asburypark.net: Asbury Park, The Place of Choice

While the world watches the best athletes from 202 nations make their mark in history for their country at the Olympics in Athens, Greece, Asbury Park has it's own local "best athletes" competing in the Meridian Jersey Shore 5 Golden Grand Prix. Asbury Park makes the fourth shore community to host the 5K race, with Long Branch hosting the last race on Labor Day.

They lined up on this very muggy, cloudy morning on Fifth Avenue to make their mark in local history. The announcer marked time for the start, and off they went around 8:45 am, for a two-loop course along the oceanfront to a finish in Bradley Park. Prizes were awarded for the three age groups participating, with an overall prize money award. Included at the end were refreshments, a health fair, random prizes and entertainment.

The first overall finisher was Nick Rogers in a time of 15:01. For the women it was Joanne Hennesssey of Manasquan in a time of 17:19. Runners were treated to a post-race pasta party courtesy of Lance & Debbie's Wonder Bar.

[Photos by G. Dorothy Sabatini]

In the summer of 1998, a hundred years after the carousel house within the Palace Amusements building was constructed, a story broke of its eminent demolition. A vast curiosity caught hold of some prior residents and visitors to the Jersey Shore regarding this 1888 treasure.

Due to a quote in an article about the pending demolition, Asbury Park Historical Society founder, Werner Baumgartner, was contacted by a number of individuals who were interested in doing whatever they could to help save one of the last pieces of the history of Asbury Park.

Greg Raymer, of Colorado, was one of the interested parties. In speaking with Baumgartner, he said he had been in contact with the Mississippi theme park owners who purchased the Ferris wheel from Henry Vaccaro. According to Raymer, the park was closing and selling the Ferris wheel. It was being sold for $5,000 and the theme park had a possible purchaser willing to pay $4,000."

Raymer was a frequent visitor to the shore area, and especially to Asbury Park. He loved the shore so much that he created a Jersey Shore themed pizza restaurant in Colorado.

On a trip to the theme park in Mississippi where the Ferris wheel and carousel were being dismantled and sold, he made a videotape of the still-standing Ferris wheel, which he forwarded to Baumgartner. The Ferris wheel, along with the original carousel, had been sold to the park in 1989. Raymer said because the park was closing, the items needed to remove by October 30, 1998.

Another interested party, a Long Branch resident, who contacted Baumgartner after he heard the Ferris wheel was up for sale, said he was willing to donate $2,500 to the historical society for the repurchasing of the Ferris wheel because he "would like to see Asbury Park have a part of its history returned."

In the meantime, an unnamed benefactor, who had serious resources, came forward and contacted Baumgartner about saving the Ferris wheel, and possibly the Palace Amusements building itself. Baumgartner showed the videotape Raymer made to this businessman and he became very interested in preserving these historical landmarks of Asbury Park.

The, aforementioned, benefactor sent representatives to the site to assess what needed to be done in order to dismantle and pack up the Ferris wheel for transport. After which Mr. Benefactor began serious negotiations with the owner, Mr. Williams, to purchase the wheel. Williams informed him he also had the original carousel up for sale. At the time, the benefactor did not want any publicity interfering in the situation, so he asked Baumgartner not to reveal his name, until he was able to secure the purchases.

Williams and Mr. Benefactor agreed on a purchase price for both items. Mr. Benefactor wanted to store them at one of his properties in Monmouth County until he could find a suitable place to erect them in Asbury Park where they belonged. Of course, the most suitable place would be the Palace Amusements Building. Though the fate of the building was still precarious, Mr. Benefactor was also considering negotiating with Mr. Carabetta (owner at the time), and the City, regarding purchasing the building.

During the first week in December 1998, Mr. William Sitar, the CEO of Sitar Company, came forward and announced that his efforts of the previous several months to bring Asbury Park's Ferris wheel, and carousel, back to New Jersey had finally paid off. It took four tractor-trailers to load all the parts, and within a week the convoy arrived in Tinton Falls with the items, where they have been stored on the site of one of Mr. Sitar's properties, the Twin Brooks Golf Center.

Through the combined efforts of these individuals, William Sitar, owner of a large real estate company, as well as other businesses in NJ, Gregory Raymer, owner of the "Boardwalk Cafe and Pizzeria," a Jersey Shore themed business in Colorado, Werner Baumgartner, historian, and founder of the Asbury Park Historical Society, the original Ferris Wheel and carousel, which once stood inside the Palace Amusements building for almost 100 years returned to the Jersey Shore, after ten years in a Mississippi Theme Park.

