Has your quality of life been affected because of back pain? You're not alone - Harvard Health tells us that almost 85% of people in the US have back pain so severe that they see a doctor at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, these problems often start small but end up becoming severe issues like sciatica. For active people and athletes, dealing with back pain isn't just compromising; it's life-changing.
And while many people will tell you that having a "back problem" is something you'll have to deal with for the rest of your life, that's far from the case. The good news is that seeing a chiropractor in Shark River Hills can provide you with the relief needed to live a healthy, active life without giving up the things you love most, like sports and spending time with your family.
Of the millions of Americans who suffer from back pain daily, many have found long-lasting relief through the same chiropractic care offered at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness. But what exactly is chiropractic care, and how does it help?
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive approach to overall wellness and healing that focuses on correcting issues with your musculoskeletal system. When performed by a licensed chiropractor, it can alleviate and even eliminate common problems such as:
To treat your conditions and help reduce your pain, chiropractors use time-tested, hands-on techniques to adjust your spine, neck, back, and other joints throughout your body to restore proper function, mobility, and alignment. Once your body is in proper alignment, it functions optimally, leading to improved overall wellness and health.
Unlike some sports rehab clinics in The Garden State, chiropractors from NJ Sports Spine & Wellness work with you one-on-one to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific goals and needs relating to your pain and ability to live a normal life. Because our team takes a holistic approach to healthcare, we cover all aspects of your health and wellness when developing your chiropractic treatment plan. That way, we increase your chances of living a fulfilling life free of pain and worry about throwing your back out.
Seeing a chiropractor can quite literally change your life for the better. According to the American Chiropractic Association, in general, chiropractic therapy is a more effective solution for back pain than other treatments like addictive pain pills, surgeries, and yoga. When combined with services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and acupuncture, chiropractic care may be the key you need to open the door to a pain-free life.
Shedule An AppointmentSome of the many benefits of seeing a reliable, licensed chiropractor include the following:
Perhaps the most obvious reason to make an appointment with a chiropractor is for back pain relief. Some people only need to see a chiropractor when they have occasional back pain, such as when they wake up in the morning. Others, such as those who have been in serious car accidents, need regular chiropractic adjustments and therapies, which are often supplemented with techniques like physical therapy and acupuncture.
There are many causes of back pain that range from advanced conditions like having sciatica and herniated discs to everyday issues like poor posture and sleeping in a harmful position. Your chiropractor's job is to pinpoint the cause(s) of your back pain and build a customized plan to address your musculoskeletal conditions. Once that happens, pain relief follows shortly after.
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, we craft personalized chiropractic plans for every patient we treat, with the goal of avoiding harmful surgeries and addictive medicines.
If you've never experienced a headache in your life, you're exceedingly rare. Just about every American will suffer from a headache at some point or another. For some, headaches only happen occasionally and are not much more than an annoyance. For others, headaches evolve into crippling migraines that can affect quality of life, ability to work, and much more.
If you find yourself digging into a bottle of Aspirin or something stronger when you have a headache, it might be time to visit an NJSSW chiropractor.
Do you wake up in the morning feeling like you didn't sleep a wink the previous night? Do you have to take sleep aides like Ambien in order to drift off to dreamland? If you have chronic back pain, getting a full night's rest is easier said than done. From misaligned spines to improper sleeping posture, your chiropractor in Shark River Hills can use manipulation therapy and other techniques to boost blood flow and align your vertebrae, so your body can heal itself and help you rest better.
One of the best things about seeing your chiropractor is that when your session is over, you often feel great. The pain relief feels phenomenal. When you're not in pain, you have a more positive outlook on life, and often enjoy better sleep, blood pressure, and even sexual relations. It makes sense, then, that chiropractic care has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, which promotes relaxation and improved mental health.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, we work with a long list of athletes who suffer from sports injuries and other problems that can manifest from being active. For professional athletes, having a trustworthy chiropractor to care for them is needed for their careers. But you don't have to be a pro athlete to benefit from chiropractic care. Ordinary people that enjoy active lifestyles can reap tremendous rewards through chiropractic care, such as improved range of motion and relief from compressed discs.
Whether you enjoy impromptu games of tag football or simply want to play with your kids, seeing a chiropractor can help you be healthy and active without fighting back, neck, and joint pain. That's especially true when chiropractic therapy is used in conjunction with acupuncture, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.ies and addictive medicines.
Your NJ Sports Spine & Wellness chiropractor in Shark River Hills may use a range of techniques to restore function and alignment in your body. Some of the most common techniques our chiropractors use include:
Life has a habit of being unexpected. Sure, some surprises only hurt your bank account, like last-minute renovations in your home. But severe incidents, like car accidents, can inflict physical injuries that cause you long-term pain. These problems, like neck and back injuries, affect many Americans daily. Even worse, many hardworking people turn to risky surgeries and addictive pain medications, only to find themselves deep in a hole that seems impossible to get out of.
