BASEMENT WATERPROOFING IN Holmdel

Television and film production has been ramping up in New Jersey over the past several years. Interest in the Great Garden State continues to grow for multiple production companies, which is great news for the state.

Netflix, for example, wants to move into the former Fort Monmouth location and build all-new studios for future film and production. With such interest, it's no wonder so many want to use New Jersey for their current and future projects.

Fort Monmouth, however, isn't the only Monmouth County location buzzing with excitement. There is another landmark location within the county that's been used to shoot big productions.

In fact, this location is now shooting season 2 of this particular show, having wrapped production of season one earlier in 2022. And the building itself is very historic to the great state of New Jersey.

Many might recognize that iconic water tower in the Apple TV+ thriller series "Severance". Not only is it part of the famous Bell Labs facility, now known as Bell Works, but its location is right here in Holmdel, NJ, just off exit 114 from the Garden State Parkway.

And as of this writing, the crew for the Apple TV+ thriller series is back and currently underway shooting season 2 of their television special, directed by Ben Stiller. The cast of "Severance" will also see new characters in the upcoming season.

According to tvguide.com, "Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Zach Cherry, and Dichen Lachman, will return for Season 2, along with new cast members Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, John Noble, Robby Benson, and Stefano Carannante."

For those who have been to Bell Works before might not recognize the place while production is underway. At first glance, one might think major renovations are happening.

Areas typically used for work and relaxing have been cleared of all their tables and seats. And in its place? Giant yellow and green rugs. Filming lights and cameras might also be spotted if anything's being prepped to shoot.

Also, take note of the grey walls along the sides of the lower level. Those walls are actually clear glass that lines the bottom level. And behind that glass are some of the many retailers that occupy the lower level.

What's really neat about this is that the facility is still open to the public, despite the temporary changes that were necessary for the shoot. Here's another area they completely cleared away for filming.

This is the site of Bar Bella, the tropical-themed bar at Bell Works. Usually, this location would be hopping with people having a drink while enjoying a great time doing karaoke or watching live performances by local artists.

But during filming, this space is cleared out to nothing more than a giant empty space. And what appears to be solid walls on the back are actually glass windows looking out to the patio.

For comparison, here's what this space would normally look like. Quite a difference from how it appears while the production crews are present.

As mentioned earlier, the Bell Works facility remains open to the public despite filming taking place. Some of the chairs and benches normally found in the main areas have been temporarily relocated to the far ends of the building and are still accessible for public use.

What's more, retailers outside of the shoot location also remain open for business, including Jersey Freeze. And although some filming takes place where the general public is present, much of the filming happens on the upper levels which are closed to the general public.

But if you're curious to catch any of the action, the production crews won't be there much longer this year. They plan to wrap up production later in December and will move on to their next location as 2022 comes to a close.

So those who miss heading to the Bell Works bar for a fun evening won't have to wait much longer. Once production wraps up, it'll all return to its former glory.

Click here to read all about their shoot from season one at Bell Works, also directed by Ben Stiller.

Holmdel Planning Board OKs study of former Nokia site, citing control of future redevelopment plans. Citizens groups push for open space.

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Planning Board was unaware that the Township Committee would direct it to study reclassifying the former Nokia site - which includes an installation of the historic Horn Antenna - as an "area in need of redevelopment."

But the board voted Tuesday to undertake the study in the hopes it could better control the future of the 43-acre site in the Crawford Hill section of Holmdel, board members said.

Township Planner Kate Keller told the board that, under state law, the Planning Board is the only body that has authority to make such a study, and there are many steps in the process. The site must meet specific state criteria to be designated as an area as in need of redevelopment, she noted.

The Planning Board, when it reconvenes next year, has the option to decide, once a study is made, if it chooses to designate the area as in need of redevelopment, she said.

Keller was asked by a board member about the cost of the study. She did not have a figure for that. She said the study would be paid for by "a developer's" escrow account created in an escrow agreement with the township. No developer was named at the meeting.

But the property was sold by Nokia to Rakesh Antala, an area technology executive, in January of 2021 for $3.6 million, said Douglas Twyman of Colliers International, who handled the transaction. Twyman has said the owner has been supportive of preserving the Horn Antenna.

The meeting was more well attended than usual with residents concerned about the development of the highest point in Holmdel that also is home to an outdoor installation of the Horn Antenna, an historic artifact of a Nobel-prize winning scientific breakthrough in the 1970s.

Residents in attendance were not permitted to comment on the matter at this meeting.

A petition has, in the past few days, garnered more than 2,500 signatures to preserve the Horn Antenna and the area it is sited on. Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU), Friends of Holmdel Open Space (FOHOS) and Preserve Holmdel are all sponsoring the petition.

