes, onions, and vinegar peppers,” he said. “Our kitchen staff have been with us for a long time now — they’re hardworking and dedicated people who’ve been in the [restaurant] business for 20 years.”
Live Entertainment
Switch gears at the end of the day to the tune of a local guitarist, or to the banter of a bingo maestro at Heights 27. Check out the calendar of events on the Heights 27 website to stay up to date.
Local entertainment operates in a “Clean, modern, comfortable atmosphere,” said LiCalsi. And while Heights 27 brings a wide variety of music and local, up-and-coming talent, LiCalsi said they have yet to charge a cover.
“We’re known to have a great old fashioned,” said LiCalsi. He also noted that that martinis and wide selection of domestic and imported beers are worth checking out. And he didn’t forget about the local beer scene in the Garden State. “We have Kane, Screaming Hill, Icarus, Twin Lights, and beers from Hoboken Brewery too.”
Heights 27 will continue to serve the local community as a one-stop shop for great food, cold drinks, and packaged goods.
Many New Jersey restaurants look to summer for their highest volume of business. But the owners of Heights 27 are sure to prioritize supporting their community all year — especially in the offseason.
“We give back a lot to the community and support local sports and school systems,” said LiCalsi. “We’re pretty adamant about that. Our local community means a tremendous amount to us.”
LiCalsi recounted his early life, in Wall Township. He left school to start his own business, and had a love for real estate that started early. In 2020, he hit fast-forward and bought a bar and grill. It’s easy to tell he loves the area and is committed to maintaining this spot’s “go-to” identity for locals as well as out-of-towners.
In 1927, Spring Lake Heights was established after breaking off from Wall Township. The name Heights 27 is a reminder of where it all started…and where it will continue.
Heights 27 Bar & Grille 2407 NJ-71 Spring Lake Heights, NJ
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — It's been more than four years since Seaside Heights boardwalk patrons have been able to ride the historic Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Carousel.It looks like carousel fans will have to wait a bit longer, as the borough waits for needed railings to be installed so the ride can be inspected by the state, borough administrator Christopher Vaz confirmed Thursday."The railings need to be installed. We expected that to be done this week, but there is a delay. In the meantime, we are working on the paperwork...
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — It's been more than four years since Seaside Heights boardwalk patrons have been able to ride the historic Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Carousel.
It looks like carousel fans will have to wait a bit longer, as the borough waits for needed railings to be installed so the ride can be inspected by the state, borough administrator Christopher Vaz confirmed Thursday.
"The railings need to be installed. We expected that to be done this week, but there is a delay. In the meantime, we are working on the paperwork aspects of the state permit," Vaz said.
The borough had hoped to have the carousel operating for Christmas, the Asbury Park Press reported.
The restoration has earned the borough the 2024 Ocean County Historic Preservation Award, which is scheduled to be presented to town officials in a May celebration at the annual Salute to Ocean County ceremony at the Jay & Linda Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College, according to the Seaside Heights Historical Society.
The carousel was shut down in the spring of 2019 at its former site inside the Casino Pier amusements building in preparation for its move to the building on the boardwalk at Sampson Avenue.
Seaside Heights received the carousel and an oceanfront parking lot at Carteret and Sampson avenues as part of a controversial land swap agreement that gave Casino Pier a 1.37-acre parcel of beachfront at Sheridan Avenue. A 67-acre piece of property on the west side of the Garden State Parkway in Toms River, preserved as open space, was part of the deal as well.
The Dentzel/Looff Carousel, which was built in 1910 and moved to Seaside Heights in 1932, was carefully dismantled in 2019 for a complete restoration effort that included removal of and repairs to the Wurlitzer Band Organ that plays the music. It was sent to York, Pennsylvania, for repairs, the Asbury Park Press reported at the time.
All of inner workings of the ride have been repaired and restored by Carousels & Carvings of Marion, Ohio, and the wooden elements, including the 58 animals — 35 jumping horses, 18 standing horses, two camels, a lion, a tiger and a donkey — have been restored. Two chariots have been painted as well and one is being retrofitted to accommodate a wheelchair, according to the Seaside Heights Historical Society. Local artist Marie De Saules has contributed many hours working on the restoration, painting the organ and some of the horses.
The carousel, which was valued between $2.3 million and $2.5 million in 2019, is one of four remaining wooden carousels in New Jersey and one of about 200 still operating in the United States and Canada, according to the National Carousel Association.
