2025 at 12:10 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Chris Dehnel/Patch)MIDDLETOWN
NJ — Two more Monmouth County Walgreens stores will close
There is apparently a sign outside the Lincroft Walgreens that reads: "Store closing permanently March 17
The store and pharmacy will both close at 12 p.m."
Walgreens announced in October 2024 it will be closing more than 1,200 Walgreens stores across the U.S
as the struggling drug store chain attempts to complete a successful financial turnaround
Walgreens did not announce which 1,200 stores would be closed
but random store closures have been popping up since then
There are about 8,500 stores in the United States, including about 180 locations in New Jersey.
Walgreens Closing 1,200 Stores: See Impact On NJ Locations (October 2024)
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I was pleasantly surprised to see John Lennon in Lincroft on Sunday
The Beatle's portrait adorns a mural on the side of the Exxon Mobil garage at the intersection of Newman Springs Road and Swimming River Road
The words "Imagine Peace" frame Lennon and the art features the guitar and dove icon from the historic Woodstock posters
Don't get me wrong -- I love the message of peace as much as I love John Lennon
(And I spent countless hours in middle and high school biking down Swimming River Road while listening to Beatles CDs.) The location of the mural and the choice of subject left me scratching my head
READ MORE: History of the Evil Clown of Middletown
What do John Lennon and gas stations and New Jersey have in common
I'm pretty late to the party when it comes to the John Lennon mural
I grew up in Middletown but moved to the Hudson Valley 10 years ago
so I tend to only come back home for holidays and family events
I managed to never see cross paths with the mural
which has been on the site for over four years
When I broached the topic on Threads
I got a big response and information about the mural's origin
READ MORE: You Know You Hung Out as a Teen in Red Bank in the '90s If...
The story behind the mural is heartwarming. In the midst of the 2020 quarantine, Exxon owner Scott Brownfeld wanted to find a way to give back and spread a positive message
according to an article in the Two River Times
The mural was designed by Jersey Shore graffiti artist Jay Mack
Gallery Credit: Jackie Corley
When you think of New Jersey, you probably don't think of John Lennon. Here's how a mural of the Beatle landed on the side of gas station garage.\nRead More
READ MORE: History of the Evil Clown of Middletown
When I broached the topic on Threads
READ MORE: You Know You Hung Out as a Teen in Red Bank in the '90s If...
The story behind the mural is heartwarming. In the midst of the 2020 quarantine, Exxon owner Scott Brownfeld wanted to find a way to give back and spread a positive message
MIDDLETOWN - A crash in the Lincroft neighborhood earlier this week is under further investigation after one driver died while receiving treatment
was involved in a two-vehicle crash on the morning of Dec
30 on Newman Springs Road at Spring Garden Road
Deputy Police Chief Paul Bailey said in a statement
Hannaway complained of pain and was taken to Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank
Monmouth County NJ Monmouth County sees big increase in traffic deaths, especially pedestrian fatalities
Police later learned that Hannaway died later that day
Police are now investigating the actual cause of death and if the crash
or any injuries sustained during the crash
Anyone with information is asked to contact police Corporal Michael Reuter of the department's traffic safety bureau at (732) 615-2045
Mike Davis has spent the last decade covering New Jersey local news
transportation and a little bit of everything else
Contact him at mdavis@gannettnj.com or @byMikeDavis on Twitter
Get important news about your town as it happens
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What started as a battle over pasta and pizza in a Monmouth County shopping plaza has turned into a full-blown war
Tatum Menake is preparing to open a new restaurant in Lincroft
filed earlier this month by Luigi’s Famous Pizza
claims their lease agreement gives them the exclusive right to serve certain Italian dishes in the Lincroft Shopping Center
it targets the landlord—accusing them of allowing another tenant to sell prohibited food items
Menake has been caught in the crossfire—and says she’s now afraid to return to her own restaurant
Luigi’s says they have a signed lease agreement preventing any future tenant from selling pizza
The trouble started when Tatum’s Table, originally a brunch spot, expanded to dinner—posting footage featuring gnocchi and other new dishes for her brand-new steakhouse concept to social media
Luigi’s co-owner Kelly Emerson said she initially had a great relationship with Tatum’s Table—even bringing them pizzas and eating there for breakfast
When Luigi’s notified the landlord, Menake’s father, Danny Menake, allegedly responded: “I don’t care, I’m selling those items," Emerson said in a statement on Facebook.
allegedly threatening to break the landlord’s legs and saying
I’m selling what I want to sell," Emerson said
the public has turned against Tatum’s Table—and Menake says she’s bearing the brunt of it
“I have a grown man with his own successful business trying to tear me down,” she said
Menake says she has received death threats at work and her restaurant has been flooded with one-star reviews on Google
"...instead of resolving the situation professionally, I’ve been harassed and threatened," Tatum said on Facebook
"It’s disheartening that instead of seeing another small business in our community grow
some have chosen to spread lies and try to tear me down."
