• • Fluke (Summer Flounder): The 2026 fluke season is in its final countdown and official closes on September 25. Anglers are currently pulling in massive “doormat” fluke by fishing deep ocean wrecks, reefs, and inlets.
  • Striped Bass & Bluefish: The highly anticipated fall run is just starting. Smaller resident striped bass and hungry bluefish are active in the surf and back bays, especially during early-morning “first light.” 
  • Exotic & Speed Species: Warm water temperatures have brought fun, fast-moving fish close to the beaches. You can target Bonito, Spanish Mackerel, and False Albacore right from the inlets or inshore boats. 
  • Crabs & Bottom Fish: Back bays are full of action for Blowfish, Sheepshead, and Tautog (Tog) around bridges and sod banks. 

• • Inlets: Manasquan Inlet, Barnegat Inlet, and Shark River Inlet act as “highways” for migrating fish moving in and out of the bays.
  • The Surf: Beaches in Lavallette, Seaside Park, and Long Beach Island offer plenty of room for surf casting without swimmers in the way.
  • Ocean Reefs: For keeper fluke, head out on a charter or party boat from Belmar or Point Pleasant to hit the structural wrecks. 

• Beat the clock for fluke: If you want summer flounder, you must get out before the season ends on September 25th. Use heavy bucktails tipped with Berkley Gulp or live minnows. 
• Fish early or late: Hit the water during sunrise or sunset when predatory fish like stripers and bluefish push bait up against the sod banks and jetties.

Discover the birds of Sandy Hook!

Over the past 19 months, the nation has witnessed a deliberate erosion of democracy and human rights under the current administration. “We The People Walk For Democracy” is meant to unify our voices to safeguard our democracy and to raise awareness about voting, while teaching young people the importance of being civically engaged.

Please join us for this walk, which is FREE to the public, with a mapped-out route from Riverside Gardens Park to the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center.  However, you must register, and with a $35 donation, you will receive a “We The People” T-shirt, button, and sign.

Speakers include: Rev. Kerwin Webb, Chairman of the Board of the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation and Monmouth County former judge, the Honorable John D’Amico, along with the Fortune Tellers, youth tour guides who work at the Cultural Center.  We are garnering community support and look forward to more organizations joining us on this walk.

Thomas Fortune was a man of action, and as the prominent editor of the New York Age, he was a significant member of the Black Press, which changed the social, political, and economic landscape of America.  In 2027, the Cultural Center will commemorate and celebrate the Bicentennial of the Black Press.

Our mission as a non-profit organization is to uphold the civil rights and social justice legacy of T. Thomas Fortune through education, the arts, public programming and community outreach.

The following community organizations stand in support of “We The People Walk For Democracy.”

Lunch Break

Grunin Foundation

Pilgrim Baptist

The United Methodist Church of Red Bank

Two River Theater

Project Write Now

League of Women Voters

Following the walk, there will be light refreshments, music, and continued fellowship. Please visit our website www.tthomasfortuneculturalcenter.org to register.

When surveyed about their grilling habits, 85% of people grill or smoke because they simply like being outdoors, and around 65% say they do it whenever they want, according to a Shady Brook Farms study. Whether you’re a grilling newbie or a master of the flames, you can enjoy grilling and shaking things up with delicious flavor from healthy protein like turkey year-round.

“Grilling with turkey is one of my favorite ways to grill for family and friends,” notes grilling enthusiast Robyn Lindars of @grillgirlrobyn. “It is versatile, lean and quick to prepare and lends well to flavor pairings.”

Despite being adaptable and delicious, turkey doesn’t get its fair share on the grill – in fact, four in 10 people haven’t cooked it outdoors in a year or ever. More cooks see themselves as beginners when it comes to cooking turkey versus other types of meats and poultry. If you’re one of them, it’s time to learn some tips and tricks because it’s easier than you think.

