DUI Lawyers in Holmdel, NJ

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The summer season has arrived, and in Monmouth County, there’s no shortage of markets, festivals and more happening this weekend.

Whether you’re looking to check out your local farmers market, kick off Pride Month 2025, or have a relaxing evening with some music and drinks, there are plenty of events you can check out.

Here are five events happening around Monmouth County this weekend:

Hazlet Farmers MarketThis Saturday, Hazlet will kick off its first farmers market of the season in the parking lot next to the James J. Cullen Center.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will be able to explore a selection of fresh produce, pickles and olives, baked goods and more. The farmers' market will run weekly every Saturday.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

To learn more, you can visit the Hazlet Township website or read Patch’s previous reporting.

Sundown SessionsEnjoy drinks and music at Bar Bella on Saturday with Bell Works’ Sundown Sessions, featuring Pete the DJ.

From 5-8 p.m., Pete the DJ will perform at the bar, with the bar set to open to customers at 4 p.m.

To learn more, you can visit the Bell Works website.

Ocean Grove Spring MarketFor those looking to shop this weekend, you can check out the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Market.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, the market will be open to the public, and attendees will be able to shop from a variety of products.

To learn more, you can visit the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page.

New Jersey LGBTQ+ PrideNew Jersey’s 33rd annual statewide LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration will be held in Asbury Park on Sunday.

Starting at 12 p.m., the parade will kick off in Asbury Park with floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles and more. The event will also feature a rally of national headliners and local artists, as well as a pride festival.

To learn more or purchase tickets, you can visit the Jersey Pride website.

Marlboro Farmers MarketCan’t get enough of Monmouth County’s summer farmers markets? For those who can’t visit their local market on Saturday, you can also check out Marlboro Township’s Farmers Market on Sunday.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market will be open to the public with local produce, vendors and more to shop from.

To learn more about the Marlboro Farmers Market, you can visit the Marlboro Township website.

The Marlboro Farmers Market will take place at 444 Route 520, just west of Route 79.

Emma Lynn has always cared for the environment. Now, she's taking steps to protect our ecosystem and encouraging others to do the same.

Updated Thu, May 29, 2025 at 2:24 pm ET

The "Bags For Birds NJ" logo. (Emma Lynn)

HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel High School student Emma Lynn has always had a strong love for the environment.

Emma, 16, has grown up immersed in nature. Whether she was searching for birds in her backyard or helping sort plastics into their proper trash cans, her love for the environment is something that has always been a part of her life and everyday actions.

After noticing an increase in plastics floating along Sandy Hook and other local beaches, Emma was driven to begin research on the impacts plastic can have on the environment and how they can harm birds in particular through things like ingestion or entanglement.

This research led Emma to create “Bags for Birds NJ,” an environmental initiative that aims to prevent single-use plastics from entering New Jersey’s coastal habitats and protect the state’s shorebirds — one bag at a time.

“I’ve always cared about the environment,” Emma told Patch. “I’ve always wanted to help protect it, and things like people putting plastics in the wrong trash can have always bothered me.”

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“So after I did a little research, I thought creating an alternative for plastics with a focus on shore birds would be a really good initiative to help get the public involved and educated on the issue,” Emma continued.

Through a grant provided by the Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence, and with support from the Student Environmental Advocates and Leaders Program (SEAL) through Clean Ocean Action, Emma was able to start “Bags for Birds NJ,” creating and hand-screen printing hundreds of reusable recycled cotton tote bags using photo emulsion.

Each reusable bag distributed through the project comes with a clear message, Emma said: Your daily choices matter.

“Thanks so much for picking up this bag – it’s a small way to make a big difference,” Emma writes in a note included with each bag. “Every time you choose to use this reusable bag instead of a plastic one, you’re helping to protect shorebirds by keeping plastic out of our oceans.”

Part of the “Bags for Birds NJ” initiative also encourages residents to think beyond replacing just grocery bags, as Emma recommends using the reusable bag for takeout, trips to the library, transporting items to the gym or school, or even gift wrapping.

By encouraging residents to get to know their shorebirds, Emma hopes to inspire a deeper connection between the community and local wildlife. To help with that, each bag includes a bookmark that doubles as a mini-guide to identifying common shorebirds along the shore.

So far, Emma has distributed bags and bookmarks during Earth Day events, through local libraries and through visits to elementary school classes.

“Everyone has loved them [the bags] so far,” Emma said. “When I’m handing them out, everyone has a smile on their faces, and it makes me feel really good inside and like I’m really getting my message out there.”