Social media has not been kind to Tatum’s Table
“Your lease specifically states you cannot serve Italian
Why do you think the rules don’t apply to you?” one commenter wrote
you seem to be in the wrong,” another added
Some went as far as to say the fight could be the end of Tatum’s Table
Luigi’s is seeking an injunction to stop the sale of Italian dishes
while Tatum’s Table continues to fight back
the lawsuit is ongoing—but Menake says she’s staying far away from her own restaurant
MIDDLETOWN — Two eateries just three doors apart in the same strip mall are in a heated feud with no end in sight
Luigi's Famous Pizza has accused Tatum's Table
of violating the terms of their shared lease by serving Italian cuisine as part of their new dinner menu
they reserve the exclusive right to certain Italian meals
The spat began around a month ago when Tatum's Table announced on social media that it would be serving dinner with a special Valentine's Day menu
The announcement teased various pasta dishes
which prompted Luigi's to contact their landlord
Jason Emerson, who owns Luigi's with his wife Kelly, told NJ Advance Media that the proposed dinner offerings were all Italian
which would not pass muster under the terms of the lease
Tatum Menake, owner of Tatum's Table, told NJ Advance Media she did not think that was the case
and that Luigi's was attempting to end her fledgling eatery (which opened in September of last year)
The disagreement quickly manifested into legal action
A Superior Court judge in Monmouth County last month sided with Luigi's
preventing Tatum's Table from serving food after 4 p.m
But the animosity between the two restaurants has never been limited to the courtroom
with Menake and Kelly Emerson taking shots at each other's restaurants in various posts
accusing each other of bullying and being in the wrong
But the latest wrinkle in the saga is a new lawsuit by Luigi's owners that accuses Menake's father of digitally and verbally threatening to put Luigi's out of business. A hearing is slated for March 24, according to the Asbury Park Press
Jason Emerson, who owns Luigi's with his wife Kelly, told NJ Advance Media that the proposed dinner offerings were all Italian
Tatum Menake, owner of Tatum's Table, told NJ Advance Media she did not think that was the case
But the latest wrinkle in the saga is a new lawsuit by Luigi's owners that accuses Menake's father of digitally and verbally threatening to put Luigi's out of business. A hearing is slated for March 24, according to the Asbury Park Press
A judge has made their decision known in the culinary clash between Luigi's Famous Pizza and Tatum's Table in Lincroft
Superior Court Judge Mara Zazzali-Hogan ruled Monday that the Lincroft Grove landlord has to enforce a lease provision stipulating that Luigi's retains exclusive rights to serve specific Italian dishes
But Judge Zazzali-Hogan also said she was unable to restrict Tatum's ability to serve dinner
Zazzali-Hogan noted that by enforcing the food-related proviso of Luigi's lease
she was "not disrupting Tatum's business" in its current form
Luigi's made the case earlier this year that a special dinner menu from their strip mall neighbor
The judge found that some items on that menu were in violation of the lease
The ruling was a win for Luigi's in terms of preserving their hold on Italian food
but a win for Tatum's in securing their right to operate as a dinner restaurant
the attorney for Tatum's Table said he is in talks with the Lincroft Grove landlord's attorney
hoping to come to an agreement that would let his client add dinner to its trademark breakfast and lunch operations while not serving the prohibited dishes
The outcome of the ruling was first reported by the Asbury Park Press
Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom
A judge has made their decision known in the culinary clash between Luigi's Famous Pizza and Tatum's Table in Lincroft.\nRead More
A judge has made their decision known in the culinary clash between Luigi's Famous Pizza and Tatum's Table in Lincroft
The outcome of the ruling was first reported by the Asbury Park Press
Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom
SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR OVERFLOW PARKING BEGINNING 4:00 PM ON THURSDAY
a promising 19-year-old cross-country and track student athlete from Lincroft
following a skiing accident at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Massachusetts
Alex loved playing with his friends and sharing and helping others
kindness and maturity that made others want to be around him
A recent graduate of Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft NJ
and had already distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete
he placed ninth at the NJSIAA Cross Country Meet of Champions and was the Non-Public A State Champion in the 3200m
Alex thrived in challenging situations and loved the process of hard work
Alex quickly became a valued member of the cross-country team and finished as the top freshman in the field at the NCAA DIII Cross Country Championship
His coach remembered him as having a self-assured
kind way about him and being deeply committed to his teammates
Alex brought such joy to every heart he came into contact with
He was humble and kind and an exemplary human being
Alex stood out as a student athlete not only for his physical abilities but also for his personal qualities
He was described as fearless and incredibly motivated
consistently pushing himself in both training and competition
taking genuine joy in the success of his teammates
even on days when he didn’t perform at his best
and kind demeanor made him a natural leader and a valued teammate and friend
fostering a supportive environment wherever he went
the loss of Alex is felt deeply by his family
and all who had the privilege of knowing him
and remarkable character will never be forgotten
Alex is survived by his loving parents Nicole and Dan and his younger brother Max
Carol and William Herrmann of Little Silver
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to JBJ Soul Kitchen, Red Bank, NJ
where Alex served to provide happiness and support to those in need
Your name will appear next to the candle you light.Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page
It may not appear immediately once submitted
Upload attachment (Allowed file types: jpg
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
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SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR OVERFLOW PARKING BEGINNING 4:00 PM ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, UNTIL 8:00 PM FROM THE VONAGE PROPERTY, 23 MAIN STREET, HOLMDEL TO THE FUNERAL HOME. Alex Kemp, a promising 19-year-old cross-country and track student athlete from Lincroft, New Jersey, tragically passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, following a … Read More
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Live Results | Race Videos
The Monmouth Mile presented by Diadora and The Outpost returns for its fifth running and again toes the line at the beautiful Dr
George Sheehan Track and Field Complex on the Christian Brothers Academy campus in Lincroft
The night opens up with all-comer community events and closes out with multiple elite races including professionals from Empire Elite
The men's mile features multiple low 3:50 entries including Eric Holt of Puma / Empire Elite who will be making his fourth appearance at this meet
Holt broke four minutes for the first time in his career back in 2019 during this meet clocking 3:58.88
After the event took a two year hiatus Holt returned to finish third in 2022 with a 3:54.09 and in 2023 was second by .01 to Vincent Ciattei when they charged to the line for 3:52.56 and 3:52.57
If you are in the area the event is completely free to attend
Notes on the 2024 elite fields from Meet Director Travis Mahoney:
2024 - Results - Videos
2023 - Results - Videos - Photos
2022 - Results - Videos - Photos
2019 - Results - Videos - Photos - Recap
2023 - Vincent Ciattei - 3:52.56 / Laurie Barton 4:28.07*
2019 - Eric Holt - 3:58.88 / Megan Mansy - 4:34.05
2025 at 8:18 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to celebrate first responders who have protected and served their communities
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey’s first responders work tirelessly to protect and serve their communities
That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs
firefighters and police officers who go the extra mile
This submission comes from Gary Ferster who nominated Dennis Fowler of Lincroft
If you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series
Tell us about the first responder and how they serve the community
has served the Lincroft community keeping them safe for 50 years this coming November
He is a 4th generation Lincroft firefighter and first aid volunteer
with two twin sons Sam and Dan also serving New Jersey as EMTS
What three words best describe the first responder
We’re fortunate in New Jersey to have first responders like Dennis Fowler working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a local hero to be featured on Patch.
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MIDDLETOWN - When breakfast and lunch restaurant Tatum's Table was preparing to open in the Lincroft Plaza strip mall last September
the veteran restaurateurs who operate neighboring Luigi's Famous Pizza welcomed the new business with open arms
"We would send over pizzas while they were trying to get ready to open,'' said Kelly Emerson
I enjoyed several breakfasts there with my kids and would sit with a friend and have coffee at the bar.''