Explore turkey grilling options

Grilling a turkey is always a way to bring new flavor to a timeless classic, but if a whole bird is too much, Shady Brook Farms offers many other options. Consider seasoned turkey patties, turkey breast tenderloins and ground turkey burgers for a quick and easy way to prep a weeknight meal. Try new Bacon Cheddar Turkey Patties that are pre-seasoned and mixed with real bacon bits and diced cheddar cheese, for a simple way to enjoy savory flavor.

Add vegetables and fruit to the grill

Are you focused this summer on improving your overall health and immunity? Try grilling turkey. Grilling high-quality protein, along with fruits and vegetables, is a way to get favorite foods with less fat. An easy choice for a healthy protein, turkey is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including B6 and B12 for energy. Vegetables like peppers, asparagus and zucchini are great grilled, are packed with vitamins and go great with turkey. Have fun trying new recipes, such as garlic and herb turkey tenderloin kabobs with grilled vegetable and basil pesto.

Grilling turkey temperatures

When grilling any type of turkey, you want juicy flavor cooked to perfection. To help set the stage for success, thaw turkey fully before cooking on the grill. This helps ensure even cooking to proper temperatures throughout. No matter what type of turkey you’re cooking – whole, breast, tenderloins or burgers – make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperatures are at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe cooking temperature before turkey can be consumed. Once meat hits this temperature, remove and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes for juices to redistribute before serving.

Experiment with new turkey recipes

No matter what the occasion – weeknight dinner for the family, cookout or weekend get-together – there’s a recipe for any type of gathering. Check out ShadyBrookFarms.com/Recipes to explore featured recipes that include Grilled Mediterranean Turkey Skewers, Grilled Stuffed Turkey Burgers, Grilled Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin and more. Try a new recipe each week and see how much fun you have grilling and maximizing every moment of summer.

What happens when you Shop Local:

1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy
For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.*
2. You embrace what makes your community unique
You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?
3. You create local jobs
Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.
4. You help the environment
Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.
5. You nurture community
Local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.
6. You conserve your tax dollars
Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!
7. You create more choice
Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wid­er array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.
8. You took advantage of their expertise
You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?
9. You invested in entrepreneurship
Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business en­sures a strong community.
10. You made your community a destination

The more interesting and unique your community is, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests.

This benefits everyone!

*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics.
It makes sense to keep our small towns along the shore prosperous. This is our home, we are the locals, and we need to keep our businesses alive. Why not stop at the local coffee shop, grab a cup of joe and enjoy a stroll on your favorite Main Street?

 Join the 51st New Jersey Clearwater Festival on Saturday, September 5th, for the free annual late-summer celebration of the environment, with live music, food, a children’s area, and family-friendly fun near the ocean in Sunset Park in Asbury Park. The Festival runs from 11 am until 9 pm. 

Inspired by folksinger/activist Pete Seeger and founded by Bob Killian, the event combines great music and traditional festival fun with information from environmental groups about protecting Mother Earth.

 Presented by New Jersey Friends of Clearwater, the Festival is co-sponsored this year by Clean Ocean Action. Municipal Event Services is also assisting. 

Chrissie Goedkoop, President of NJ Friends of Clearwater, and Cindy Zipf, President of Clean Ocean Action, leaders of two of the earliest non-profit environmental advocacy groups at the Jersey Shore, invite you to join the celebration and bring a chair or blanket. 

“We are thrilled to have Clean Ocean Action as co-sponsor of the Festival,” said Goedkoop. “Both organizations are committed to the continuing need to spread the word about protecting our natural resources .” 

The annual collector’s item Clearwater tee shirt will feature a whale leaping up from the ocean, original artwork by longtime Clearwater member, the late Isis Ra. The Children’s Area this year will feature pony rides. 

Elected Official Speakers: 

Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. of Long Branch will speak, as well as  Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, Councilmember Angela Ahbez-Anderson and Councilmember Eileen Chapman.   