Plastic pollution poses a major threat to marine ecosystems, according to National Geographic, with 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris and counting in the ocean. Additionally, over 80% of beach litter is plastic, according to Clean Ocean Action's Beach Sweeps data, and 34% of debris collected during beach sweeps is packaging.

Plastic pollution also claims the lives of countless shore and sea birds each year, according to the American Bird Conservancy. These deaths are largely driven by ingestion (when birds swallow plastics) and entanglement (when birds are trapped or strangled by plastic materials).

Despite these statistics, there is hope, Emma said, and that hope starts with action.

Going forward, Emma is encouraging community members to build new habits that reduce plastic, including:

“I really hope [the community] takes away just trying their best to recycle – not just for the birds, but for the environment as a whole,” Emma said. “Because global warming is a real issue, along with plastic getting into different environments and beings, so I hope people better understand what they’re doing when they recycle.”

To learn more about this initiative or how to get involved, you can visit the Bags for Birds NJ Instagram page.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Residents, appalled by then-Committeeman Santhana's indifference toward development, asked me for more information. Here it is.

Rocco Impreveduto, Community Contributor

Folks, last week I published an article here on Patch that detailed a worrying lack of competence (or was it just indifference?) from then-Committeeman Santhana in relation to the Potter’s Farm property (along with other issues). His effort to facilitate that development without knowing “the specifics” was something that shocks me even now, nearly 4 years later.

Due to the overwhelming response I’ve gotten to that article, I thought I’d follow up and provide even greater context. The quote, as many of you many remember was: “I don’t know the specifics of it, I haven’t seen it, but I will vote YES.”

The vote at the time was to approve a $95,000 annual payment from the new owner of the Potter’s property in lieu of taxes (they were a tax-exempt organization). The issue at hand wasn’t just that Mr. Santhana voted without having done his homework, it’s that – as then-Committeeman (and former Mayor) Tom Critelli raised – this seemed to obscure our Township’s strict stance against “pay-to-play”.

You see, this vote materialized before the Zoning Board had an opportunity to vote on a use variance for what was to be a dementia center at the former Potter’s Farm property. Simply put, the property wasn’t zoned for a “dementia center”. As Mr. Critelli pointed out (and you can see his full statement here), voting to accept money from the prospective developer before the Zoning Board – which is an independent, semi-judiciary body BUT includes members appointed by the Mayor – weighed in was, at a minimum, a very bad look. In his words, it blurred the lines of influence between the governing body and the Zoning Board, people who do their very best to maintain their autonomy and vote in the best interests of our town. The timing of the money was an issue.

Knowing this and knowing he had not “seen it”, Mr. Santhana STILL voted in favor while trying to absolve himself of accountability by throwing it in the lap of the Zoning Board. Shortly after Santhana’s vote, Mr. Critelli’s words were heeded, and the Committee tabled the issue and they eventually went back into Executive Session.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Leadership clearly matters. Holmdel can’t afford to slip back into the days of indifference toward land use and development – this issue is too important to all of us.

Let’s make sure we keep moving forward.

Brightview Holmdel is Brightview Senior Living's 48th community and second location in Monmouth County. See details:

Patch Staff

HOLMDEL, NJ — A new senior living community has come to Holmdel from Brightview Senior Living, a provider of senior living that builds, owns and operates communities along the East Coast.

Brightview Holmdel is Brightview’s 48th community and second location in Monmouth County, offering residents independent living, assisted living, assisted living gallery and memory care in a resort-style setting.

Executive Director Dana Goldfarb, who was born and raised in the area, brings over 20 years of senior living experience to the community.

“I’m truly honored and overjoyed to share the opening of Brightview Holmdel Senior Living — a place built with care, intention, and heart,” Goldfarb said. “More than just offering high-end service and state-of-the-art amenities, we’ve created a vibrant, welcoming community where residents can truly feel at home.”

“At Brightview, we believe that when we take care of our associates, they can in turn create a warm, supportive environment for our residents — and this new community is a beautiful reflection of that belief,” Goldfarb continued. “It’s about belonging, connection, and living life to the fullest each day.”

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Brightview’s rental model allows residents and their families to pay monthly, freeing them from pressures to make a long-term financial commitment, officials said.

The community includes 175 apartments: 90 independent living, 37 assisted living, 14 assisted living gallery, and 34 memory care. Programming, such as events, classes, socialization, and regional excursions, is also offered and encouraged for residents.

The different kinds of living offered at Brightview Holmdel include:

Brightview Holmdel’s amenities also include an indoor pool, beauty salon, fitness and art studios, outdoor gardens, walking loop, bocce ball courts, daily chef-prepared meals, and happy hours complete with beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres.