She wrote in the post that she enjoyed "a wonderful relationship'' with restaurant owner Tatum Menake and her family
"We would both frequent each other's establishments,'' Emerson wrote
But a social media post in recent weeks announcing Menake's intentions to open Tatum's Table for dinner shattered the relationship
is that Tatum's Table's proposed dinner menu contained some Italian dishes that Luigi's claims to have exclusive rights to sell
According to Kelly Emerson’s Facebook post
that he would not give Tatum’s Table permission to open for dinner if the Italian items were not removed from the menu
Tatum's Table's lease specifies it can open only for breakfast and lunch
Daniel Menake's response to the landlord was
"I'm selling what I want to sell,'' Emerson wrote in the Facebook post
seeking to enforce the provision of its lease that gives Luigi’s exclusive rights to serve certain Italian dishes in the strip mall and to bar Tatum's Table from serving those items
The lawsuit pits a long-established eatery against a businesswoman who recently opened a restaurant inside a former Subway sandwich shop
calling their pie “super crispy,’’ “really
Attached to the Emerson’s lawsuit is a copy of Luigi's menu
noting which dishes the restaurant claims to have exclusive rights to serve
The restaurant war is also raging on Facebook
where Tatum Menake responded to Kelly Emerson's post within minutes Sunday
Both sides are accusing the other of intimidation and threats
we went out of our way to support Luigi's and their staff,'' Tatum Menake wrote in the Facebook post
"We gave them free breakfasts numerous times
simply because we wanted to be good neighbors and build positive relationships in the community
Luigi's Facebook post generated 189 comments
was shared 48 times and had garnered 593 reactions — among them 272 “likes’’ and 117 heart emojis — by Wednesday afternoon
the post by Tatum's Table generated 130 comments
had been shared three times and garnered 32 reactions: 14 “likes,’’ 16 laugh emojis and two heart emojis
claims she is being harassed over "a few items on my menu.''
The restaurant "is primarily a steakhouse with some pastas — not in direct competition with Luigi's,'' the post said
Tatum’s Table advertised a "Peter Luger-inspired steak night" on Instagram
The menu featured a menu of homemade rolls
and homemade butter cake — dishes that are not on Luigi’s menu
Tatum’s Table’s Valentine’s Day menu and proposed regular dinner menu contain some dishes that Luigi’s claims are exclusive to them
An answer to Luigi's complaint filed on behalf of Tatum's Table contends there is nothing in Tatum's Table's lease prohibiting the restaurant from selling the Italian dishes
The Emersons say the exclusivity rights are contained in Luigi's lease
Attached to the answer filed on behalf of Tatum's Table's are that eatery's menus
including the proposed dinner menu on which there are notations differentiating its items from Luigi's
it notes that Tatum's Table offers chicken parmesan on the bone and that Luigi's boneless chicken parmesan is less expensive
we are not compair (sic) oranges with organge (sic) here,'' a notation on Tatum's Table's menu said
Tatum's Table's answer to Luigi's complaint
"I am a 21-year-old girl and the sole owner of Tatum's Table,'' Tatum Menake wrote on Facebook
"My father has no involvement in the business.''
Luigi's lawsuit has been amended twice since it was first filed on Feb
a day before Tatum's Table planned to open for dinner for Valentine's Day
The initial versions of the suit seek temporary and permanent injunctions barring Tatum's Table from selling the food items to which Luigi’s claims exclusivity
The complaint claims that if Tatum's Table is allowed to serve those items
Luigi's would be irreparably harmed and would lose goodwill
substantial sums of business and its reputation as an exclusive seller of Italian cuisine at Lincroft Plaza
Superior Court Judge Mara Zazzali-Hogan issued a temporary injunction on Feb
19 barring Tatum's Table from selling any food after 4 p.m.
essentially precluding any potential dinner business
accuses Daniel Menake of making threats against Luigi's
acting on behalf of Tatum's Table and his daughter
has engaged in a campaign of threats and disparagement against Jason Emerson
and its employees and customers,'' the complaint alleges
"The threats have included verbally and electronically communicated threats that Tatum's Table would install a pizza oven so as to drive Luigi's out of business
and other similar threats,'' the complaint said
whether by the actions of Daniel Menake and/or Tatum Menake
have engaged in a social media campaign with postings available to the public so as to disparage Luigi's by claiming
that Luigi's and its principal have been bullying Tatum's Table and/or Tatum Menake and/or Daniel Menake in an effort to destroy the business of Tatum's Table and/or to expend unnecessary sums of money on things like attorneys’ fees,'' it said
The amended complaint seeks injunctions not only prohibiting Tatum's Table from serving the prohibited Italian dishes
but also from serving dinner and from threatening and disparaging Luigi's
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday
legal issues and just about every major murder trial to hit Monmouth and Ocean counties
NY to the late Elizabeth and Peter William Bosch
attending daily mass and praying the rosary
Michael was also a hard worker and held several other jobs
including being the spiritual director of Daytop Village Inc
He gave communion to over 130 people weekly
He especially enjoyed traveling to Thailand and Bangladesh
Michael helped many people through very tough times
Michael is survived by his sister Mary Ann Macomber
September 27 from 8:30am – 10:30am at St
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered following the visitation at 10:30am
In lieu of traditional remembrances, Michael’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org)
For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Michael, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com
Michael S. Bosch, 71, of Lincroft, died on Monday, September 23. Michael was born in New York, NY to the late Elizabeth and Peter William Bosch, and eventually settled in Lincroft. He was a devout catholic, attending daily mass and praying the rosary, and a sacristan of St. Leo the Great Parish for several years. … Read More
2025 at 10:47 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Shutterstock)MIDDLETOWN
NJ — Some residents in the Lincroft section of Middletown woke up Thursday morning to no water
after there was a water main break overnight
The water main broke around midnight Wednesday near 4 Joseph Drive in Lincroft
according to a spokeswoman for NJ American Water
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, water service to all customers has now been restored, she said. However, the issue will not be entirely restored until approximately 5 p.m. Thursday, NJ American Water said in this alert on their website
but water mains can break for a number of reasons
especially now with the low temperatures we’ve been seeing
freezing and thawing of soil can create movement underground that can put tension on water pipes," said NJ American Water spokeswoman Erin Banes
"That is why 'main break season' typically starts in October and continues through the winter."
