Hello 07728! Who is ready for summer?! I sure am! So excited for those relaxing pool days, trips to the beach, and barbecues! Tan lines anyone? I am also excited for you to check out our Summer edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Freehold.
We start our issue with Lauren Klein and her business Handcrafted Chocolate. She specializes in handcrafted artisanal hand-painted chocolate bonbons which are created in small batches with love and care in Monmouth County. Lauren’s grandma taught her how to cook. That influenced her love of being in the kitchen. While at Freehold High School, she was required to take a culinary class, Introduction to Commercial Baking, and that changed her life. Learn how on page 7.
Next we visit Freehold’s third annual Porchfest, which brought musical acts to front-lawn stages on May 18. With a lawn chair, camera and possibly drink in hand, fans of all ages listened as amateur and professional singers took to the “stages” – whether that be a setup in front of a church, a makeshift platform between two tree trunks, or the steps outside of the American Legion Hall. Listen to the music starting on page 10.
On the road, you may “run” into Rob DeFilippis at Runner’s High, who opened his Freehold location in 2012. DeFilippis will tell you running was not always his passion. He started off as a soccer star growing up. But with a high school coach, who saw potential in him and how good he was at running, DeFilippis pivoted sports. Freshman year of high school he even ran a five-minute mile. Despite the name, Runner’s High is not just for passionate runners. The store sells sneakers for anyone, as well as accessories and nutritional energy products. Learn more on page 12.
We round our issue at Lyons & Associates, P.C. – “Your Lighthouse in the Storm.” In 2021, the firm had less than 10 attorneys. Now they are a complement of over 20. And the firm is continuing to grow all the while maintaining its core values of having a positive culture and providing a good work environment led by managing partner, Terry Lyons. In October 2022, Lyons & Associates opened its third location in Freehold where Marie Bucci, a family law attorney, leads as senior associate. Finding a law firm with a work-life balance was important for Bucci, which she has found at Lyons. Follow the law on page 14.
Also check out Downtown Freehold: More than a Destination on page 18 and Following Freehold on page 23 for future community events and hear what your neighbors have to say, Milkshakes or Smoothies? on page 2. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Enjoy!