CILU said in a statement Wednesday that "since the Holmdel Planning Board voted affirmatively last night to begin the study into whether the Horn property should be deemed an area in need of redevelopment, we will keep an open mind and wait for the results of the study.

"If it is determined that this site fits the criteria as one in need of redevelopment, we, along with other interested groups in Holmdel, will be very involved in trying to preserve this property and the Big Bang Horn Antenna, which has historical significance way beyond the borders of Holmdel," CILU Co-president Regina Criscione said in the statement.

A watchful eye was also promised by outgoing Planning Board President Serena DiMaso, who led her last meeting after years of leadership on the board.

"I will watch for it; I will keep an eye on it. I will make sure it gets done the way it should get done," she vowed at the meeting.

She likened citing the Horn area as one in need of redevelopment to the issues presented by what is now Bell Works, which she sees as a "jewel in the crown" of the township. She said the township was able to demand certain requirements for the Lucent/Bell Works site and had more power to determine how the area was redeveloped - and by whom - because it was designated a redevelopment area.

Board member Ron Emma was the only member to vote "no" on the decision to proceed with the study, simply saying he "was not for it." Zach Gilstein, one of the Environmental Commission representatives, voted to go ahead with the study, but reminded the board that the commission recommended the site become a park and that the Horn Antenna be preserved.

In a separate statement, another advocate of the Horn Antenna said he was disappointed with the decision to proceed with the redevelopment study, especially since residents were not allowed to comment.

Jerry Buffalino of Preserve Holmdel said "Crawford Hill and the Horn Antenna are a National Historic Landmark site and should be saved from development and protected as a park."

Meanwhile, the Holmdel Township Committee issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon on its action to direct the Planning Board to study the site.

"There has been significant interest among Holmdel residents in preserving the horn antenna as well as maintaining a public right-of-access to the landmark. The Township Committee’s action initiates a process under the LRHL (Local Redevelopment and Housing Law), which provides the Township with numerous powers that may assist it in an effort to preserve the Holmdel Horn Antenna, such as allowing directly negotiating with a developer to acquire property," the statement read in part.

According to Township Planner Kate Keller, who also spoke at the Planning Board meeting, the Township Committee’s authorization of a redevelopment investigation "does not change the applicable zoning in any regard," the township's statement continued.

"Rather, it begins a comprehensive, multi-step process that will take place over several months. Throughout the process, there will be multiple public meetings and members of the public will certainly have the opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions of the professionals involved. Any such meetings will be publicly noticed in accordance with law. At this time, the property at 791 Holmdel Road is owned by a private developer and does not in any way belong to the Township," she said in the statement.

Holmdel Township Mayor Greg Buontempo has emphasized that this project is a priority for the Township Committee.

“While the former Nokia property is now owned by a private developer, the maintenance andpreservation of the historic Holmdel Horn-Reflector Antenna remains an important goal for this Township Committee,” the mayor said in the news statement.

He added that, “we look forward to continuing to work with the property’s owners on developing a plan that takes into account the National Historic Landmark that exists within our community.”

However, the way in which the resolution was raised Nov. 22 by the Township Committee didn't sit well with the Planning Board, some members said.

The resolution to direct the planners to study the site was not on the agenda for the meeting and was proposed by the mayor, and approved by the Township Committee as part of the consent agenda.

DiMaso said she was "very disappointed to hear it got added at the last minute. Very."

Planning Board member Emma, who said he attended the Nov. 22 Township Committee meeting as a resident and asked about the resolution, said he had to request clarification that it even referred to the former Nokia site. It was only identified by lot and block number, he said.

Listen to more comments from the entire Planning Board meeting on the Holmdel Facebook page.

The property at 791 Holmdel Road is home to the Bell Labs Horn Antenna, once used by Bell Labs scientists Dr. Robert Wilson, who still lives in the township, and Dr. Arno Penzias, to study microwave radiation from beyond the Milky Way, CILU says.

The scientists' "research confirmed evidence of the Big Bang Theory as the origin of the universe and earned both men a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978," the land use group said in a news release this past weekend.

Preserving this landmark of scientific discovery will be an issue not just for Holmdel, or even the United States, but " for scientists around the world," Criscione has said. Karen Strickland is also co-president of the group.

In 1989, the Horn Antenna was named a National Historic Landmark.

"While the Horn Antenna provides rich historical context, the site is also the highest point in Monmouth County, providing remarkable views of Raritan Bay and Manhattan along a potential network of hiking and walking trails," CILU said in its statement last weekend.

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Zac Brown Band kick off their 2023 From the Fire Tour in Columbus, Ohio, on June 30.