Environmental Leader Speakers:

Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN),  

Cindy Zipf, President of Clean Ocean Action  

Amy Goldsmith, State Director, Clean Water Action 

Jana Manning, Ecological Advocate and a member of the Asbury Park Green Team 

Jeff Tittle, activist and retired Director of the NJ Sierra Club 

Rik Van Hemmen, Navesink Maritime Heritage Association 

 Performers:  

The Matt O’Ree Band will headline a roster of popular performers on stage and the assembled Circle of Song folksingers, led by Ingrid Heldt, will encourage people to join them.

 Other musical performers include:   

The Black Ties 

The Wag 

Poppa John Bug & The Experience 

Spook Handy 

Sharleen Leahey and  Diane Doolittle 

Hunter  and the Cold Heart Club 

For info, go to njclearwater.org                                                    

This year we will once again be at the Silo Pond!!

There is only one entrance you can get in from, and it is located on Allaire Road, not far from Wall Intermediate School.

DO NOT ENTER FROM BAILEY’S CORNER ROAD PATHWAY.

The Allaire Road entrance contains a small parking lot; you can park there or continue to drive through the lot and down closer to the fishing area.  Once there you will be allowed to park in a larger area and then fish at any of the accessible areas around the pond.  Please use the attached overhead picture as guidance.

ALL participants must register through Community Pass by clicking the link below:
Community Pass Registration

Please bring your own fishing gear and bait, but we will also have nightcrawler worms for bait to hand out to each participant who wants them.

The event will be broken into three age groups. K-2nd grades, 3rd-5th grades and 6th-8th grades, and prizes will be awarded to the first three participants to catch a fish of any size in each age group.

Currently, you can’t be tested for gluten intolerance—but taking the test to rule out celiac disease can help. During normal digestion, enzymes are in charge of breaking down long strands of protein. Gluten amino acids are called peptides and they can be absorbed and transported within the body for later use. Occasionally, the body will treat peptides as foreign bodies and set off alarms, convincing the immune system the body is under attack, which can create all sorts of health problems and symptoms.

It’s often difficult to note gluten intolerance because many food items can hide their presence. To find traces of this compound, you have to start reading labels. In that way, you will be fully aware of the elements that are in that item. Watch for food additives, medications, and flavorings. Having knowledge of what you put in your body is crucial for your health.

Here is a list of 15 Indicators that can help you determine if you are gluten intolerant.