This is not the first time the carousel has been restored. In the 1980s, Dr. Floyd L. Moreland oversaw the restoration of the carousel, which was in bad shape at the time; it was named in his honor as a result. He has stopped by the new site to see the progress, the Seaside Heights Historical Society said.
Moreland's restoration effort came about because of discussions about selling off the animals on the carousel, according to the Discover Seaside Heights website. The site says carousel animals were selling for $100,000 or more at that time. Moreland, who was a professor at the City University of New York, and others raised money to prevent the sell-off.
The current restoration work has been funded through a combination of private donations and a $750,000 grant from the state Historic Preservation Commission.
The Heights in Jersey City is full of hidden gems — and one of the nice things about going to brunch in the Heights is getting to explore the neighborhood while popping into different restaurants and trying some of the exciting cuisines there. With a rich history and a diverse and flavorful food scene, there are plenty of great spots to grab brunch with your friends or family. Plus, with the warmer weather upon us, man...
The Heights in Jersey City is full of hidden gems — and one of the nice things about going to brunch in the Heights is getting to explore the neighborhood while popping into different restaurants and trying some of the exciting cuisines there. With a rich history and a diverse and flavorful food scene, there are plenty of great spots to grab brunch with your friends or family. Plus, with the warmer weather upon us, many of these local eateries provide great outdoor setups for brunch outside. Read on to discover the best outdoor brunch places to check out in The Heights.
This restaurant is conveniently located near the 9th Street elevator in the Heights, making it an easy walk for Hoboken residents over to the 9th Street Light Rail station. Here, you can find a backyard area, as well as tables and chairs in the front if you want to eat outside. The Cliff has many food options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from. They also sell freshly cooked fish that is eco-friendly and imported from Iceland. Some of the brunch items that you will find on this menu are brioche french toast, Nuevos huevos rancheros, tofu scramble, an omelet made with tasty goat cheese, a vegan burger, a fish sandwich, and delicious buffalo cauliflower tacos.
View this post on Instagram
Brazilian Barbeque is an exciting way to indulge in brunch (and to try a new experiential foodie item on your bucket list). Carvao means ‘charcoal’ in Portuguese, and the charcoal used at this restaurant is imported from Brazil to help make it some of the most authentic — and tastiest — BBQ around. On the menu, you can find things like wings, a whole chicken, ribs, bacon cheese fries, sausages and yuca, burgers, a crispy chicken sandwich, as well as domestic and imported beers that add a nice tangy addition to delicious BBQ. There is also a lovely outdoor seating area with flowers and nice tables to really up your outdoor brunch vibe.
This is a locally-owned family restaurant that has an outdoor area with a beautiful garden that feels miles away from city life while dining. One unique thing this family business does is import the tomatoes they use from a family-owned farm in California. This locally loved pizza place started in 1959, and so much thought and care goes into the quality of the food at this establishment. Pizza is not the only specialty they have, though. You can also find amazing Italian food and appetizers here as well. Renato’s also gives back to the community by working with local causes, local teams, and local churches, which we love.
View this post on Instagram
This place has a large, wooden-covered outdoor dining area so you can enjoy the fresh air while brunching. The spot also has live music called “Live in the Parlour,” and guests can enjoy talented local artists during their visit. On the brunch menu, you can find delicious American dishes like eggs, bacon, home fries, ricotta and smoked salmon toast, sunrise tostadas, and more.
Lil Dove Cafe is a quaint and relaxing place to sit down and get brunch, indoors or outdoors. The spot has an outdoor area where you can enjoy the sunshine, as well as a nice seating area inside that has a chill vibe. The tasty brunch menu items include avocado toast, roast beef sandwich, chicken and avocado sandwich, croissant French toast, and many other high-quality brunch foods. You can find gift items here, too — shirts, mugs, fun socks, candles, and more. You can also check out the gift shop on the website to see all the goodies available.
View this post on Instagram
Paulie’s is the ultimate outdoor brunch spot in the Heights, with an outdoor bar area that boasts incredible views of Jersey City and beyond. The spot also hosts private events, which makes for an amazing view for your guests. Delectable brunch items include avocado toast, a Brickhouse burger, buttermilk pancakes, and even a carbonara pizza — which is a white pie base made with mozzarella, roasted potatoes, bacon, and two fried eggs. Yum.
