John J Spinelli

Nov 7, 2024 | tworivertimes.com | John J Spinelli

By John Spinelli MIDDLETOWN – To the surprise of many local customers, the Middletown Pancake House, a mainstay of the township’s diner scene, closed Saturday, Oct. 26, after 38 years in business. Restaurant owners Kitsa and Frank Mavrode announced the Route 35 restaurant’s closure via Facebook with a heartfelt message to the community. “Thank you to everyone that has supported us through the years and made this place a family of its own! We will miss everyone so much,” they said.

Oct 29, 2024 | tworivertimes.com | John J Spinelli

By John Spinelli WEST LONG BRANCH – When colleges join a new conference it can take years to adjust to the competition. However, Monmouth University soccer has found its niche in just two. In the 2024 season, both the men’s and women’s teams had one of the best regular seasons in school history. The men have an 8-1-5 record with one game to go before the conference tournament; the women are now 9-2-5 with two games remaining in the regular season. “The season has honestly been great.

Oct 7, 2024 | tworivertimes.com | John J Spinelli

By John Spinelli OCEANPORT – Monmouth Park concluded its season Sept. 15 and recently announced some coveted season titles. After winning 76 races, Paco Lopez grabbed lead jockey, repeating last year’s accomplishment. “It’s been a lot of hard work and it seemed like it was a long way to get to this point,” Lopez said, thanking his team for the support. “I couldn’t have done it without Cory Moran as my agent.”This is Lopez’s 11th career title since arriving at Monmouth Park in 2007.

Sep 12, 2024 | tworivertimes.com | John J Spinelli

By John SpinelliLINCROFT – A new champion was crowned in the Monmouth Mile Aug. 29 at Christian Brothers Academy’s new George Sheehan Stadium. Brick Township’s Damien Dilcher, who ended his collegiate career at Iona this spring, pulled off an upset while competing against professionals like Puma-sponsored Eric Holt, a recent competitor at the U.S. Olympic trials. Dilcher won the mile event with a time of 3:55.57.

Aug 29, 2024 | tworivertimes.com | John J Spinelli

By John SpinelliMIDDLETOWN – As the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approaches, some first responders are using an after-shift activity to honor the fallen. Members of the Chubby Pigs, a uniquely named running group, will once again participate as a team in the Middletown PBA’s 4th Annual 9/11 Memorial 5K Sept. 7. Police officer Jay Troshane started the club as a way to stay in shape during the COVID-19 pandemic.