1. Constant headaches. The cause of recurring migraines after finishing your meal can be a big sign that shouldn’t be ignored. The biggest triggers are sugary foods, alcohol, dairy products, artificial sweeteners and processed meats. If you are eating lot of these foods, then there may be your answer. Be aware that everyday products like shampoos, products for cleaning and perfumes can contribute to migraines as well. The American Academy of Neurology hired researchers to do the study in 2001. If this is the case, the solution doesn’t necessarily mean medicating yourself. Miracles can happen with just a few everyday changes. Try consuming more vitamins and minerals. Not only will they contribute to the migraines fading away but they can help with your overall health.
2. Digestive problems. Gluten can affect the stomach and it can be the first organ to indicate something Is off. A study done in 2013 that was published in Gastroenterology Hepatology revealed some interesting facts. Gastrointestinal symptoms can be created by following the consumption of wheat in some people. Those people are usually suffering from celiac disease or allergies. Some of the symptoms are bloating, cramps, constipation, gas or heartburn.
3. Extreme exhaustion. Fatigue is a common symptom when we talk about gluten sensitivity. If you find you are extremely lethargic after a meal you may want to take a look at what foods may be triggering this feeling. Too many carbohydrates can give energy spikes that later lead to the feeling of somnolence. Hormonal imbalance due to gluten sensitivity can also yield some big changes to our body.
   Sleep problems like insomnia and struggling with proper brain function can have an impact on fatigue.
4. Mood swings. We can all be prone to irritability—it’s normal and it happens to all of us. However, extreme anxiety and anger issues can feel awful—leading to a lack of self-control. People with gluten intolerance have a tendency towards mood swings, feelings of depression and sadness. Two reasons are cited for these emotional rollercoasters: either your body is assaulting its tissues and yielding to inflammation or the gluten is obstructing the absorption of nutrients.
5. Dermatological problems. One prominent target of gluten allergy-related effects is, of course, the skin—the biggest organ in the human body. It’s no rarity that people allergic to gluten suffer from multiple skin conditions at once. When gluten latches onto the top skin layer, the epidermis cells can get damaged beyond repair—causing rashes, itching, blisters and severe redness. A lack of vitamin A can also manifest itself through acne, psoriasis and several forms of eczema.
6. Muscle pain due to fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is the collective name for all types of muscle fiber-related chronic pain. It’s somewhat difficult to pinpoint, as it affects both muscle and connective tissue. Due to the prevalence of connective tissue, you may or may not feel pain in your bones too. One recently discovered cause of fibromyalgia just maybe gluten intolerance. During one prominent study, it was discovered that a non-celiac form of gluten sensitivity can be a cause of fibromyalgia. If you have fibromyalgia, you may want to try eliminating gluten-based products.
7. Dental problems. Enamel is one of four major tissues that form the body of your teeth. Its role is to protect the body from acidic attacks and decay. Several proteins are responsible for its production—Enamelin and amelogenin are a pair of proteins responsible for creating and regenerating enamel tissue.  If you suffer from gluten sensitivity or a gluten allergy, these two proteins will be affected. This will lead to discolorations and problems within the enamel tissue. Because of this, it may become weaker and more sustainable to breakage.
8. A clouded mind. A condition known as “mental fogginess” is characterized by a severe lack of focus and trouble staying concentrated. It’s a hazardous condition to have, as it can affect your day-to-day life. This cloudiness can indeed be caused by an intolerance to gluten and hinder the normal functionality of your brain and cause it to become less efficient in every way.
9. A sudden appearance of autoimmune diseases.  When your body experiences gluten sensitivity, you tend to suffer from certain conditions known as autoimmune diseases. They are caused by the body attacking its own cells in a desperate attempt to preserve health and eradicate any presumed threat. There are 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Ones like lupus and multiple sclerosis aren’t surely caused by gluten. However, a person that already has MS or diabetes can see their symptoms worsen due to their gluten intolerance. A simple change in your diet can turn your whole life around in a matter of days.
10. Frequent miscarriages and an inability to conceive. Everything about child conception and being pregnant is about hormones. There are several disorders that may severely disturb the hormonal system’s balance. One such disorder isn’t really a disorder, but intolerance to gluten. One woman went to a nutritionist as her last resort. He suggested that there may be a possibility of gluten intolerance. She laughed it off and tried removing bread and all wheat products from her diet. This instance proved to be the deciding factor in transforming her life. Several studies followed, describing the effect of gluten on human hormones. The results were astonishing.
11. Unexplained weight gain. One side effect of celiac disease is unexplained weight gain. Weight gain might not be a direct result of gluten intolerance, but a side effect of a malfunctioning gut. As people who are gluten intolerant consume gluten-rich foods, the inner lining of the small intestine becomes inflamed, causing, tiny fissures to appear allowing bacteria and other food molecules to escape into the bloodstream. These foreign molecules are seen as foreign substances in the bloodstream and the white blood cells start to attack them, causing more inflammation. This makes for the perfect environment to pick up weight. The easiest way to determine if gluten is the cause of weight gain is by gradually decreasing or removing gluten from your diet. If your body weight starts to drop, chances are you are gluten intolerant. To be sure, however, you need to reintroduce the gluten-rich foods, one at a time. When you do this, you will be able to see if you gain weight again.