At 9 a.m. Thursday, NJ American Water posted the following to their website: "Our crews are making emergency repairs due to a main break beginning on January 23 in Middletown
Repairs are expected to take approximately 8 hours to complete."
you may experience temporary changes in your water
run cold water at the lowest level of your house
run water at the highest level of your house
The condition should clear after 3 to 5 minutes of running water
If you are a landlord and water service is in your name
please inform your tenants so they are aware of this impact to their water service
In keeping with American Water’s focus on safety for both customers and employees
please do not approach our crews while they work."
FREEHOLD — The impressive summer the Lincroft Little League Baseball 12U team has had isn’t over
but it’ll take some magic to continue into next week
After suffering an 11-1 loss Thursday to Morristown in a matchup of opening round winners
Lincroft fell into the losers' bracket of the state tournament
But the District 3 champs are no stranger to having their backs against the wall
More: NJ Little League baseball State Tournament: Schedule, scores, updates
"They really don't have any quit in them," said Lincroft head coach Todd Ellis
"I reminded them that we've been in a spot where we've been down late in games before in the championship of our district tournament
We were down 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth and we came back and won that
In sectionals we were down five runs and came back so the kids have the ability to do it
"When we set out with this all-star team our goal was to win districts
we never made it past the semifinals so this was all gravy at this point
We're playing with house money," he continued
Morristown showed its strength at the plate and on the pitching mound
Ace pitcher Will Hery had an impressive showing with five strikeouts and was subbed in the middle of the fifth inning
Dean Conway came in for Hery and picked up three straight strikeouts
More: All in the family: Shore Little Leaguer following mom and dad’s footsteps to sports success
Meanwhile Morristown's Tyler Sharperson had a day with the first RBI of the game on a fly out that nearly cleared the fence
then later hit a grand slam to left to break open the game at 5-1
Charlie Porter's two-run homer to left field invoked the mercy rule
Lincroft's outfielders made some impressive plays when Morristown batters were sending balls out far
"We got some kids with some speed out there," Ellis said
"Logan Travis made a great play towards the end and Nick Heugle made an amazing catch at center - I thought (the ball) left the yard
Lincroft held on fairly well until midway through the game
Owen Warner brought home Zach Anderson in the third inning to tie it up 1-1
Lincroft is no stranger to comebacks and being down
Lincroft is back in play Friday against Livingston at 7 p.m
in the tournament semifinal - the winner would need to beat Morristown Saturday and Sunday to steal the tournament championship
The state champ goes on to the Little League World Series regionals in Bristol
1 pitcher Antonio Ciccone is unavailable due to reaching his maximum pitch count
they dedicated their entire summer to this so hats off to them
they have great pitching and they hit the ball well so hats off to them," said Ellis
2025 at 1:24 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Luigi's
which has been in business in Lincroft Grove since 1991
NJ — Luigi's Famous Pizza and Tatum's Table
both located in the Lincroft Grove strip mall in Middletown
are currently embroiled in a red-hot restaurant war
Luigi's says Tatum's is selling Italian dishes that only Luigi's has exclusive rights to sell
a clause written into its lease with the Lincroft Grove landlord
Tatum's Table opened last fall, and is operated by Tatum Menake, a 21-year-old woman from Colts Neck. When she first opened last September
she said her restaurant was going to serve breakfast
this month Tatum's Table offered a Valentine's Day dinner
say that written into their lease is that Luigi's is the only restaurant in the strip mall allowed to sell certain Italian dishes
as per a special Valentine's Day menu they posted to their Instagram account
"Tatum’s table posted a proposed dinner menu on social media," read this Facebook post from Luigi's
we saw that they were going to sell several Italian dishes that we have had on our menu and have been selling for over 25 years
Italian dishes of which we have the exclusive rights to sell in our lease."
Luigi's said it noticed the Lincroft Grove landlord that Tatum's was violating their lease agreement
Luigi's said the landlord (never named) "notified Danny Menake (Menake's father) of Tatum’s Table and Mr
Menake that if he did not remove those Italian items in breach from the proposed dinner menu that they would not give him permission to open for dinner
and Tatum's table would be in breach of contract and landlord would begin the eviction process," said Luigi's
Menake became irate and started threatening to break the landlord’s legs and went on to threaten to kill him if he gave them any problems and didn’t allow him to open for dinner and let him sell what he wanted."
Tatum's was open for business Friday morning
"Of course we are open," said an unnamed manager when Patch called
She declined to answer when asked if the landlord did indeed begin eviction proceedings against them
Emerson said her husband then called Menake "and tried to explain to him that we have the exclusive rights on those items and asked him not to sell them and if he didn’t sell them the landlord would most likely approve Tatum’s table to open for dinner
Menake once again started threatening my husband with the same harsh
I’m selling what I want to sell.' Mr Menake then went on to threaten my husband and our establishment that he was going to put in a wood-burning pizza stove and sell pizza and all the same items on our menu at half price and put Luigi's out of business
the landlord and ourselves were forced to seek legal counsel and this is why Tatum's Table is now being handled in litigation by the courts."
In her own Facebook post in response
Tatum Menake said Luigi's is "bullying her."
"I am a 21-year-old girl and the sole owner of Tatum’s Table
My father has no involvement in the business," she said Sunday
I’ve been subjected to intimidation and false accusations
The issue has been over a few items on my menu
Tatum’s Table is primarily a steakhouse with some pastas — not in direct competition with Luigi’s
But instead of resolving the situation professionally
If I get bullied out of this shopping center
a day before Tatum's Table planned to open for its Valentine's Day dinner
According to the Asbury Park Press
Tatum's Table filed an answer to the lawsuit
they argue they serve their chicken parmesan on the bone (Luigi's is boneless) and also that their chicken parmesan is more expensive
emailed or spoken to neither Luigi’s or the landlord," said Luigi's
"It's all been done by her father Danny Menake
Tatum Menake seems to be the innocent face of the restaurant
while her father is the one making all of the illegal threats and poor business decisions."