Speaking of the wheel, it isn't really a "Ferris" wheel. The original carousel pavilion, a 100 foot square structure part of the Palace Amusements building, was built to house the Kingsley St. Merry-Go-Round, in 1888 by Ernest Schnitzler, the original proprietor of the carousel. In 1895 Schnitzler constructed a giant vertical moving wheel and observatory. This "Round About and Observatory" has since become known as a "Ferris" Wheel after George W. Ferris who built the largest one in the world two years earlier for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Ernest Schnitzler wanted everyone to have a chance to see the City from the highest point possible. As the wheel went around the cars would stop at a landing on the tower where you could get out and climb the flight of stairs to the top of the Observatory. From this spot one could see a fabulous view of the entire area.

According to Norman D. Anderson, author of "Ferris Wheels: an Illustrated History", and the country's foremost authority on Ferris wheels, our wheel was the oldest operable one (in 1998) in the United States, being patented by Mr. Schnitzler in 1895.

Today the carousel is once again up for sale, and, ironically, the Palace Amusements is again slated for demolition. Proving the point that history does repeat itself.

Baumgartner says, "The ideal situation would be to preserve the Ferris wheel and carousel for future generations to enjoy at the rightful home, the original 1888 carousel house. This could be the start of a heritage tourism destination for Asbury Park to build upon."

In January, Asbury Park High School senior, James Calvin Morris was one of 400 students worldwide to attend the "Presidential Classroom Program" in Washington, D. C. He was one of 13 students selected from New Jersey. The particular focus for this group was Law and Justice in a Democracy. There are other groups that attend the weeklong conferences at different times, depending on the program.

This was a fun, interesting and informative event for James. The soft-spoken 18 year old smiled as he said, "I made new friendships that I know will last forever. I collected lots of phone numbers and emails, and have already gotten calls from several new friends."

But life for James had not been fun for years. He was born in North Carolina and raised in Texas by his mother and stepfather. His stepfather was very hard on him, so two years ago James decided he couldn't stand the situation any longer, and left Texas to live in New Jersey with his father and his new family, though he and his father hadn't been in contact since he was very young. After a year and half, the lack of communication between them caused his father to put him out of his house. So James moved in with relatives he didn't know until recently, until he graduates and goes on to college.

James' short-term goal is to finish high school, and attend Morehouse College in Atlanta. He has already applied to the school, recently had a phone interview, and is waiting for a person-to-person interview to take place soon. The strait A, advanced placement student (GPA 4.87), and valedictorian of his upcoming graduation class, shouldn't have a problem with almost any college he chooses. A second choice is the University of Atlanta. But if the scholarships James needs to attend either school are not forthcoming, he will try a local school, such as Rutgers.

Working evenings and weekends at Seabrook Village, in Tinton Falls, as a dining room server, attending school, and studying doesn't leave James with much time for a social life. But he does find time to study Russian with his teacher, Mrs. Shedaker. Smiling and with obvious respect he says, "Mrs. Shedaker has been very kind to me and helped me a lot since I've been in Asbury Park. She is like a second mother to me."

Spanish is another language James has studied on and off since eighth grade. He says he understands it completely, but doesn't get a chance to speak it much, so he is a little shaky in that area. Though math is his favorite subject, he intends on studying International Business and Law, where other languages along with English will be important.

Running and singing are the top two choices of activities James enjoys besides schoolwork. He use to run track and sing in a church choir, but had to give both up because he no longer has time for them.

One thing he still pursues is journaling and writing poetry. Dr. Flanagan, an English teacher who retired recently, and, according to James, "the best English teacher," strongly encouraged him to continue journaling and writing his poetry. So he does. "It helps me get through the difficult times in my life."

James and his fellow Presidential Classroom Scholars group stayed at the Georgetown Conference Center where there is a student's lounge and cafeteria. Though the scholars didn't have much time to spend in either place. Each day the kids got up early, had breakfast and then started on their very full schedules. There were museums to attend, tours of the White House and Capitol Buildings, observation of house/senate meetings, etc., and even a short, unintentional, visit with Mrs. Bush as she walked her dog.

At other times, smaller groups of about 30 students each would meet to participate in caucuses and crossfire conversations to discuss topical events and issues. Sometimes these discussions got quite rowdy. The competitive nature of this experience was very fulfilling to James since his former high school, A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, Texas (near Corpus Christi), had an extreme competitive environment, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

The thousand dollars required for transportation, room and food for the D.C. trip was prohibitive for James. But with help from a local fraternity, the high school principal, teachers, and a scholarship (which covered about half the expenses) from the organizers of the event, James was able to attend, and experience something in which only a few young people ever get to participate. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Reinoso and staff for assisting him in acquiring the funds to pay for the trip.

St. Augustine's Episcopal Church celebrating 113 years of History and Service in Asbury Park

St. Augustine's Episcopal Church at the corner of Atlantic and Prospect Avenues, Asbury Park, has been a vibrant community supporter since 1890. And, like the community it has served all these years, it has quite a history.