The 24-date amphitheater outing, produced by Live Nation, will conclude in November with two dates at Tampa’s Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheater. It follows the group’s 2022 Out in the Middle Tour. Openers on the Grammy-winning group’s 10th North American trek will be King Calaway, Marcus King and Tenille Townes.

“This past year was monumental, and we’re thrilled to bring all that momentum with us into 2023 and onto the ‘From the Fire Tour,’” Brown said in a statement. “We are all like family in this band and having the opportunity to bring our music from city to city is something we never take for granted. We can’t wait to be back out on the road with our fans.”

In addition to the From the Fire tour dates, ZBB will also headline the C2C: Country to Country festival, which takes place in Glasgow, Dublin and London in March. Additionally, the band will play a number of U.S. festivals, including Milwaukee’s Summerfest and Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout. On Major League Baseball’s Lou Gehrig Day, ZBB will perform a Cincinnati Reds post-game benefit concert with a portion of proceeds from every ticket sold going to founding band member John Driskell Hopkins’ Hop On A Cure Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for ALS.

From the Fire Tour tickets go on sale to the general public Dec. 16 via www.zacbrownband.com. A Citi card pre-sale starts Dec. 14, the same days as a fan club presale. A Spotify pre-sale begins Sept. 15. Ticket information is available on the band’s website.

2023 TOUR DATES:

Friday, June 30, 2023 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena+

Saturday, July 1, 2023 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium+

Friday, July 14, 2023 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Saturday, August 5, 2023 – Canton, OH – Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium#

Sunday, August 6, 2023 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center+

Friday, August 11, 2023 – Syracuse, NY – St Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview^+

Saturday, August 12, 2023 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts^+

Sunday, August 13, 2023 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center^+

Saturday, August 19, 2023 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park+

Saturday, September 2, 2023 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion+

Sunday, September 3, 2023 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion+

Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater+

Sunday, September 17, 2023 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater+

Thursday, October 5, 2023 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek~+

Friday, October 6, 2023 – Baltimore, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion#~+

Saturday, October 7, 2023 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center~+

Thursday, October 12, 2023 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre#+

Friday, October 13, 2023 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre#+

Saturday, October 14, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre+

Friday, October 20, 2023 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre+

Saturday, October 21, 2023 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre+

Thursday, November 2, 2023 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre+

Friday, November 3, 2023 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre+

Saturday, November 4, 2023 – Tampa, FL– MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre+

ADDITIONAL 2023 PERFORMANCE DATES:

Friday, March 10, 2023 – Glasgow, UK – C2C: Country to Country*

Saturday, March 11, 2023 – Dublin, IE – C2C: Country to Country*

Sunday, March 12, 2023 – London, UK – C2C: Country to Country*

Sunday, March 17 – Tuesday, March 19, 2023 – Willowbank, Australia – CMC Rocks 2023*

Sunday, June 2, 2023 – Cincinnati, OH – Cincinnati Reds Post-Game Benefit Concert*

Friday, June 23, 2023 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest 2023^*

Saturday, June 24, 2023 – Cadott, WI – Country Fest 2023*

Sunday, July 16, 2023 – Chicago, IL – Windy City Smokeout*

Sunday July 23, 2023 – Newton, IA – Hy-Vee INDY CAR Weekend*

+Special Guest King Calaway

^Special Guest Marcus King

~Special Guest Tenille Townes

Bullet holes from strafing still scar the buildings at Hickam Air Force Base on O’ahu, a haunting testimony of the tragic events that occurred 81 years ago Wednesday, a grim reminder of the “Day of Infamy” and the horrors of global war.

The picturesque harbor in Honolulu was rocked by an unprovoked attack that changed the course of our nation and the world forever.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces bombed Pearl Harbor in a surprise attack. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives on that “Day of Infamy.”

The death, destruction and devastation caused by the attack became the catalyst that forced the United States to be rudely awakened from its isolationist slumber. It caused the nation to become, once again, the “Arsenal of Democracy, steadfast in its commitment to winning World War II and bringing down the “Axis of Evil.”

The sneak attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized the entire nation. “Remember Pearl Harbor” became the motto of a generation. Military members performing their duties and the civilian population on the homefront, toiling in factories and shipyards, selflessly worked to defeat the nefarious aspirations of national socialism, fascism and imperialism.

The United States fought a war for freedom and human dignity against the nightmare of totalitarianism. In the end, the allied nations crushed totalitarianism. Once that was done, America assisted its former adversaries to give birth to fledgling democracies that continue to flourish and prosper.

This Dec. 7, we should remember those who perished in the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as those who gave their lives during the war, with a prayer of gratitude, and an unyielding determination to carry on their legacy of honor, courage, and commitment during these challenging times.

John Di Genio, Jersey City

Helmets, yes, but we can do more

A recent nj.com article points to a bill introduced in the Legislature that, if enacted, would make New Jersey the first state to require helmets for adult bicyclists.