Patch report when Tatum's Table first opened: New Breakfast/Brunch Spot Opening Soon In Lincroft
FREEHOLD - The battle over who can serve Italian food at a Middletown strip mall came to a head in court Monday
with a judge reaching a split decision in a case pitting Luigi's Famous Pizza against Tatum's Table
Superior Court Judge Mara Zazzali-Hogan ruled that the landlord of Lincroft Plaza must enforce a provision in its lease with Luigi's giving the pizza restaurant exclusive rights in the strip mall to serve certain specified Italian dishes
Zazzali-Hogan said she did not have authority to place any restrictions on Tatum's Table
she said she only had the authority to enforce the terms of Luigi's lease
the attorney for Tatum's Table said he is in discussions with the landlord's attorney in hopes of reaching an agreement to allow his client to expand operations at her breakfast-and-lunch spot to dinner service in exchange for leaving certain prohibited items off her dinner menu
the landlord will consent to us being open at night,'' Arthur Carmano
did not return a telephone call seeking comment
entered into a lease agreement with the landlord in January 2024 to take over a former Subway sandwich shop in Lincroft Plaza
The lease did not place any restrictions on what Tatum's Table could serve
but said its operations are limited to breakfast and lunch
has been operating in the same strip mall since the 1990s
Its lease gives the restaurant exclusive rights in the strip mall to serve a lengthy list of Italian dishes
which are specifically marked on a menu accompanying the lease
The trouble between the two eateries began when Menake posted on social media her intentions to open Tatum's Table for dinner
with a menu containing dishes that Luigi's claims exclusive rights to sell
offering a special menu that included items
which Luigi's said Tatum's Table was prohibited from selling
Zazzali-Hogan issued a temporary injunction barring Tatum's Table from being open after 4 p.m.
Zazzali-Hogan said Monday that by enforcing the terms of Luigi's lease
she was "not disrupting Tatum's business as it stands now.''
The judge noted Luigi's lease specifies it cannot open for breakfast or sell breakfast items
but it also gives that eatery exclusive rights to serve certain dishes
Zazzali-Hogan said the proposed dinner menu for Tatum's Table included items such as crispy artichokes with herbed ricotta
Arguing that there are no restrictions in her lease on what food Menake can serve at her restaurant
Menake may have chosen not to rent the premises
He said the 21-year-old restaurateur used her grandparents' inheritance and spent $150,000 to renovate the property and is now "being choked
squeezed and strong-armed by some tenant who has some specious damage.''
said the terms of the landlord's lease with Luigi's is reasonable
it would make sense that they would be concerned about protecting themselves from competitors or else taking their business elsewhere,'' the judge said
"The court notes that although there's been no evidence that Luigi's business would be destroyed
no one could deny that if someone were to buy a chicken parmigiana sandwich from Tatum's
that is business that takes away from Luigi's
There would need to be proof or quantification of damages in terms of how much that would hurt Luigi's
but it's common sense that they would be harmed.''
Carmano said afterward he is trying to negotiate specifically what food items Tatum's Table will be prohibited from selling if the landlord allows the eatery to open for dinner
"Ninety percent of the stuff on that (Luigi's) menu
Kathleen Hopkins, a reporter in New Jersey since 1985, covers crime, court cases, legal issues and just about every major murder trial to hit Monmouth and Ocean counties. Contact her at khopkins@app.com
2025 at 11:11 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Renee Schiavone/Patch)MIDDLETOWN
NJ — A 19-year-old man from the Lincroft section of Middletown died after a ski accident in the Berkshires Monday
according to local law enforcement and an announcement from the college where he was enrolled as a freshman
Alex Kemp died while skiing at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock
according to the Berkshire County District Attorney
"With deep sadness, I write to tell you that first-year student Alex Kemp died yesterday (Tuesday), after a skiing accident on Monday," wrote Williams College president Maud Mandel in this letter to the community
Kemp was skiing on a black diamond trail (Jiminy Peak's Cutter trail) and he went over an embankment on the left side of the trail
local police received a 911 dispatch call reporting someone had been badly hurt in a ski accident on the mountain
Jiminy Peak Ski Patrol and Northern Berkshire EMS responded
There was no indication drugs or alcohol were involved
He was taken to Berkshire Medical Center before being transferred to Baystate Medical Center
Kemp graduated from the elite Christian Brothers Academy, the Christian boys prep school also located in Lincroft. He ran cross country for CBA and in his senior year helped lead them to a state championship, according to this Instagram post from CBA
he had been recruited by Williams College to run cross country for their team
Williams College is located in Williamstown
also in the Berkshires and near to the ski mountain where Kemp lost his life
for those who did not have the good fortune to know him," wrote the Williams College president
"He came to Williams from Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey
after being recruited by Cross Country coach Dusty Lopez
Christian Brothers has a nationally respected cross country program
and even as a first year here Alex quickly became a beloved and important member of the team
kind way about him and it was consistent every day
This made him such a valuable member of our team
even in his first year — above and beyond his obvious gifts as an athlete
and he always knew how to bring others along with him."
"In his college application he said he hoped to complete a doctorate in computer science
But he was also enjoying courses in political science and economics
"Alex was one of the strongest students I’ve taught in 21 years at the college," said Williams economic professor Dukes Love
"Economics seemed to come naturally to him
He had a quiet gift for the subject matter
while at the same time always leaving room for discussion: He might have known the answer
but he wanted to leave room to talk about it.”
In high school, he volunteered at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen in Monmouth County
The college president wrote that Kemp ended his college essay with this quote: “Everyone needs someone to root for them and to remind them to always root for themselves.”
"That was the spirit described by so many people who knew him."
the 19-year-old Middletown man who died last Tuesday after a skiing accident in the Berkshires
This was announced in Kemp's obituary
Holmdel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements
A burial mass for Kemp will be at 10:15 a.m
there will be a visitation from 4 to 8 p.m
Kemp died in a skiing accident last week at Jiminy Peak ski resort in Massachusetts' Berkshire mountains
It was a classmate of Kemp's at Williams College — whom he was skiing with that day — who called 911 at 2:39 p.m
Kemp and the friend had been skiing on a black diamond trail (Jiminy Peak's Cutter trail)
and he went over an embankment on the left side of the trail
The fatal accident happened Monday afternoon
and Kemp died Tuesday at a regional hospital in Massachusetts
Kemp grew up in Lincroft and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy,where he was an accomplished cross-country runner
he became a New Jersey state champion running cross country for CBA in the 3200m race
also known as the two-mile or eight laps around a 400-meter track
In his obituary
Kemp was described as "fearless and incredibly motivated
taking genuine joy in the success of his teammates ..
positive and kind demeanor made him a natural leader and a valued teammate and friend."