At the moment, the church has a charming, well-spoken, 33 year old interim Priest, Father Augustine Unuigbe, from Nigeria, who is also a medical doctor. He has been at St. Augustine's since October 2003. His main focus at St. Augustine's is to "bring the young people back to church." He says, "If you can capture the youth on their level, you can get them interested in attending church. It is the youth who will take the church into the future."

As noted in the church's 113th Anniversary Dedication Journal of November 2, 2003, there have been 17 priests presiding over the congregation, starting with the Reverend A. J. Miller, Rector of Trinity Church, Asbury Park, who first conducted services in the fall of 1890 for the people who lived on the west side of Asbury Park.

In 1892, Bishop Scarborough, D. D., the Bishop of the New Jersey Diocese, took great interest in the work of Father Miller, and decided to turn over the Advent offering of $637.43 for the purchase of property and construction of a Chapel. A lot was purchased, and on All Saint's Day of 1893, Father Miller laid the cornerstone for the Chapel of St. Augustine on Sylvan Avenue. The following January, the Bishop came to Asbury Park to bless the new chapel.

From this first "building program" and for the next five years, the congregation and countless friends made donations, besides money, to the Chapel. They supplied the interior furnishings, an organ, and the Altar, and much later, donated the stain glass windows, all in the memory of family, former priests and members of the church. In 1899 an addition, doubling the original size of the original Chapel, was constructed and used as a Sunday School and lecture room.

Father A. I. Longley succeeded Father Miller as Rector of Trinity Church, and took charge of the Chapel of St. Augustine. In 1903-04 the first pews, a Bishop's Chair, and a furnished kitchen were added to the Chapel. With continuous growth of the congregation, Father Longley recommended application for Parish status and issued a call for a permanent Priest.

It was Father August E. Jensen who answered that call, and became the first Rector of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. Under his leadership from 1904 through 1918 the church continued to grow, not only in membership, but in physical size. The building was raised to two stories, with a bell tower, and a new pipe organ. A rectory was constructed next to the church.

During the next fifty years, ten priests assumed the duties as Rector for varying amounts of time. Each one contributed time and talent to growing the church membership, which evolved into various church organizations and guilds. A choir, youth program, altar boys, and several women's organizations were added.

In 1969 ground was broken to start construction on a new church to accommodate the constantly growing congregation. The new building was dedicated in 1971 at the current site. It contains many donated items, including the original stain glass windows, given to the parish long ago.

During the seven-year tenure of Reverend Sandra A. Wilson, from 1984-1991 the church altar was extensively renovated and a new state-of-the-art digital organ was purchased to replace the old pipe organ.

Reverend Jarrette C. Atkins, Sr., during his five-year tenure, initiated an all-church fundraiser, which allowed the church mortgage to be retired. The many outreach programs continued, and the "Soup Kitchen" was started.

In 1997, Reverend Charles Davidson became the 17th Rector of St. Augustine's. His tenure saw the ordination of the first Deacon. Father Davison also introduced mid-week services and services for special days. He left in 2003.

The church has a new building project, which is to make the whole church handicap assessable inside and out. The hope is to raise enough funds to install an elevator to lift handicap people up to the level of the Chapel, and down to the restrooms and kitchen/dining areas.

The Sunday Soup Kitchen is one of the most important programs serving the community. Volunteers man the kitchen facilities each Sunday, and cook and serve a hot meal to anyone who shows up from 1-2pm. In the beginning of the month about 80 folks take advantage of this generous program. But by the end of the month twice as many people are in need of the hot meals. Church groups raise funds to buy the food at a discounted price from the Ocean/Monmouth Food Bank.

There is also a Food Pantry that's manned from 11am to 2pm each Monday afternoon. The Rodeph Torah Temple in Marlboro Township hosts an ongoing food drive to keep St. Augustine's pantry shelves stocked for the many needy people who come by each week. The shelves in the pantry are also supplemented by the parishioners' generosity.

The St. Agnes Guild, one of the many church groups, gives donations (in the form of scholarships) to pay for local children to attend the Boys and Girls Club summer programs.

Members of the Men's Club have created a "tape service" ministry to bring to those who are unable to attend services. They also sponsor an Asbury Park Little League Team.

The Episcopal Church Women (EPC), support the food pantry program. But they also have a special pet project, which is somewhat unique. The group members purchase (with their own money) toiletries, scarves, gloves, and hats. They package and wrap them, and the Seaman's Church Institute in New York City collects them, to distribute to young men aboard ships during the holidays. The program's unofficial name is "Christmas at Sea."

The Circle of L.O.V.E. (Let's Overcome Violence Everywhere), a church associated group, is connected with the Women's Center of Monmouth County. The group has underwritten anti-violence programs and presented them in Asbury Park Schools to make children aware of violence in the home, and what they can do to get help. The members of the Circle of L.O.V.E. continuously educate and hold benefits, raising monies to promote awareness and solutions to the issues of violence. If you are interested in joining this worthwhile organization to help educate children and women please contact the church at 732-774-3069. Your help would be very much appreciated.

