Many of us pass Freehold Raceway every day, but how many of us are aware of how this local landmark came into existence? The beginnings of Freehold Raceway took emerged in 1854 when the Monmouth County Agricultural Society was formed to hold an annual fair featuring harness racing, according to its Web site. The very next year, they rented a ten-acre plot of land from Hudson Bennett, paying a mere $50.00 per annum. The Raceway we know stands there today. Attending the races became a very popular pastime. The society purchased the original acreage and plus 10 more for $3,000. Two years later, …
With all the financial problems our country has, banks are unsure what to expect. Being just a number or an application creates a distance between our financial future and the red tape that might get in the way. Big Banks with tons of branches and millions of customers are probably not equipped to handle the inquiries and the personal attention of a smaller bank. Freehold Savings Bank, founded in 1853, is not only apart of the rich history of Freehold, but a small bank dedicated to serve the people of Central New Jersey. Through the years, its name has been changed and the location, as well, …
Last year while visiting California, I took a tour of the stars homes. A lovely young man with aspirations to act, was our tour leader. Among our destinations were the coffee shop where Madonna bought her lattes and the first home of several actors who have now ugraded. A highlight was the multi-million dollar home of Nicolas Cage, which was for sale. It ocurred to me then, that I could do the same thing back in Freehold. I could coordinate the “Bruce Tour” and take adoring fans to the homes, schools and favorite places of our local superstar. I would start at 87 Randolph Street where he …
During the day, the skeletal white gazebo outside of the Metropolitan Cafe keeps its secret. There appears to be no reason for its existence. Those of us who have enjoyed outdoor dining at the Metropolitan Cafe or the other restaurants on the block are privy to its purpose. While eating anywhere in that "restaurant row" of Freehold, you are serenaded by musical talents from the area. The music adds to the magic of a cool breeze, a full moon and a street full of happy people. As on every weekend, that was the case when I stopped by on Saturday Sept. 10. Downtown Freehold sets up comfortable …
Everywhere one looks these days, expectant parents abound. The baby boomers' children are becoming parents. As it has been decades since the boomers have nurtured a baby, many potential grandparents are seeking professional training and guidance. The Health Awareness Center at Centra State Medical Center offers training on the newest methods that ensure baby's well-being. Techniques have changed radically in the past 30 or so years. In CentraState's Expectant Grandparent Program, future grandparents will gain the confidence they need as well as the knowledge to handle their soon to be …
The army term is PPPPP. It means “prior planning prevents piss poor performance.” No one wants to be caught unprepared during a significant weahter event. The time to plan for the onslaught of Hurricane Irene is NOW. We won't know the full the extent of the storm until it hits, but it's important to be ready for the worst, just in case. These are some simple, common sense ways you can protect yourself, your home and your family to weather the hurricane. Supplies Purchase five or six gallons of water. Make sure you have batteries and flashlights for every member of your household. Buy …
The scene is mesmerizing. When you first walk into the Michelle and Jennifer Tobias Adventure to Health your eyes widen, taking in the brightly-colored exhibits and activities. The unique educational facility is located in the Student Health Awareness Center on the grounds of CentraState Medical Center and is designed to appeal to children over six years old and children at heart of all ages. Visitors get to explore the human body from the inside to learn how to protect it through the development of healthy eating habits and safety. Education is disguised as entertainment in this Disney-like …
There is nothing more terrifying to our high school students than the prospect of taking the SAT. This test counts heavily towards college acceptance yet there are some students who are unable to receive the training necessary to achieve their maximum potential. Charles Sampson, superintendent of the Freehold Regional High School District; Donna M. Evangelista, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction; and Jeff Moore, administrative supervisor for curriculum and instruction have coordinated an exceptional program to help Freehold Regional students prepare for the SATs. Now …
The technical aspects of the movie business have become more and more fascinating. Special effects, digital photography, and 3D film enhancing are among the innovations dominating filmmaking today. Skill and experience are essential to finding a job. Neal Bennett, founder of the Industry Film School offers an excellent approach to young people wishing to make filmmaking a career. Bennett who is a professional filmmaker, editor and videographer, has worked on Kevin Smith’s Chasing Amy, Judy Berlin with Edie Falco, “Trading Spaces” for TLC, HBO shows, and YES network programming, to name a few…
When a restaurant remains in business for 25 years, there is no doubt that the food is more than just good. What sets La Cipollina Ristorante apart from other restaurants is that they are willing to share some of their secret recipes one or (due to popular demand) two Sundays per month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The instruction at La Cipollina's cooking school will enable their students to create and eat six dishes comprising a specifically themed menu. The school was originally started in the early 1990s but eventually put on hiatus. Owners Matt Higgins and Anthony Braica decided to reinstate the…