He was enrolled as a freshman at Williams College in Massachusetts at the time of his death
and he had been recruited by Williams College to run cross country for their team
Middletown Teen Dies In Skiing Accident In Berkshires (Jan
2025 at 2:34 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Middletown train station
NJ — To address the need for more daily parking for commuters
Middletown Township added more parking spaces
The new parking spaces are in the large train station lot located off Middletown-Lincroft Road near the satellite recycling center, the Township announced Jan. 9 on its Facebook page
The new spaces are numbered 300-519 and have yellow striping
But the parking spaces are there now and available
click 'Park,' and choose your license plate
enter your zone/space and duration and click on 'Start Now.'"
2025 at 8:57 pm ETAt 4:45 p.m last Thursday
this car collided with another attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Newman Springs Road from Roma Court
The impact sent the car onto a family's front lawn
(Coralee Dixon)Where 340 new apartments are coming in the One River Center complex
NJ — Lincroft residents and Middletown Twp
are working together to address the ongoing traffic safety problems on Newman Springs Road/County Rt
2024 there was a fatal accident on Newman Springs Road
The most recent accident on Newman Springs occurred last Thursday
where someone making a left-hand turn out of Roma Court was hit by another car headed west on Newman Springs
The impact of being hit caused the car to cross two lanes of traffic
jump the sidewalk and crash into the fence and bushes of Coralee Dixon's front yard; she and her family live on Newman Springs
Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital
520 has been known for decades to be dangerous
"the situation has become dire" in recent months
She said children cannot walk on the sidewalk along Newman Springs to get ice cream in Lincroft village
and it is so dangerous they cannot even walk 100 yards to go to a friend's house
Problems include people speeding (the speed limit is 40 MPH but people routinely go 60 MPH)
people tailgating and the difficulty to make a left turn onto Newman Springs from any of the neighborhood side streets
Middletown is hosting a public information session from 6-8 p.m
March 18 to discuss the traffic safety issues of Newman Springs Road/Rt
The meeting will be held on the second floor of the new Middletown Township building (1 Kings Highway)
That meeting will be attended by traffic engineers from Middletown Township
A resident suggested someone from Naval Weapons Station Earle be invited
Perry said he spoke to Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone Monday
and Arnone will be at the March 18 meeting
The five of us up here cannot unilaterally do anything about 520," said Perry
"We can help and we want to be part of that solution
It is the county that will be paying to make the road safer."
Perry did also say Middletown Police are paying close attention to Newman Springs Road and they've made traffic enforcement on Newman Springs a priority
Middletown Police conducted 176 motor vehicle stops on Newman Springs
That is higher than the routine traffic enforcement on all other roads in Middletown
After last Thursday's accident that sent a car onto her front lawn, Dixon and fellow Lincroft resident Cara Welsh created the Lincroft Safe Streets Coalition
Dixon said she is pleased the town is hearing residents' concerns and hosting the March 18 meeting
which she encouraged all members of the public to attend
"We know this is going to be a long process and this is just the first step," said Dixon
"The residents are coming together; we are willing to do the work
We want to help and we are pleased that the Township and county scheduled this meeting to start the process to collaborate with all the stakeholders."
"It’s great that these businesses are here and we want them to be successful
but the resulting impact of vehicle volume in the surrounding neighborhoods needs to be reviewed and addressed," she continued
They are trying to move traffic through areas that are residential."
Perry also said there will likely be more meetings after March 18
"This won't be the only conversation," he said Monday night
Committee meeting on this; they start talking about Newman Springs Road traffic safety problems at about minute 40:
Last February: 340 Apartments Proposed For Middletown's One River Centre Office Park
Morris County is once again the epicenter of Little League baseball in New Jersey
a Morris County team claimed a state championship when the Morristown 12-year olds beat Lincroft
It is Morristown’s first state title in 39 years and third in history
joining the great Morristown National teams that won state crowns in 1982 and 1985
Read more: Morristown Little League: Get to know each player as Metro Region Tournament begins
Read more: Morristown Little League in Metro Region Tournament: Everything you need to know
"It's been a rewarding experience for the boys this summer
They're having a lot of fun," coach Billy Andrinopoulos said
"There were a lot of high expectations going in to the season
Most of the boys played together the last couple of years and had a lot of success at the younger age levels
There's a lot of history with Morristown Little League and it's great to keep that tradition going."
Two days after Thursday's 11-1 victory over Lincroft in a matchup of opening-round winners
unbeaten Morristown erased a first-inning 4-0 deficit on Saturday
answering back with six runs in the bottom of the inning
Will Hery hit an RBI double and Penn Pukash singled to pull Morristown within 4-2
Charlie Porter then dealt the knockout blow when he smacked an RBI double to left field to give his team a 5-4 lead
going five innings while giving up three hits
but they're excited and looking forward to what's ahead," Andrinopoulos said
"They know there's a lot of work in front of them and that they're not done."
will face the Connecticut state champions on Saturday at 4 p.m
(ESPN Plus) in Game 1 of the Metro-Region in Bristol
with berths in the 2024 Little League World Series on the line
A win would push the team into Monday's winner's bracket at 1 p.m.
while and a loss would drop them to the loser's bracket on Sunday at 7 p.m
Morristown’s path to the state title began with a 9-1 win over Section 2 and District 6 champion Livingston on July 24
Morristown needed just the minimum three games of the double-elimination tournament to sweep its way to the New Jersey crown
"Our pitching is very deep and we've been able to turn to a lot of different players in big spots," Andrinopoulos said
"The entire lineup has a lot of exposure and reps before the summer season started and that's been helpful
We're a confident team that knows how to win."