The St. Augustine's Church is presenting Black History events each Sunday throughout the month of February. All are welcome. You may call the church for more information at 732-774-3069.

In a remark made to a friend recently, I mentioned that I thought the new library card was very unusual. It's about the size of a credit card with the "Greetings from Asbury Park" picture laminated onto the front or back, whichever way you look at it. My friend then told me about the anniversary date coming up for the library, which lead to my writing this article.

On November 23, 2003, the Asbury Park Public Library reached its 125th anniversary year. Since its inception in 1878, the library has undergone quite a number of changes. It is still one of the city's most treasured assets. It's a treasure, around which many public and private organizations, for over a century, have sponsored events to the delight of the citizenry of Asbury Park.

The library began with an idea of Mrs. Helen M. Bradley, wife of James A. Bradley, founder of Asbury Park, and several prominent women of the time, who formed a literary club to discuss the latest books. Within a short while the club reorganized as the Asbury Park and Ocean Grove Library Association, with Mrs. Bradley serving as the president, and a driving force for the next twelve years. At each meeting, attending members paid a fee of 10 cents to go toward the purchase of books.

In a minutes book, kept by Miss Emma M. Johnson, the association's first secretary, she states, "It was necessary for men and women to provide their own literary and musical entertainment to while away the long winter evenings. The bells of the villages rang out each Monday at 7 o'clock to remind them of meetings. There were no sidewalks or streetlights and folks followed the wooden planks, carrying their own lanterns. "The association grew to 500 members, composed of the town's businessmen and their families. The club was divided into departments of natural history, familiar science, literature, music and local affairs."

According to the minutes, by way of a newspaper editorial in 1884, Mr. Bradley expressed an interest in the organization. Mr. Bradley stated in the editorial, "We believe that the large audiences drawn here together do not come to enjoy buffoonery; the people want to feel something of an elevating character that will instruct and amuse."

The secretary's minutes further state, "After the organization had grown to considerable strength Mr. Bradley donated two lots for the club to build on, at the southwest corner of First and Grand Avenues. At the same time he dedicated the square across Grand Avenue as Library Square, and presented it to the city." With the help of an unnamed New York architect, Mr. Bradley designed the library building, with the east room as the library, and the west room a historical museum. It was to include a 600 seat auditorium with a stage and two dressings rooms. A kitchen and dining room were slated for the basement.

Originally meetings of the library association were held in several buildings in Ocean Grove and Asbury Park. Some buildings named in Miss Johnson's minutes were, "the Tabernacle in Ocean Grove, Park Hall, Central Hall and the Philadelphia Centennial Building," all of which are long lost, except for the Tabernacle. The minutes go on to name a long list of influential people who "pioneered the library movement and participated in its social and cultural activities."

Though the first association meeting held in the uncompleted building was in 1885, interest began to decline within a couple of years and the association was faced with serious financial problems, with mortgage payments in arrears. The building was then closed until 1895, when the members of the newly named Ariel club, first called the Ariel Cycles club, gave a series of social functions and re-sparked interest in it. They held "card parties" as fundraisers to complete the interior, which included the stage, dressing rooms, furnishings and books. The mahogany clock that still sits on the mantle over the library fireplace in the Bradley Room was presented to the library by the Ariel club in 1899.

There are two stained glass windows in the library. The one of General Grant on the east wall was designed and made by the Alfred Godwin firm of Philadelphia. It was unveiled in the partly finished hall in 1886, a gift of George W. Childs of Philadelphia, a summer resident of Long Branch and personal friend of the general.

The Longfellow window on the opposite wall is a Tiffany window, designed by Theodore H. Davis, whose artist studio on the beach at Sixth Avenue, was swept into the sea during a northeast storm. According to Bob Stewart, the library's current director, it is not known for certain exactly who donated this window.

During the later part of the 1800s many organizations were either housed in, or held events such as annual balls and receptions in the library basement. The first YMCA organization; Old Company A (later called Company H) of the National Guard used the basement as an armory; the Monmouth Club and the Wesley Engine and Hose company were among them. The library also served as the host of commencement exercises.

The residents voted on a referendum to create the public library in 1897. For the next three years the city completed a number of improvements to the interior. In 1901 by floating $18,000 in bonds, the city was able to pay off some of the debt incurred for those improvements.

Also in 1901, the front steps at the First Avenue entrance were erected. They were a gift from Henry Steinbach, a city merchant and brother of John, owners of the Steinbach department store.