12. Depression and anxiety. There are certain foods that seem to lift a person’s spirits and others that seem to bring a person down. Gluten can be a depression-inducing food. Only one percent of people in the US have celiac disease, the most extreme form of gluten intolerance. There are a number of other people who live with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and these people can experience digestive problems that are related to depression and anxiety. Gluten is also a major allergen that can cause unwanted brain reactions. A study was done in 2014 where 22 people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity were given a gluten-free diet for three days. They then received either a gluten-rich, whey rich or a placebo diet to follow for a further three days. The researchers assessed the candidates after the three-day period and calculated their depression scores. The candidates who received the gluten diet showed much higher depression scores than the candidates who had either the placebo or the whey diets. This strong correlation pointed towards how gluten could actually make you feel depressed. Another study published in 2007 also showed that people with celiac disease were 80% more likely to suffer from depression than those who were gluten tolerant. The study was performed on 1400 candidates. Furthermore, a Swedish study that was done in 2011, showed that people who had celiac disease also had a higher risk of committing suicide. Although the correlation between gluten and depression might not be a direct correlation, if you suffer from depression, you might want to consider cutting down on gluten.
13. Leg and arm numbness. One of the more surprising symptoms of gluten intolerance is peripheral neuropathy. This condition can manifest itself in a number of different ways, including numbness, tingling, burning and in some cases pain of the arms, legs, and feet. When you are gluten intolerant, your body sometimes starts to produce anti-gluten antibodies. When these antibodies attack the gluten, it occasionally also causes nerve damage. A study was done where 215 patients were screened for axonal neuropathy and the results showed that none of the patients had any medical reason for the neuropathy. However, when these candidates were tested to see if they were gluten intolerant, the study showed that 34% had high amounts of anti-gluten antibodies. Surprisingly 80% of all the candidates showed that they had the celiac disease gene. A clear indication that there had to be a connection between neuropathy and gluten intolerance. According to the University of Chicago, it is actually quite common to show signs of neuropathy and not show any of the other gastrointestinal signs of gluten intolerance. Physicians recommend that you follow a gluten-free diet to alleviate and even remove any sign of neuropathy.
14. Iron deficiency anemia. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin (the red pigment) to enable the transport of oxygen. The symptoms that accompany iron deficiency anemia is fatigue, irritability, headaches, brittle nails and a decreased appetite. Celiac disease can cause damage to the small intestine and restrict the absorption of iron. During the early stages of the disease, the upper two parts of the small intestine become damaged—this is where most iron is absorbed. If you have been suffering from chronic anemia and medication has not alleviated the issue, it is recommended that you have yourself tested for celiac disease by your physician.  Once you have been diagnosed with celiac disease and you start with a gluten-free diet, you will notice a change in your energy levels seeing that your intestine begins to heal and absorb more iron. You need to give the diet between two through eight months to correct the imbalances that occurred.
15. Canker sores. Canker sores are little lesions or sores that form around the gums, the inside of the cheeks and underneath the tongue. A person can typically have one to six canker sores at a time and they usually last for about 10 days. These pesky little sores are quite common and can be triggered by a number of things. They typically start to form between the ages of 10 and 20 and tend to resolve or fade away during a person’s 30s. These tiny ulcers can be quite painful and irritating, seeing that they are extremely sensitive and make eating a chore rather than a pleasure. When these sores occur repeatedly, the condition is known as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis or RAS. Doctors wanted to find out if there was a correlation between gluten and RAS and found 247 patients which were screened with the IgA antibody test, IgA and IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase. Seven random patients that tested positive for at least one of the sets were then sent for further biopsies and the results showed that they had gluten-sensitive enteropathy. These seven patients did not respond to the normal canker sore medication and were, therefore, put on a glutted-free diet for six months. During that time, four out of the seven patients showed a remarkable reduction in canker sores. The researchers concluded that when a person is diagnosed with RAS, he should consult a physician and test for celiac disease.

https://wineitudes.com/

There are two gems we covered here on Jersey Shore Scene-

Smith’s Farm Market-

• Highlights: A beloved family-run market specializing in local Jersey produce and scratch-made baked goods.
• What to get: Legendary homemade pies baked daily, cookies, and fresh-pressed apple cider.
• Read our story here!

Allaire Community Farm

• Animal Interactions: Visitors can buy feed bags to feed the farm’s rescued animals, which include goats, sheep, cows, pigs, horses, and chickens.
• Farm Market: Features local eggs, organic honey, jams, and seasonal produce grown in their on-site commercial greenhouses.

• Read our story here!