Here I am on the corner of Route 79 and Main Street in Freehold Wednesday morning. It is a day after Casey Anthony received a not guilty verdict and the world is talking. I have decided to reach out to the residents of Freehold to see what they have to say. What was most interesting was the wide range of answers. It was as if some people were actually following the trial carefully and others based their opinions on media-speak. I avoided the proceedings and the continuous news frenzy because it was too difficult for me to handle the brutal murder of an innocent child. Below are some of the …
It was closing night at Actor’s Playground in Freehold. Due to a wardrobe malfunction, the audience waited patiently to enter the theater. We became acquainted quickly. There was a theater teacher who had retired just that day yet attended to see her favorite student. Parents and friends of the cast galore chatted about this special performance. Four of the stars would be leaving for college and this ensemble group would be experiencing their own finale. The director took the stage, and shares with the audience valuable background information. Each actor was performing their favorite role and…
Dr. Kenneth Faistl is a physician in Freehold offering a unique approach to healthcare. His focus goes beyond sick care to include well care. A recent personal experience has exemplified the importance of this type of medicine. A person very close to me has leukemia. After ten long months of living in hospital rooms, and a failed bone marrow transplant, he has returned home to Florida. There he and his wife are trying to sustain his life through blood and platelet transfusions, as well as the continuation of chemotherapy to slow down the attack of the cancer cells. To make matters worse, …
I wrote an article about Ralph Colombino of Actors Playground a few months ago and enjoyed reading the many enthusiastic comments Freehold Patch received on his behalf. Recently, I received an email from him loaded with excitement. It seems he has undertaken a production of Wendy Wasserstein’s first successful play Uncommon Women and Others and the result has “blown him away.” He proudly informed me that his cast of high school-aged young women had captured the spirit of the work. As I was familiar with the dialogue and the thematic twists in this particular play, I realized the breadth of …
There are many of us who frequent craft shows in order to purchase accessories--the kind of handcrafted items that turn a house into a home. The right hooked rug, knitted or crocheted item, needlepoint or blanket creates a real sense of comfort and relaxation. Yarn Crafters in Freehold is just the kind of store to help you create that sense of warmth in your home. The store sells a wide variety of supplies that meet the needs of any customer. In addition, the experts at Yarn Crafters will teach the prospective learner whatever they need to avoid frustration. There is no charge for help, …
Looking for a way to honor veterans this Memorial Day? Look no further than the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The members of this organization have fought for our country, experienced the hardships our men and women are facing today, and are devoting their time and energy to supporting our troops in a variety of ways. Their goal is to remember America's heroes, and they have sworn to foster comraderie, serve and advocate for those who have served, as their service and sacrifice should never go unrewarded. Of the many wonderful programs they sponsor, the creation of thank you cards to hospitalized…
May and June are the months we celebrate the mothers and fathers that have shown us their love throughout a lifetime. These special holidays celebrating parents are not profit-manufactured moments; they are a genuine effort to thank those who have given so much to make our lives easier. Being both a parent and a daughter, I have realized the strength that my family has given me, and in return, the strength I hope I have given them. Fred Reiss, a former Freehold resident, has a similar view. Devastated at the loss of his father in 2009, he looked for a way to deal positively with it. His …
There are two points of view when dealing with a serious illness. Some people prefer to keep everything bottled up. They feel that sharing their problems will not help them resolve the vast amount of issues they experience. Others reach out for assistance and comfort. They realize that there are circumstances where one individual can’t handle the down side of life without help. Recognizing the need to offer support to those who are ill, CentraState offers a variety of groups that benefit those suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Family members are counseled as well. A …
Brock Farms in Freehold remains a popular place for anything "natural." Located at 4189 U.S. Highway 9 North, one can find everything and anything that is needed to create a superior flower or vegetable garden. The employees are knowledgeable and offer the fledging gardener expert advice, separating “The Farm” from chain store establishments. That is because Brock Farmers are people who know how to grow and what to grow in Central New Jersey. Like so many of outstanding Freehold stores, Brock Farms is a family-owned and -operated business. Ed Sr. and Jean Brock run the company with their son …
In her role as a group leader at Weight Watchers in Freehold Raceway Mall, Valerie Rynecki, of Manalapan, is an inspiration to her clients. She has been in the position for 25 years, keeping off the 135 pounds she originally lost in the Weight Watchers program, and helping countless others meet their own weight loss goals. Valerie loves the job because she knows she is making a difference in people’s lives by giving the gift of a happy and healthier lifestyle she received so many years ago. As a yoyo dieter, several serious health issues motivated her doctor to recommend Weight Watchers. From…