A press advertisement lauding the accomplishments of the city manager form of government stated that, "under the new rule, the library had been considerably improved. The rooms were repaired and painted, and a complete survey and rehabilitation of the entire building arranged. Brightness of reading lights was increased and properly placed. Hundreds of new books were purchased, and old ones repaired. Adequate shelving was provided." The end result being, "a marked increase in circulation of books, research work and readers."

In an Asbury Park Press story in 1930, it states the tower at the northeast corner was removed, but gave no reason to explain why the tower was removed. Then in 1933, the city appropriated $45,000 for further repairs.

In June 1956, the Ariel club, with permission of the city council, gave recognition to Asbury Park's leading citizen in its dedication of the library's reading room as the "Bradley Room." The club also presented mahogany framed pictures of the Bradleys to be hung in the library in honor of the "services Mr. Bradley performed for Asbury Park."

An old photograph of the charter members of the Ariel Cycles club once hung on the west wall of the Bradley Room near the fireplace, a gift of Mrs. Charles Lewis Jr., club president in 1957-59. Both the charter club members' picture and the Bradley's pictures are still in the library, but are not currently on display in any of the rooms.

The State Motor Vehicle Division for drivers' examinations was housed in the basement, prior to it becoming the Children's Room. Mrs. Robert F. Wilson, librarian, conceived of the Children's Room idea. The Junior Woman's Club along with other women's service clubs, civic groups and the residents of Asbury Park pushed the plan forward. The Children's Room opened on May 29, 1958 with $3,155 in funds solicited by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, used for the purchase of furnishings and about 1000 books.

Over the 125 years the library has had many collections of items donated by individuals and organizations. One of the latest collections is the Springsteen Special Collection donated two years ago. Recently the 2000th item added to that collection was a 17-year-old fan magazine called "Point Blank" donated by editor and publisher Dan French of Westcliffe-on-the-Sea, Essex, England. The Springsteen Special Collection was organized and donated by the editors and readers of the "Backstreets" magazine as a gift for the Asbury Park Library from Springsteen fans around the world. It includes items published in 30 countries. At a recent board of trustees meeting, the members discussed several events being planned for the upcoming anniversary year. Those events are to be announced sometime after the beginning of the New Year. Look for them in your local papers.

The library is open Monday thru Wednesday from 11-8 pm, Thursday, 9-5pm, Friday and Saturday, 12-5pm. The number is 732-774-4221. If you haven't gotten your new "Greetings from Asbury Park" library card, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to do so. The library has thousands of books, and several up-to-date computers, all are free to city residents. Having free books to read is a privilege not everyone enjoys, either because they cannot read, or because they don't have a public library nearby. The citizens of Asbury Park have had one for 125 years. [Photo by G. Dorothy Sabatini]

Everyone knows that things are changing for the better in Asbury Park. One specific change reflects something this town use to be famous for, which is, it's wonderful restaurants, with the recent openings of Sonny's, Harry's and Moonstruck.

About a year ago a couple of guys from New York, and a girl, opened a Portuguese restaurant on Fifth Avenue. I didn't have the pleasure of dining at Vivas' Bistro, but as I heard more and more rave reviews from friends, one day I decided to try it. Unfortunately, by the time I made my decision to do so, it had closed. But that was only a temporary decision on the part of the owners, who decided to change course and try separate endeavors, but still remain in Asbury Park.

Since I like to wander around town with my camera in the springtime, capturing shots of new and unexplored places and happenings, last week I did just that. In my wanderings I made a decision to stop for lunch at a brand new restaurant on Main Street.

Now I'm sure most of you have heard the buzz surrounding the highly publicized opening on April 16, of Bistro Ole` at 230 Main Street. Well, I had heard the buzz too, and thought I remembered the restaurant was going to be open for lunch. So I decided to drive by and check it out. They were open, and my decision to stop was rewarded with a delicious, and not the usual "run of the mill" lunch, found at every other place in the area.

I was the first patron in that day, mostly because it was barely 12:00 o'clock, but within ten minutes it was getting crowded. And by the time I had finished eating and conversing with Rico Rivera, owner Chef Wil Vivas' partner and front-end manager, the place was full of locals, most of whom I knew. Though, I did happen to be sitting next to a table of eight visitors from New York City, who said they were "quite pleased they made the decision to stop at this very spot for lunch."

The opening of Bistro Ole` is only part of the story of Chef Wil Vivas' long journey to the United States, New York City and, eventually, to Asbury Park. On the back of the dinner menu is a short version of Will Vivas' inspiring story. It starts with Wil traveling from Venezuela to New York in August 1996, with his mother's blessing, only $400 in his pocket, and not knowing a soul. He didn't speak a word of English either. But like millions of people in the last two centuries, he was awestruck by New York's sheer size and diversity. And what impressed him even more was the sight of the Statue of Liberty, which symbolizes freedom, and meant to him, that if he worked hard, he could accomplish his dreams and goals here, as in no other country in the world. And work hard is what he did.