View this post on Instagram
The Hutton is a local pub with a dark wooden interior and a covered outdoor patio area that is as comfortable as it is classic. The Hutton also caters and hosts private events, and this is a spacious place to host your next gathering. The brunch menu here is incredible, and offers things like apple guacamole, marinated skirt steak and eggs, chicken or cauliflower wings, bourbon caramel french toast, and a fried chicken naan sandwich, made with fried chicken, arugula, street corn, and cheddar sauce.
View this post on Instagram
There is a nice outdoor seating area here that is a perfect setting to enjoy brunch. This is a BYOB place, and you can order exceptional items like chicken and waffles, wild mushroom omelets, ricotta pancakes, vodka chicken sandwiches, and more tasty brunch options to pair perfectly with your drink of choice.
This place is a staple in Jersey City Heights, and has been around since 1976. Corkscrew is located only three blocks from the Hoboken elevator/Light Rail. You will enjoy the outdoor seating area here, as it is a spacious and nice place to enjoy some fresh air. The menu includes buffalo cheese fries, chicken wings, burgers, a fried chicken sandwich, pizza, and more.
View this post on Instagram
Low Fidelity has a sunny and spacious outdoor area that is a phenomenal spot for brunch. On the menu, you can find uniquely named cocktails with distinct ingredients that stand out from the rest. The Detroit-style pizza on the menu includes a selection of variations to choose from, as well as delicious salads, sides, sandwiches, and rice bowl options.
View this post on Instagram
Corto has a cute and cozy outdoor area that is lowkey and peaceful. The menu is small, but high quality and delicious. You can find unique Italian dishes on the menu that includes things like ricotta and honey toast, pasta, lamb, trout, and so much more.
See More: The Best Brunch Spots in Montclair
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Saigon Kitchen | Saigon Bistro (@saigoninnj)
Saigon Bistro doesn’t have a large outdoor seating area, but there are two tables outside — still worth adding to your list because the food is superb. You can indulge in a Vietnamese brunch, which includes menu items like Vietnamese spring rolls, steamed dumplings, sugarcane shrimp, pho house specialty noodle soup, pad thai, shaken cubed steak, and a banh mi sandwich.
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - On June 3 and 4, Berkeley Heights was buzzing with excitement as pickleball enthusiasts gathered for the much-anticipated Spring Pickleball Bash Tournament. Hosted by the Berkeley Heights Recreation Department and sponsored by the Lisa Kulback Group and Jodi Siegel from ...
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - On June 3 and 4, Berkeley Heights was buzzing with excitement as pickleball enthusiasts gathered for the much-anticipated Spring Pickleball Bash Tournament. Hosted by the Berkeley Heights Recreation Department and sponsored by the Lisa Kulback Group and Jodi Siegel from Guaranteed Rate Affinity [Mortgage], this two-day celebration of the fast-growing sport proved to be a hit.
The impressive 90-team pickleball tournament was organized with the help of Joey Sardinas, Director of Centercourt Pickleball and a notable figure in the pickleball scene of New York and New Jersey. The tourney featured Men's and Women's doubles and Mixed Doubles, divided by skill levels from 3.0 to 4.5.
The Spring Pickleball Bash Tournament was about more than just the competition. For fellow player Jim Ulacky, who was left paralyzed in a bike accident, it was an outpouring of love and support from fellow players. The tournament was a fundraiser for the Ulacky family as well as for maintenance and improvements to the Tom Barton Courts (pickleball and tennis). As Ulacky made his tournament visit, players shared memories of the game's growth from a small chat group to over 400 players, despite the challenges of the pandemic. It was a touching tribute to a fellow player. Even pickleball enthusiast Susan LaMaita, who had never played a sport before, has taken to the game with enthusiasm. "I can pick it up at sixty years old--I can pick it up and really enjoy it!" she said.
Sign Up for FREE Berkeley Heights Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
The tournament was also an opportunity to meet other pickleball players and connect with others who have the same passion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there was something for everyone at this tournament.
Move over tennis, this fast-paced game mixes players of all ages and skill levels and brings them together for a truly social and exciting exercise experience. It's no wonder pickleball is quickly gaining in popularity and giving tennis a run for its money.
Visit the Berkeley Heights Recreation Web Page for pickleball and tennis information: https://www.berkeleyheights.gov/1511/PickleballTennis-Information.