It’s difficult to argue against the fact that helmets will make you safer in a crash. The article closed with a quote from a bicycle association representative saying that the biggest issue for cyclists aren’t that they fall over and hit their heads, but that they get hit by cars. The group states that protected bike lanes are the way to go.

While that all may be true, what’s missing here is that so many cyclists are difficult for car drivers to see, especially going in and out of portions of shaded roads. Compounding the issue are roads that have extremely narrow shoulders, forcing the bicyclists to ride in the car lanes.

An important safety component is that bicyclists of all ages should wear high-visibility clothing such as the yellow, orange and green colors that are worn by construction workers, crossing guards and others who must work in traffic.

This would go a long way in preventing bicycle/car encounters.

Greg McLaughlin, Belle Mead

We’re letting Holocaust survivors down

I just read Leonard Pitts Jr’s recent column, “We have let a generation of Holocaust survivors down.”

During my lifetime, I’ve been privileged and honored to have met and had meaningful conversations with several Holocaust survivors.

As Pitts states, we have indeed let them down.

For many people, the Holocaust is nothing more than history. It is “mentioned” in many schools, but is quickly passed over. For such a horrific time in the world’s past, it is something that should be taught in depth.

In order for us to keep the Holocaust in the forefront, we must continue to listen and talk to the survivors. Sadly, their numbers are declining at a rapid rate.

It doesn’t make a difference if you are Jewish, Christian, Muslim or any other religion. This can never never happen again.

With the world in the state it is now, we must be ever so careful and diligent to not let the leaders of government — worldwide —continue to slaughter helpless and innocent citizens for the love of power.

Thanks to Stephen Spielberg’s film, “Schindler’s List,” the Holocaust has come to light for many. Let’s keep that light burning and never forget.

Dennis C. Berry, Clark

Act to save Holmdel’s historic antenna

Did you know that Holmdel is famous among scientists as the place where the Horn Antenna resides? In 1964, Bell Labs researchers Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias used this massive, 20-foot microwave antenna when they discovered cosmic microwave background radiation from beyond the Milky Way. This confirmed the Big Bang Theory of the creation of the universe. Both scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1978 for this discovery.

The antenna, which sits atop Crawford Hill along Holmdel Road, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Crawford Hill is the highest elevation in Monmouth County. The 43-acre property could be an excellent public park and historic site with walking and hiking trails, beautiful views of Raritan Bay and Manhattan, with the intact antenna on display.

At a recent meeting, the Holmdel Township Committee passed a resolution asking the planning board whether the antenna site, which was recently sold to a developer, should be designated as an area in need of redevelopment. This raises a question of whether the town is allowing development of the site, which could lead to removal or destruction of the irreplaceable, historic horn.

Citizens for informed Land Use and Preserve Holmdel are partnering to protect the antenna, but we need help. If you want to preserve this Holmdel jewel, whose legacy goes far beyond borders, sign our petition and/or contact the township committee via the township clerk at [email protected], asking them to protect the historic antenna property.

Regina Criscione and Karen Strickland, co-presidents, Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU); Gerald Buffalino, president, Preserve Holmdel

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Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top have announced a string of co-headlining dates they are dubbing The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour.

The trek will see the classic rock icons take over 22 cities in North America starting on July 21, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Stops along the way include Fort Worth, Denver, Cincinnati, Raleigh, and Saratoga Springs. The tour will wrap up on Sept. 17 in Camden, New Jersey. Find the full run of dates below.

Uncle Kracker has been tapped as the special guest for the tour for all of the dates. Tickets will be on sale from Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. local time, HERE.

Lynyrd Skynyrd played a slew of dates this year with their current line-up featuring Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Keith Christopher, Peter Keys, Carol Chase, and Stacy Michelle.

ZZ Top will head over to Australia and New Zealand before joining Van Zant and co. on tour. They also are slated to appear at Indio California’s Stagecoach Festival on April 28.

Jul. 21 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial AmphitheatreJul. 23 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank AmphitheatreJul. 28 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMPJul. 29 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies ArenaJul. 30 – Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by HuntsmanAug. 07 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*Aug. 10 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline AmphitheatreAug. 11 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota AmphitheatreAug. 13 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin PavilionAug. 17 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MOAug. 19 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, ILAug. 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music CenterAug. 25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music CenterAug. 26 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music TheatreAug. 27 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser StageSep. 01 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music PavilionSep. 02 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post PavilionSep. 03 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star LakeSep. 08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts CenterSep. 09 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark StadiumSep. 10 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts CenterSep. 15 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut CreekSep. 17 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Photo by Doltyn Snedden / EBM Media PR