Wil's journey took him from New York City to Brooklyn, back to the City, and to Asbury Park, but it wasn't an easy one. He started working as an illegal (he became a legal resident in 1998), washing dishes for $2.25 an hour, fourteen hours a day, seven day's a week at Mike's Diner in Brooklyn. After working for ten months and getting numerous burns and blisters on his hands, he asked if he could learn to do prep work. Espiros, the owner said, "Sure, but you have to finish all the dishes first, then you can go over and learn to how to prep food, at the same $2.25 an hour." Wil said, "Okay, I just want to learn." He did that for four months and then asked if he could learn how to cook, again the same answer, "Okay, but at $2.25 an hour."

In a relative short time he was just cooking, no more dirty dishes, still at $2.25 an hour. He worked the day shift cooking from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and started going to English classes from 7 pm to 10:00 pm, at the prodding of his new friend and, eventual, partner, Rico. After a short while, the diner owner said he could work out front as a waiter where he could make more money. So Wil, more confident with his English, jumped at the chance to learn another aspect of the business. Within a few months Espiros asked him if he wanted to work the newly vacant cashier/manager position on the night shift from 9 pm to 6:00 am. This position at least had a salary attached to it in the amount of $265.00 a week. That lasted about six months when a fire broke out and burned the restaurant to the ground. But Wil had learned many skills in the two short years he worked at that diner, and returned to New York City ready to take on new challenges.

He went back to the original employment agency he had gone to two years before begging for any kind of job. They were surprised at his new knowledge and skills, and most importantly, his tenacity and dedication. They had a really good job available, but it was listed for only one day, at the "Diamond Dairy," a Kosher restaurant in Manhattan's diamond district. Sam, the owner, was impressed with Wil's work and asked him to come back each day for the next two weeks. After that he offered him a full time job cooking breakfast and lunch for $650.00 a week, for four and a half days a week, with lot of days off. Wil had come a long way from his fourteen-hour, seven days a week $2.25 an hour dishwashing job.

During the three years Wil worked for Sam at the Diamond Dairy, he began to think maybe he didn't want to continue in the restaurant business. He thought he might enjoy working as an accountant, since he was good with figures. He liked the idea of dressing in a suit and tie and looking like a professional going to work. He was tired of flipping pancakes and eggs, and making sandwiches on rye or wheat.

It was Rico who convinced Wil to give culinary school a try, since he knew Wil had real talent where food was concerned. Rico found him the perfect school, the New York Restaurant School, (NYRS). Wil made the call, and started attending classes each evening from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm, after he put in a full day from 7 am to 5 pm at the Diamond Dairy. He began to perfect his skills and follow his natural instincts for the culinary arts. He became inspired once again, and dreamed of opening his own restaurant.

Through a friend, Rico and Wil became familiar with Asbury Park and the renaissance it was experiencing. So two years ago they went ahead and purchased a home in the city. Wil was still attending the NYRS in downtown Manhattan. He got a day job at "Neil's on the Beach," or as most locals call it, Allenhurst Beach Club, for one season. After that he became the executive chef in a local nursing home for another short while. Then Wil decided to start a catering business, which soon turned into Vivas' Bistro on Fifth Avenue. The restaurant received a "3 Star" review from the Asbury Park Press.

Vivas' Bistro operated successfully for about nine months when the partners decided to take different paths. Wil had developed a great reputation in those nine months and was immediately offered several lucrative positions. But it was the chance to open his own restaurant on Main Street in a very prime spot, with his business and personal partner, Rico, that made Wil decide on Bistro Ole` Inc., at 230 Main Street.

The restaurant is bright and cheerful; the food delicious and creative; the staff polite and professional; the d�cor by design team Mark Fetzer and Kenneth Hay of "Cookman 627, Inc." It has turned out to be a perfect formula. What else could one ask for?

Asbury Park is the ultimate beneficiary of Wil's journey from Venezuela, his dreams of becoming successful and, most importantly, his persistence and hard work. We are very proud to claim him as one of our own.

Bistro Ole` is open for lunch Tuesday - Saturday 11-2:30, dinner Tuesday - Sunday 5 - 10 pm. With the coming of the warm weather months, reservations will not be accepted and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Parties of six or more should call 15 minutes in advance. Call: 732-897-0048. BYOB.

On Saturday night, the Fastlane Club hosted a Birthday Bash for Jon Bon Jovi fans. It all started with a screening of Bon Jovi's debut performance in the romantic comedy, Moonlight and Valentino, and ended with Bon Jovi look-a-like and Karaoke contests.