Morristown looks to become the first Morris County team to capture the Metro Region and advance to Williamsport
and the first New Jersey team since Elmora Youth (Elizabeth) in 2019
Other Morris County teams to capture New Jersey Little League state titles include East Hanover (2023)
2024 at 2:30 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Tatum Menake
outside her soon-to-open restaurant in Lincroft Grove
NJ — A new breakfast/brunch spot is coming to Middletown: Tatum’s Table will open in the next few weeks the Lincroft Grove shopping center (650 Newman Springs Road)
They'll serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, open from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily.; check out their Instagram
Tatum's Table will actually be run by a 20-year-old woman from Colts Neck
Although she may be young, Menake has experience in the restaurant business: She worked alongside her mother and brother at the cafe he owns at Naval Weapons Station Earle, NJ.com reported
“A lot of people have been telling me, ‘I’ve been wanting a breakfast restaurant in Lincroft for so long,’ so it’s just really nice to see people really excited and happy,” she told NJ.com
“I just really wanted to make something different.”
Menake told What Now Philly she hopes to open by the end of June
She said she personally designed all the dishes on the menu
“We’re going to be a very different breakfast and lunch place — I’m a big foodie
It’s all my recipes so I’ll be overseeing everything and jumping in when I’m needed.”
“I’m most excited for the pistachio baklava pancakes."
Four Little League baseball teams in New Jersey are vying to take a big step toward punching their ticket to Williamsport
More: Comeback kids: Lincroft Little League baseball was down but never out
The state tournament for Little League Baseball 12U will began Wednesday
The double-elimination tournament is being held at Freehold Township Little League (65 Georgia Rd)
The winner heads to regionals to represent the state of New Jersey in Bristol
Teams that emerge regionals will go to the Little League World Series
More: NJ Little League baseball Section 3 Tournament: Schedule, scores, updates
More: Magic continuing for Lincroft 12U in Little League baseball state tournament
More: Lincroft, Morristown have their showdown
A Monmouth County college student died Tuesday after a tragic skiing accident in Hancock
graduated from Christian Brothers Academy last year
He was a first-year student at Williams College
where he competed on the cross-country and men’s track and field team
Kemp was skiing down the Cutter Trail route at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort when he crashed around 2:39 p.m
"Kemp had gone over an embankment and appeared to have suffered significant head trauma," according to reporting from The Berkshire Eagle of a statement from the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office
“Jiminy Peak Ski Patrol were immediately dispatched to the scene," the statement went on to say according to reporting from The Berkshire Eagle
"Northern Berkshire EMS arrived shortly thereafter to administer life-saving measures
The victim was transported to Berkshire Medical Center before being transferred to Baystate Medical Center for further care.”
No evidence suggested drugs and alcohol were involved
according to reporting from The Berkshire Eagle of a statement from the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office
The publication also reported Kemp was wearing a helmet
is labeled on a Jiminy Peak trail map as being "most difficult" and for seasoned skiers
Local law enforcement is investigating the accident
and they said Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort has cooperated
On Wednesday, Williams College President Maude Mandel addressed the school community about Kemp's death
she expressed her sadness and also quoted Kemp's coach
"Alex was fearless and incredibly motivated as a runner
both in training and competition," Lopez's quote in the statement read
"But even when he didn't have his own best day
he took sincere joy and pride in seeing teammates do well
Our entire team feels a huge sense of loss and grief at this tragic accident
Our thoughts and hearts are with his family
and everyone else who was lucky enough to know Alex."
Mandel added that Kemp had hoped to complete a doctorate in computer science
placed first among all first-years at the NCAA Championships
Mandel said Kemp had volunteered at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen and iCan Bike
is planning to hold a public gathering in recognition of Kemp's life in the "coming weeks."
A college student from Monmouth County died Tuesday after a tragic skiing accident at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, Massachusetts, according to authorities.\nRead More
"Kemp had gone over an embankment and appeared to have suffered significant head trauma," according to reporting from The Berkshire Eagle of a statement from the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office
On Wednesday, Williams College President Maude Mandel addressed the school community about Kemp's death
2025 at 11:42 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The 13.1-mile race begins at 8:30 a.m
March 9 at Brookdale Community College and takes runners through Lincroft
NJ — The Monmouth County Park System will hold its annual E
This 13.1-mile race takes runners through Lincroft
Plaques will be presented to the top 10 male and top 10 female finishers
Race medals will also be awarded to all registered finishers
Pre-registration is available online at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com until March 2 and costs $40 per person
Race day registration is also available beginning at 7 a.m
Those who wish to be involved but not run are invited to volunteer at water stations throughout the course
Prospective volunteers should contact the Park System volunteer office at 732-842-4000
4283 or email volunteer@monmouthcountyparks.com
please email Michael.Williams@co.monmouth.nj.us or call 732-542-1642
Eight New Jersey public high schools finished in the top 100 best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's rankings
Nearly 17,660 schools were ranked on six factors − college readiness
college curriculum breadth and graduation rate − based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college
According to the New Jersey Department of Education
the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments require high school students to be assessed in math
News Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia
Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains; 193 in national rankings
Academy for Information Technology in Scotch Plains; 111 national
Union County Magnet High School in Scotch Plains; 95 national
Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro; 90 national
Ronald E McNair High School in Jersey City; 79 national
Biotechnology High School in Freehold; 72 national
Bergen County Academies in Hackensack; 62 national
Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health in Woodbridge; 58 national
Mathematics and Engineering Technologies in Edison; 42 national
High Technology High School in Lincroft; 24 national
More: When's the first day of school? Here are the dates for every district in Central Jersey
Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies249
The Barack Obama Green Charter High School271
Union County Teams Charter SchoolUnranked: The Queen City Academy Charter Schoolemail: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin
please subscribe or activate your digital account today
Three Jersey Shore public high schools were recognized among the 100 best in the U.S.