If you suffer from serious range-of-motion issues or you're in chronic pain, it's important to know that you have treatment choices. You don't have to put your health at risk to relieve your pain. One of the most successful non-invasive treatments offered for pain is physical therapy. The main goal of physical therapy is to restore movement and function to patients affected by illness, injury, or disability.
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.
Once our PTs have made headway, they will often use our chiropractic therapy to provide the patient with more relief. Having the option of both chiropractic and physical therapy is often very effective, because your chiropractor in Shark River Hills can address nerve irritation and joint dysfunction while your physical therapist helps retrain your musculoskeletal system, allowing your body to heal faster.
Some of the biggest benefits of using physical therapy along with chiropractic care include:
Occupational therapy, or OT, is to help patients of all ages and abilities engage in activities of daily living, or ADL. Often, that means helping patients reclaim the ability to continue working, going to school, accomplishing day-to-day tasks, or other activities common to daily living.
Occupational therapy can benefit individuals going through many conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and chronic pain. The end goal of occupational therapy is to help patients achieve the maximum level of independence and participation in their daily lives. If pain, discomfort, weakness, fatigue, or fear prevent you from participating in activities you love, an OT from NJ Sports Spine & Wellness could become the MVP of your wellness journey.
To give our patients the most complete pain relief and recovery options, our doctors and practitioners will often lean on the expertise of both a physical therapist and a chiropractor in Shark River Hills. By working together, your PT, OT, and chiropractor can provide you with a comprehensive approach to total-body functionality, from your spine and joints to your mind and range of motion.
Some of the most common benefits of using OT with chiropractic care include:
Acupuncture boosts your body's functions and helps improve its ability to heal through anatomic site stimulation - usually called acupuncture points or acupoints. To stimulate these points, acupuncturists at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness insert fine, sterile needles into your skin. Most patients don't feel any pain as needles are applied. Typically, needles are left in the skin up to 30 minutes. After your session, it's normal to feel incredibly relaxed.
While some practitioners still adhere to traditional philosophies, modern acupuncturists take an integrative approach to the therapy. Today, professional acupuncturists use these techniques to stimulate your body's natural healing and pain-fighting processes. When coupled with personalized care from a chiropractor in Shark River Hills as well as physical or occupational therapy, you can find real relief from the physical and emotional roadblocks holding you back. Some of the most reported benefits of acupuncture treatment include:
During an acupuncture session, you may feel a slight sensation of warmth or tingling at the needle's site of insertion. Generally speaking, acupuncture is painless and perfectly safe for you to consider. In fact, many practitioners and doctors recommend combining acupuncture with other treatment options like chiropractic adjustments.
Though acupuncture and chiropractic therapies come from different origins, both include non-invasive, holistic, and gentle approaches that don't require drugs to work. They also both facilitate total-body healing by addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms - not just the symptoms themselves.
Because acupuncture is known to release endorphins and improve blood flow, having a session prior to a chiropractic adjustment can be very beneficial. That's because, after acupuncture, your muscles are less stiff, more relaxed, and easier to adjust effectively. Over time, as you combine acupuncture and chiropractic therapy, you'll benefit from less inflammation and less pain as you heal from injuries or musculoskeletal conditions. That same truth applies to patients who undergo serious chiropractic adjustments.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our staff consists of licensed and highly-trained professionals, including specialists focusing on:
Every member of our team believes that the path to wellness and a pain-free life begins with customized treatment plans that cater to your needs and body. Unlike some chiropractors in Shark River Hills, we do not treat on-the-surface symptoms with one-size-fits-all therapies. We do not rely on powerful pain medications to mask your pain or invasive surgeries that require weeks of recovery. Instead, we address the root causes of your pain so that we can help you live the happy, healthy life you're craving.
To achieve that goal, we'll conduct an in-depth evaluation to learn about your medical history. We'll also perform diagnostic tests and speak with you one-on-one to get a better sense of your needs. From there, we'll recommend the therapies that can give you a new lease on life and be there for every milestone you hit.
If you're fed up of living with the limits of pain and lack of mobility, we're here to help you break free. Contact our office today to get started.
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)
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
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.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
@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.
MORE: Rep. Pallone: Trump NEA cuts are attack on diversity
“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.
MORE: 14-year-old girl missing from Millstone Township group home
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.”
Sign Up for FREE Belmar/Lake Como Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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.”
TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como is Belmar and Lake Como’s only free daily newspaper. Accredited by the New Jersey Press Association, it is the official electronic newspaper of both municipalities. As a locally owned news organization, TAPinto through its advertisers is able to publish online, objective news 24/7 at no charge. Sign up for its free daily e-News, and follow it on Facebook and Twitter.
Download the free TAPinto App! Click here for Android - Click here for iOS to get news as it is happening.