This was the first of a series of conventional and un-conventional films and live performances booked for both the Fastlane and the Baronet Theatre, in the next several months. Included in the live performance categories is this weekend's Terrence McNally's controversial play Corpus Christi, about Jesus' life in Corpus Christi, Texas, to be held at the Fastlane, 207 Fourth Ave. Tickets are $18 and can be ordered at 732-988-1007, or at the door before the show, on Friday and Saturday March 7 & 8 at 8 p.m., or Sunday the 9th at 5 p.m.

Also on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 in the First United Methodist Church is a "must see" film for Asbury Park residents by Hoboken filmmaker Nora Jacobson, Delivered Vacant. This film parallels, in some ways, the events about to take place here in Asbury Park with the redevelopment of the waterfront. Ms. Jacobson focused her film on the gentrification of Hoboken from 1985 to 1993, and the many problems the citizens of that city encountered, especially where preservation of older buildings is concerned. I urge all residents of Asbury Park to come out and see this film on Saturday. Several guest speakers, including Ms. Jacobson, now living in Vermont; Maureen Nevin, Restore by the Shore radio host; city resident and community advocate Thomas Sawyer; and former city historian Werner Baumgartner will be on hand for a panel discussion after the film. Admission is free.

In the last year both the Baronet Theatre and the Fastlane Club have not been used much. There are several reasons for that, but it's not my intention to elaborate on those reasons just now. Suffice it to say, it wasn't because the owners hadn't wanted to have both venues operating with fun and interesting events. Most of the circumstances keeping these venues closed were beyond their control. The owners, Walter Burns and Maurice Roberson, have put years of their time, tons of money, and much heart and soul into both these venues for the last 17 years.

But now they are making one powerful last stand, with the help of a group of dedicated individuals, to get the public behind saving both these venues, along with the 1930s Asbury Bowling Centre located next to the Fastlane, before the redevelopment wrecking ball tears all three entertainment venues down. Leaving the beachfront area pretty much devoid of any entertainment and, of course, a lovely movie theater, not to mention the only (still functioning) bowling alley in the city for the past 70 years, as the buildings are slotted to be replaced with condominiums.

The Baronet Theatre, circa 1930, is one of only 300 single screen theaters left in the U.S., both of which are located right here in Monmouth County, the other one being the Bradley Beach Cinema. The Baronet Theatre has a great history. A Deco Period treasure, originally called the Ocean Theatre in 1913 when Harry Rockefeller owned it. In the 1950s Walter Reade, who owned over 2000 theaters nationwide, purchased it. He loved this theater so much that he named it the Baronet after the one he owned on 57th Street in New York City. As a matter of fact, the marquee on Asbury's Baronet Theatre was taken from the New York City Baronet Theatre, when Reade sold it, and placed here in what he described as his "favorite" theater of all those he owned.

The present owners, Walter and Maurice purchased it in 1986 and have faithfully toiled to recreate that late 1950s, early 1960s, atmosphere. On May 19, 1997 their hard work won a Preservation Award from the Monmouth County Historical Commission.

The auditorium boasts 546 original recliner seats and has a great stage with a proscenium arch, which, in the past, hosted live performances from the likes of the great Three Stooges and Quentin Crisp.

The theater is one of the few surviving single screen theaters capable of projecting both flat and cinema scope with original projection equipment of the Deco Era. However, a superb sound system and big screen video projector have been added.

Behind the curtain stands an original 1950s Conn Organ, with triple tier keyboard and mahogany case. The mirrored lobby with its huge Manley Popcorn machine remain intact. Walking through the door of the Baronet Theatre is like walking into a time warp. It's quite a treat for anyone interested in history.

Next time I'll fill you in on some history of the Fastlane Club and some photos of famous folks (like Bon Jovi, Springsteen and Patti Smith among others), and not so famous folks who have performed there over the years since it opened as The Warehouse Saloon with the Shirelles in 1974. It had been a Steinbach warehouse for about 20 years prior to becoming a nightclub. Another incarnation of the Fastlane was the Hotel California. But that's a story for another day.

In the meantime, catch some of the other events taking place this month. On March 14 and 15, at the Baronet with a party to follow at the Fastlane, are two controversial and alternative John Waters films, starring transvestite Divine in Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble. Starting at 7 p.m., it's $8 admission for both films, or $6 for just the party at the Fastlane, 205 and 207 Fourth Ave. For further information, call 732-775-5535.

Wow! I don't know about any of you, but I am exhausted from all the events and activities I attended this past weekend. How great is it to have so much excitement going on in our city after many years of "ho hum" at the holidays?

The city, businesses and organizations that put together this treat did an outstanding job. From the beautifully decorated shops and avenues around town, especially on Cookman Avenue, to the lighting of the tree in Bradley Park and great fireworks on the boardwalk Saturday night, the fantastic and successful first "holiday" house tour, to the two great live shows at the Paramount and the FastLane cabaret club. And I can't forget the terrific carolers from the cast of Scrooge who sang at both tree lighting ceremonies at Bradley Park on Saturday, and Press Plaza on Sunday nights. All of it was WONDERFUL and exciting.