Marianne Stoll, formerly of Sisters Cafe in Spring Lake, is back with a creative breakfast and lunch spot in Spring Lake Heights.Chef Marianne Stoll, formerly of Sisters Cafe in Spring Lake, is at the helm of a new restaurant after taking time off to raise twins. (The nerve.) Word on the street has been buzzing about her breakfast and lunch spot called Marigold Market and Cafe in Spring Lake Heights, which she opened in July 2017 with her sisters, Roxane O’Hearn and Kris Dier and brother-in-law, Jim Anderson.I stopped b...
Chef Marianne Stoll, formerly of Sisters Cafe in Spring Lake, is at the helm of a new restaurant after taking time off to raise twins. (The nerve.) Word on the street has been buzzing about her breakfast and lunch spot called Marigold Market and Cafe in Spring Lake Heights, which she opened in July 2017 with her sisters, Roxane O’Hearn and Kris Dier and brother-in-law, Jim Anderson.
I stopped by on a Tuesday at 1:30 PM and there was not a seat to be had. It was one of those crummy, rainy days but when I walked into the brightly lit and cheerfully painted restaurant, I forgot all about the soggy stuff going on outside. True to its name, the interior is painted the colors of a summer marigold with bright yellow walls, burnt orange accents and crisp floral window treatments. Photos of marigolds hang between the many windows. The day’s fresh pastries greet you from behind a glass partition on the bar. Loose teas, granola and local honey are for sale at the bar as well.
I spied a table by the window still waiting to be cleared and quickly called dibs to the hostess.
The creative menu intrigued me the first time I visited Marigold and is, quite frankly, why I went back. Grilled nectarines filled with Gorgonzola-and-fig jam and Warm Goat Cheese Dip with local honey, roasted tomatoes and bread crisps for starters? Not your typical appetizers. Truffle Parmesan fries are also offered as a starter, which made me laugh. It’s like: Hey, we know you’re going to order these fries so you might as well just do it. Why waste time?
My first Marigold experience included a grilled romaine salad with cucumber, tomato, roasted peppers, olives, almond crusted feta, hardboiled egg and Greek vinaigrette that I really enjoyed. This was gluten free, as are all salads and several other menu items.
On visit number two, I ordered the soup of the day, potato cauliflower. It may have been light in color (is white a color?), but the taste more than made up for it. Creamy but not too rich. Smooth and not too thick. It was salted just right and I savored it until the spoon couldn’t scrape another drop.
For my entrée, I decided on the pan-seared salmon served over quinoa and corn, with grilled asparagus and a mustard yogurt dill sauce—another gluten-free dish and oh so satisfying. The salmon was cooked to perfection: crispy on the outside but still moist and tender on the inside. I loved the use of quinoa and corn, which added a little more substance than just salmon over salad would have. The mustard vinaigrette was delicate, not too tart. All in all, a very nice dish.
On to those truffle fries. You knew this was coming. Crispy little shoestring potatoes tossed in truffle oil and Parmesan, they are all you would expect them to be, and even more addictive when you dip them in the roasted garlic aioli (highly recommended) that comes with the turkey breast sandwich.
Piled high with fresh roasted turkey and slathered with sundried tomato pesto, the real star of the turkey breast sandwich was the soft, tender, fresh mozzarella. And yes, it even stole the show from the applewood bacon and ciabatta roll.
Dessert is not on the menu. But they have it! Kelly, my server, ran down the choices for me: flourless chocolate cupcake with caramel frosting; carrot cake cupcake with maple cream cheese frosting; crumb cake with blueberry cream cheese filling; and the scone of the day, raspberry. All of Marigold’s pastries are made in house by Ginny Peterson, the pastry chef.
I chose the chocolate cupcake and the crumb cake. They were both modest in size. They’re not trying to supersize dessert in any way, so if you are thinking about sharing you might want to rethink it. For tea lovers, Marigold offers an iced tea of the day and a seasonal, hot, loose tea selection through California’s Art of Tea. Coffee enthusiasts have their choice of regular coffee, espresso, cappuccino and a variety of lattes.
If you’ve got the urge for a spot-on lunch you can’t go wrong at Marigold. You’ll have your choice of healthy options, decadent options and some highly creative options. And don’t forget the truffle fries.
Marigold Market and Cafe is located at 2003 Highway 71, Spring Lake Heights; 732-449-3242. Open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Sunday.