With multiple dining rooms, Brightview residents can host family and friends while enjoying the programming tailored to their interests.

“The warmth at Brightview Holmdel can be felt when you walk through the doors,” said Doug Dollenberg, president and CEO at Brightview Senior Living. “Already, it is an incredible community with dedicated associates who genuinely care about our residents and their families."

"We look forward to deepening Brightview’s impact in Monmouth County and building lasting relationships with the incredible seniors and their families whom we serve," Dollenberg continued.

To schedule a personal visit at Brightview Holmdel or learn more about the company, you can visit their website.

Brightview Holmdel is located at 2129 State Route 35, Holmdel.

Known for playing all three Schuyler sisters, Jennie Harney-Fleming will soon bring her talents to Monmouth County for a solo performance.

Updated Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 4:01 pm ET

HOLMDEL, NJ — Jennie Harney-Fleming, the powerhouse vocalist known for portraying all three Schuyler sisters in the Broadway hit “Hamilton,” is coming to Monmouth County for an intimate concert experience this summer.

Harney-Fleming, who made her Broadway debut in 2016 as Nettie in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical “The Color Purple,” will perform at the Holmdel Theatre on Friday, June 13, as part of their "Broadway at the Barn" series.

During her show, Harney-Fleming will perform songs from her theatrical career, along with a few jazz tunes, officials said.

“There’s nothing like the intimacy and sense of community at a cabaret show,” she said.

Harney-Fleming grew up with theater in her blood. Her father, Ben Harney, was a director, actor and dancer who ran a nonprofit theater in Brooklyn and performed in several Broadway shows in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

He was the Tin Man in “The Wiz” and the first replacement for Ben Vereen in “Pippin.” He also played Curtis Taylor Jr. in “Dreamgirls,” for which he won the 1982 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

“He had a pretty fantastic career,” Harney-Fleming said. “He’s the reason I even know what musical theater is.”

Though she did eventually end up on Broadway, Harney-Fleming didn’t always plan to follow in her father’s footsteps.

After studying both dance and cosmetology, she later realized the theater is where she belonged and even had the good fortune to perform with her husband, DeWitt Fleming, when they shared the stage recently in “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical.” Harney-Fleming played Armstrong’s second wife, Lil Harden Armstrong.

“Lil got no recognition, but she really should be considered one of the founding members of jazz,” Harney-Fleming said. “She was a band leader in the ‘20s at a time when women had no rights at all. She made huge contributions in a world that was not made for her to succeed, and I’m proud to share a fraction of her story.”

DeWitt Fleming, an accomplished tap dancer who was nominated for a Chita Rivera Award, played Lincoln Perry, better known by his stage name Stepin Fetchit, an early 20th-century vaudeville performer and tap dancer.

“I’m very proud of the work we did and the opportunity we had to work together,” Harney-Fleming said. “I’m happy we were able to share Louis Armstrong’s story with new generations to continue his legacy. Jazz music is very special to me and my husband.”

After making her Broadway debut in 2016 with “The Color Purple,” Harney-Fleming was able to work alongside stars such as Cynthia Erivo, Heather Hedley and Jennifer Holliday, which she described as “thrilling” and “affirming as a struggling artist.”

On the same week “The Color Purple” closed, Harney-Fleming went on to have her first audition for “Hamilton” and joined the company of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical in 2017.

As part of the “Hamilton” cast, Harney-Fleming was the “universal Schuyler Sister,” serving as a stand-by for all three parts — Angelica, Eliza and Peggy. The role required her to be ready to step into any of the parts at a moment’s notice.

“I was a swing in the ‘Motown the Musical’ tour, so I had the opportunity to learn how to do that,” Harney-Fleming said. “You need to have a certain kind of brain, to be able to compartmentalize the information and be locked in mentally.”

Though Harney-Fleming enjoyed each of the three roles, she said Angelica was her favorite, and got to step into the principal role of Angelica Schuyler in 2022.

“I loved Eliza,” she said. “I was so excited to see her become emboldened. She’s the unsung hero of the show. Peggy/Mariah was fun. It was a huge turn in personalities, playing both women. But Angelica exudes power and vulnerability. She is outspoken but has a soft side.”

“You know you have such big shoes to fill when you’re in a show like that,” she continued. “I try not to get caught up in the social media of it all because it can be a popularity contest in terms of superfans. There’s a lot of comparison that you have to try not to absorb. But I’m super grateful to be part of such an incredible legacy.”

Harney-Fleming’s performance at Holmdel Theatre will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 13.