And, there's more to come. This week on Friday night there will be a Holiday lightshow from 5-8 pm sponsored by CocaCola, at Press Plaza. Santa will be there for the kids.

Also on Friday and Saturday nights live performances of the Rocky Horror Show at the Fastlane, and Scrooge at the Paramount. Don't forget to check out the many new and exciting shops and galleries downtown, all decked out and ready for holiday shoppers.

I attended the Rocky Horror musical show on Friday and it was terrific. The cast is outstanding, the singing great, and the direction by Nick Montesano of Ocean Grove, superb. I'm not a show critic by any stretch of the imagination, but I really did enjoy that performance from a purely fun and entertaining point of view. I have never seen the movie so I didn't know what I was in for, but I knew it had become a cult classic over the years with a strong following. I was informed by some folks who attended this live performance, that it was just as good as, if not better than, the movie version. Check it out for yourself this weekend. [See photos]

I haven't seen Scrooge yet, but several friends have, and they raved about the show. Maybe I'll see some of you there this coming weekend.

The Asbury Park Homeowners Association has sponsored a Spring house tour for the past seven years and it has been a great success. But this was the first time sponsoring, along with the Premier Theatre Company, a "holiday" house tour. I helped to sell tickets at the Canteen and from what I witnessed, this was as much of a success as the spring event. About 225 tickets were sold. For a first time event, that was very successful.

Rocky Horror Show performances: Dec. 13 and 14, 8pm. Fastlane Club: 207 Fourth Avenue, 775-5535 - Tickets $18.00 at door, opens one hour before showtime.

Scrooge performances: Dec 13 and 14, 8pm. Paramount Theatre: Tickets at door one hour before, or at the theatre company Canteen, 621 Cookman Avenue, 774-STAR.

The Premier Theatre Company is about to take up residence here in town. The theater company, run by Spring Lake Heights native, Mark Fleming, is just one of the exciting new artistic endeavors taking place in Asbury Park.

As of October, The Premier Theatre Company will present its Fall through Spring shows in its new hometown at the Paramount Theatre.

Mark Fleming, producer/director, spent many years with local community theater companies before he decided to establish his own company about 18 years ago, which eventually evolved into the not-for-profit Premier Theatre Company, presenting its shows at the Henderson Theatre, in Lincroft.

After more than 125 shows, including the first, post-Broadway production of "Sunday in the Park with George," the New Jersey debuts of "A Chorus Line" and "Rumors," the Monmouth County and South Jersey debuts of "Evita" and "Me and My Girl," Mr. Fleming made a decision to bring his company to Asbury Park, where he now resides.

Why not, everyone else wants to be here now too. In case you haven't noticed, Asbury Park is the new (old) hot spot of the Jersey Shore. As a theater junkie myself, I'm happy to have another artistic venture take up residence in town. Good for Them and Good for Us!

On Oct 11th through the 19th, the group opens with "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," a Bible story of sibling rivalry set to rhythms of '50s rock and roll, rap, jazz, calypso, country-western and contemporary rock music. A fun show for everyone in the family.

Yesterday, once again, reminded me why I love living in Asbury Park so much. It was another one of those incredible spring/summer days, you know, about 75-80 degrees with low humidity, and picture perfect. That is, perfect for pictures.

So out I went with my trusted camera and took a whole bunch of pictures of the yearly Gay Pride Festival. First I watched the parade make its way up Fifth Avenue to Kingsley with all its diversity of vehicles, characters and costumes. Then I wandered around among the huge crowds gathering in Bradley Park.

The food vendors had lines of folks waiting to taste all those fries, dogs and burgers (as if they never had a hotdog or French fry before), but you can't go to a festival and not wait in line for food. And the entertainment was right on target. I live quite near Bradley Park and can always hear the music and see the crowds from my office window. Sometimes the groups at different events play music not pleasant to the ears of older folks, because they're so loud and you can't make out the words. It just sounds like noise. But I could hear these groups very clearly. This time, most of the day it was fun to listen.

As you can see from the photos I took, both Bradley Park and Atlantic Square are the perfect spots for outdoor festivals, not for excess parking lots. I strongly encourage the council to rethink this before they finalize negotiations with the developers this week. We desperately need to keep the public parks for public activities.

This is all I'm going to say about that. If any of you have ever kept up with the columns I've written over the last seven years, you already know I always focused on the positive aspects of Asbury Park, and deliberately leave out any comments of a political nature. But that doesn't mean I don't have my own views. This is one about which I have strong feelings. Council members, 'Please reserve the public spaces for the public to enjoy!!!'

City Councilman John Loffredo (center) and friends

All photos by G. Dorothy Sabatini