Niche has released its 2025 Best Public High Schools in America list. The website said its rankings are based on "rigorous analysis of key statistics," U.S
and millions of reviews from students and parents
Five of the top 50 high schools in the U.S
Bergen County Academies in Hackensack was the top school in the Garden State and 20th nationally
Here are the seven South Jersey schools that made the top 250 in the U.S.:
In the statewide rankings
29 schools in South Jersey made the top 100
Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science
Egg Harbor Township High School was ranked number one in Atlantic County and 103rd in the state
Gloucester County Institute of Technology in Deptford was Gloucester County's top school and 112th overall
Ocean City High School topped the Cape May County list at 119th in the state
Woodstown High School was number one in Salem County and 228th overall
You can click here to see Niche's full 2025 rankings for New Jersey public high schools
WALL — Jacob Karpell has been consistent at the plate in the District 3 Little League Baseball Tournament for his U12 Lincroft team
Monday night he was 3-for-3 with a run and an RBI to help power his team to a 13-2 victory over Toms River – putting Lincroft one game away from winning a spot in the state tournament
Cheering him on were parents Jeffrey Karpell
the Middletown South High School head baseball coach
whose teams in his coaching career have won five public division titles; and Dawn Karpell
who runs the state’s premier girls basketball program as the head coach at St
No doubt Jacob gets plenty of sports tips at home but most importantly: “It’s nice that they get to come to my games and be there to support me,” he said
Backs to the Wall: South Wall keeps Little League baseball tournament dream alive
Dad actually oversees the baseball side of Jacob’s sports activities; the father and son have been working on the left fielder’s craft along with Jacob playing baseball all summer
“I’m so proud of him and the team,” Jeffrey Karpell said
“They’ve had some bigtime comeback wins so far
The cool thing about it - some of these kids will come to Middletown South so it’s so easy for me to root for them
Jeffrey said he himself never got a chance to play with a youth baseball team in the summer and appreciates the special opportunity his son has
“Unfortunately my parents were divorced so I didn’t get the chance to play all-stars
I was traveling in the summer to see my dad
so I tell (Jacob) ‘you don’t know how lucky you are to get this experience,’ ” he said
it takes a village: Lincroft assistant head coach Antonio Ciccone has worked extensively with Jacob
“I’ve coached Jake since he was 6 years old
I hate to call a kid a professional hitter but he’s a hitter
Lincroft notched a couple of comeback wins in recent games but against Toms River there was no doubt about it – Lincroft never trailed
and the bats got going early with a Logan Travis RBI single to bring home Karpell in the first inning
Lincroft picked up where it left off and had a six-run outburst to make the score 7-0
Only one run in the first and the bottom of the order really got it going
Second inning putting up six runs,” said Jacob Karpell said
In the fifth inning Logan Pereless cracked a two-run homer to center field
also plating Michael Annucci and extending the lead to 12-2
Lincroft will play for a chance to clinch the section championship Wednesday at 7 p.m
The opponent will be the winner of Tuesday night’s Toms River-South Wall game
WALL -- The best part about players on a battled-tested team is that nothing can faze them--and the Lincroft Little League U12 baseball team showed exactly that Saturday night in the first round of the Section 3 Tournament
After giving up five runs in the top of the third inning to District 12 champions Nottingham
Lincroft answered right back the very next inning
A six-run response in the bottom of the third inning granted them the lead and the final 6-5 score
The comeback started on an Owen Warner hit; Ethan Ralph brought him home for Lincroft's first run
"The kids had some timely hits," said Lincroft head coach Todd Ellis
"Owen Warner had a big hit to get us going
love the fact that every kid on this team is contributing."
Karpell sent a ball to the right field for a three-run double
"You just got to think of it as a regular at-bat," Karpell said
Logan Pereless went on to get an RBI bringing in Logan Travis for the tying run and Karpell would end up scoring on a wild pitch for the final run
Lincroft is used to facing deficits coming into this tournament
They had to go through their fair share of tough battles to become District 19 champs
In our district championship we were down 4-1 with two outs and we came back and we kept our emotions in," said Karpell
Lincroft will go on to play the winner of Sunday's matchup between (D18) Toms River and (D10) Milltown on Monday at South Wall Little League in Manasquan at 5:45 p.m
The winner of the double-elimination tournament heads to Freehold Township Little League to compete for a state title
there's been some super close games and they haven't given up
taking advantage of the situations in front of them and it's all to the kids and they've done a great job
it's been really fun to see and all the coaches are super proud of them," Ellis said
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — The magic stays alive for the Lincroft Little League Baseball team and it came with the help of a player returning off an injury to finish the job
had his first game back Wednesday night in the first round of the 12U state tournament in a 5-3 win over Blackwood Kiwanis at the Freehold Township Little League complex
and with a runner on first and second base
he managed to help hold the lead for his team
Chase also went 1-for-2 at bat with an RBI single in the first inning
His father and assistant coach Matthew said it's a lift for the team from Middletown to have Chase back in action
moves the ball and hits his locations and he gets pop-ups (and) ground outs," Matthew said
"In the beginning I was very nervous my stomach was killing me," said Chase on returning off injury
"But then my first at-bat I started getting a little excited."
Blackwood - representing Gloucester Township of Camden County - rallied back in the top of the fourth inning with two runs
Chase came in the game at a crucial moment
Lincroft ultimately put four pitchers on the mound: starter Antonio Ciccone IV
Cameron DeSevo and then Chase to close it out
we took such a big lead so quick we kind of got ahead of ourselves and we got a little fancy
got a little away from our plan," Matthew McDougall said
After going undefeated in the section tournament just the week before
the District 3 champs continued their unbeaten streak
The winner of the double-elimination tourney will head to Bristol
Connecticut for the Little League World Series regions
Lincroft is the first team from Middletown to reach the states since Middletown Little League won the title in 2018
Blackwood is back in the states for the first time since 1973; the club won the first state tournament in 1957
"This wasn't our best game by no means but if you can get a win even on an ugly day it's good
hopefully this continues through tomorrow."
After giving up a run in the top of the first inning
Lincroft responded back with a five-run inning right after
and DeSevo all got RBIs to help their team capture a lead in the bottom of the first inning
especially Karpell who went 2-for-2 on the day
who had a two-run hit to bring home Travis and Karpell
Ace pitcher and leadoff hitter Ciccone also had a good day at the plate with a double and a walk
On the mound he had a strike in 20 pitches
He played strong wherever his coaches placed him at
"He's lights out wherever we put him: on the mound
he's definitely a star on our team that shines bright."
(LINCROFT, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Park System will hold its annual E
The race begins at 8:30am at Brookdale Community College
Pre-registration is available online at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com until March 2 and costs $40 per person
Race day registration is also available beginning at 7:00am and costs $60 per person; cash
Those who wish to be involved but not run are invited to volunteer at water stations throughout the course. Prospective volunteers should contact the Park System volunteer office at 732-842-4000, ext. 4283, or volunteer@monmouthcountyparks.com
For more information about the Monmouth County Park System, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000
created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners