Home Care In Shady Lake, NJ

Sophie Georgina Clarke and Robert Spencer Shady were married Aug. 24 at the bride’s parents’ house along Lake Champlain in Willsboro, N.Y. Bryony Winn, a friend of the couple who became a Universal Life minister for the event, officiated, incorporating Jewish and Anglican traditions.

Ms. Clarke, 30, is an engagement manager focusing on improving health care in the Summit, N.J., office of McKinsey & Company. She graduated with a degree in economics and Russian from Middlebury College, and received a medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In 2011, she was the winner of “Survivor: South Pacific,” which took place in Upolu, Samoa.

She is a daughter of Antonia Bullard and Thurston Clarke. The bride’s father is the author of 13 books including a novel, and works of history and travel literature. His most recent book is “Honorable Exit: How a Few Brave Americans Risked All to Save Our Vietnamese Allies at the End of the War” (Doubleday, 2019). Her mother is based in Willsboro as a senior associate focusing on energy and climate at IHS Markit, a London-based business information company.

Mr. Shady, 33, is an entrepreneur in residence in health care in the New York office of Venrock, a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, Calif. Until March 2019, he was an associate partner in McKinsey. He graduated with a degree in human biology and international development from Brown. From 2010 to 2011, he studied as a Fulbright fellow in a joint program at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, from which he received a master’s degree in health policy, planning and financing.

He is a son of Laura W. Shady and Sander H. Shady of Estero, Fla. The groom’s mother, who was a stay-at-home parent, until 1980 taught fourth grade at East Elementary School in Sharon, Mass. His father is based in Estero as an accountant working with corporate and individual clients.

The couple met in 2016 while working in the health care sector at McKinsey in New York. Two years later Mr. Shady proposed at sunrise during a hike in the Adirondacks at the summit of Algonquin Peak in New York. Ms. Clarke lightheartedly called it an “interim proposal” since her mother was on the hike with them, and said she responded with an “interim acceptance.” “He’s definitely my No. 1 alliance for life,” she said. She also added, in a second reference to her time on “Survivor,” “Living on a desert island with 19 strangers certainly prepares you for marriage.”

OK, it’s not really the end of the earth, but this hidden beach definitely feels that way. This 1.5-mile stretch of Long Beach Island south of bustling Beach Haven is more peaceful and less crowded than other LBI hot spots. There’s plenty of parking—and restrooms—in the lot at the south end of Long Beach Boulevard. Lifeguards are on duty, and beach badges are required. A daily pass is $10. Feeling hungry? Grab a late breakfast or lunch at Bowker’s South Beach Grill, a family-friendly eatery just a short walk away.

Higbee Beach looks out over the Delaware Bay. Photo courtesy of Cape May Beaches

Escape the Cape May crowds at Higbee Beach, a secluded 1.5-mile stretch of hidden beach sand along Delaware Bay. Popular for bird watching, it's one of our favorite FREE Jersey Shore beaches, and dogs are welcome. Higbee is literally off-the-beaten-path—you have to drive down a dirt road to reach it, and there’s limited parking in a small gravel lot, then it's a bit of a hike through the woods and hilly dunes. A word of caution: The only bathroom on-site is a port-a-potty. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch since there are no restaurants nearby. There’s also no lifeguard on duty, but the bay waters are calm for little kids.

Sandwiched between Lavalette to the north and Seaside Heights to the south, this small square of Toms River beach offers a quiet respite for families who would rather chill than experience the thrill of other Jersey Shore beaches. The beach is easily accessible via FREE street parking, but if you don't arrive early in the morning, you may have to walk a few blocks to the hidden beach. There’s plenty of room on the sand spread out. Kids 12 and under swim for FREE; daily beach badges are $10 on weekdays and $11 on weekends.

Named one of the least crowded Jersey Shore beaches by USA Today, Pearl Beach is located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey in Cape May. You won’t find a boardwalk or any concessions here, but there are plenty of butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and little-bitty crabs in the sand. Keep an eye out: You may even spot some dolphins. The wide hidden beach gem offers lots of room to spread out your blankets, and there’s a lifeguard on duty for swimming. A beach pass is $8 per person for ages 12+, and there’s ample street parking available.

RELATED: Free Beaches in New Jersey: No-Cost Family Fun in the Sun

Follow the path through the dunes to Ocean Grove Beach. Photo courtesy of Ocean Grove Beach, NJ

Backed by a long boardwalk, the 2.5-miles of wide, flat beach and fewer crowds make this hidden beach in Monmouth County a welcome respite from the typical hustle and bustle of Jersey Shore beaches. Kids under 11 are FREE; daily passes for everyone else are $10 and must be purchased via the Viply app. Plan your visit around fun beach events including a sandcastle building contest, scavenger hunt, and movie nights. After surf and sun, the charming Ocean Grove downtown is only two short blocks from the boardwalk—convenient for a quick bite and shopping.

Sea Isle City offers families the best of both worlds. You get a small beach town feel with the excitement of the Jersey Shore right at your fingertips. Located between Ocean City and Wildwood, there's so much here to keep your family busy: miles of clean, pristine beach, strolling along the oceanfront promenade, FREE family nights with character visits, movie nights under the stars, and several local playgrounds. Food choices abound, and you can choose between pizza, hot dogs, tacos, healthy breakfast and lunch spots, ice cream, and more. The beach is FREE on Wednesdays and always FREE for kids under 12. Daily beach tags are an affordable $5.

Sea Girt is a well-kept secret beach in the heart of Monmouth County. Photo courtesy of Sea Girt Beach, NJ

Monmouth County folks know how to keep a secret, and one of them is just how awesome Sea Girt beach is. This small, beautiful beach is a favorite among locals for quiet and quality family time. You can collect shells, walk in the water, soak up the sun, and build sandcastles. Insider tip: Enter the beach on the far west side of the boardwalk, away from the restrooms and snack area, for even more peace and quiet. Beach badges must be purchased online in advance and are $11. Kids 11 and under are FREE.

Think of Seaside Park as the calmer cousin to neighboring Seaside Heights. Located across Barnegat Bay from Toms River, the 2-mile stretch of public beach is ideal for little kids and offers all sorts of fun activities: movie nights on the beach, kids fishing tournaments, and kite nights. Kids 11 and under are FREE; daily badges are $13. Beyond the beach is a modest amusement area with five kiddie rides, a water-gun game, and a small arcade with skeeball and other interactive games. It’s just enough to entertain your kiddos for a few hours. Don’t miss the jumbo pizza slices at The Sawmill, a local landmark since 1977, and there’s a Playa Bowls here, too.

Sunset Beach offers beautiful views, a chance to hunt Cape May diamonds, and a slice of history. Photo courtesy of Cape May Beaches

Adjacent to Higbee Beach in Cape May find Sunset Beach, which, you guessed it, offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. This hidden beach is a favorite spot for families who want to park for FREE close to the beach. Little treasure hunters love digging for Cape May “diamonds” or sparkly quartz crystals in the sand. Take home your treasures or turn them into jewelry at one of the nearby gift shops. History buffs can see the remains of the S.S. Atlantus, one of 12 concrete ships built during World War I, sticking out of the Delaware Bay. Be sure to stick around for the daily flag ceremony at dusk. It’s been a tradition for more than 40 years, as the American Flag is lowered and “Taps” plays in the background.

Spring Lake offers low-key fun within close proximity to Asbury Park's more lively scene. Photo courtesy of the Borough of Spring Lake

Where else on the shore can you find a low-key beach and boardwalk? Super clean and quiet, the 2-mile stretch of white sand gives kiddos lots of space for sandcastles and wave jumping. Food is not permitted on the beach, but you can leave a cooler on the boardwalk to grab snacks and drinks during the day. Or, hop over to the shopping district on 3rd Avenue for lunch or ice cream. Need a break from the sand? Take a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk without any neon, bells, or whistles (but if you need the bright lights of a big boardwalk, Asbury Park is just five minutes away). Beach passes are $12 and must be purchased in advance online for crowd control; kids 12 and under get on the beach for FREE.

Nestled between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, this super-small shorefront community (Population: 158) boasts a rare FREE beach with a lifeguard on duty, plus FREE street parking. Located at the northern tip of Ludlam Island, the 7-mile sliver of land occupies less than 1 square mile. The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it charm makes it a relaxing alternative to its busier, buzzier neighbors. Behind the high dunes at the southern end of Strathmere is Whale Beach, which gets its name from the whales that periodically beach themselves there. No lifeguards patrol this area, so the crowds here are even thinner; however, parking is limited.

It’s a problem that doesn’t discriminate -- it’s been detected all across the state, in rural, suburban, and urban areas. And now, more than 1.4 million people across the Garden State are getting their drinking water from systems that are dealing with high levels of lead.

At least 35 water systems in New Jersey have recently been found to have high levels of lead at the tap, NJ Advance Media found after a review of violations issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection between January 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019. The affected water systems vary greatly by size, ranging from major systems that serve hundreds of thousands of people in multiple towns to tiny systems that service just dozens of people in a single business.

For best results viewing the table below, select the option to show 5 entries. The table is also searchable by municipality.

The high lead levels are a problem, especially for children. Lead exposure is known to affect behavior and intelligence in developing babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no safe levels of lead, but the federal drinking water standard for the metal is 15 parts per billion. These water systems were issued violations because they had lead levels higher than that standard.

When a water system is found to have high lead levels, a number of steps must be taken to bring the system back into compliance with state regulations, according to NJDEP spokesman Larry Hajna. Those steps include increasing water monitoring and improvements to water treatment in the systems. Hajna said it may take several years for a water system to return to compliance.

New Jersey typically has about 25 water systems register high lead levels in a given year, according to Hajna, so the 35 water systems with violations between January 2018 and January 2019 is a little higher than expected.

Of the 1.4 million people served by these 35 systems, more than half get their drinking water from SUEZ’s Hackensack system, which serves nearly 800,000 people in dozens of municipalities across Bergen and Hudson counties.

Fix for lead found in Bergen, Hudson drinking water is coming faster than we expected

SUEZ announced plans to replace to replace thousands of lead service lines in its Hackensack system, which serves nearly 800,000 people in North Jersey.

SUEZ, a private water utility that operates water systems across New Jersey, ended up with a lead problem in the Hackensack system due to problematic corrosion control treatment at its Haworth water plant. Problematic corrosion control treatment makes it more likely that water will erode lead pipes and send the toxic metal out of the tap.

Residents and businesses in the areas served could be affected if there are lead pipes leading to their properties.

Last week, SUEZ announced that it would spend $15 million this year to replace 50,000 feet of lead pipes in its Hackensack system. Customers served by utility-owned service lines and goosenecks in the Hackensack system can have SUEZ test their water for free.

Three other SUEZ systems -- the Vernon Valley and Lake Glenwood systems that serve parts of Vernon Township in Sussex County and the Olde Milford Estates system serving part of West Milford in Passaic County -- all received violations for high lead levels.

The Lake Glenwood and Olde Milford Estates systems were both acquired by SUEZ in December and their lead problems predate the utility’s ownership, according to SUEZ spokeswoman Debra Vial.

“These are our first experiences in New Jersey with this issue," Vial said of the lead problems. "It is our goal to work aggressively to bring these systems into compliance as quickly as possible.”

Other large systems that provide drinking water to multiple municipalities made up a major chunk of the affected population. Places like Newark, Trenton and Bordentown have long-running lead problems, and each is taking steps toward solutions.

One down, thousands more to go. Newark starts long, costly road toward replacing 15,000 lead pipes

Newark and state officials on Wednesday broke ground for the $75 million lead service line replacement program.

In Newark, the city recently broke ground on a $75 million plan to replace more than 15,000 lead pipes that are the source of lead in the water system. Steps are also being taken to fix the corrosion control treatment at the city’s Pequannock plant, which, like with the SUEZ Hackensack system, is contributing to the system’s lead problem.

While work to fix Newark problems continues, city workers have distributed over 35,000 water filters for residents with lead service lines, according to city spokeswoman Crystal Rosa. The new corrosion control treatment will begin later this month and will take 6 to 8 months to take effect, according to Kareem Adeem, the acting director of the city’s water department.

The combination of lead service lines and poor corrosion control is also the source of lead contamination in Trenton, where the Trenton Water Works has struggled to meet deadlines for its own $15 million lead line replacement program. According to Trenton Water Works spokesman Michael Walker, the program will replace 2,600 service lines. Trenton is also working on optimizing its corrosion control treatment, and making other improvements to its water plant.

In Bordentown, Commissioner Joe Myers said the city has not yet found any lead service lines and believes the problem is primarily with lead plumbing and water fixtures in residents’ homes. Myers said the city is working to improve its water treatment, including using a new corrosion control method last fall.

But most of the 35 systems found to have lead problems last year were small, often serving just a single facility.

A few of those small systems are schools and daycares, while others are medical facilities. Some of the water systems serve specific businesses.

Shady Pines Camping Resort, an RV campground owned by Sun Communities in Galloway Township was found to have high lead levels last May. The park gets its water from a private well and operates its own water treatment system to serve an estimated 160 people.

Tina Schoal, the manager of Shady Pines, said the lead problems began before Sun Communities took over the campground in 2016. Since last May’s lead violation, Schoal said the campground has spent more than $100,000 to fix its water system. She said that recent test results from Feb. 27 showed the system’s lead levels to be in compliance, and she expects to soon be back in good standing with the state.

But until that happens, Schoal said notices remain posted around the campground to warn customers about the system’s lead problem. Schoal said she looks forward to taking them down and burning them when the state deems the water system to be fixed.

“This has been my nightmare for almost a year,” Schoal said.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a response from Beanstalk Academy in Roxbury.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Karen Yi and Carla Astudillo contributed to this report.

Rustic picnic tables shaded by hemlock trees dot the landscape of this rocky park, a favorite with hikers, anglers, and picnickers. A deep ravine carved out by the trout-filled Black River remains cool, even in summer, and the area is home to 100 species of birds and other wildlife, including bears, woodchucks, deer, and foxes. Charcoal grills are available at scenic picnic areas, and a small playground is located near the ravine. Open dawn to dusk.

Picnic in the grass by the boathouse at High Point State Park. Photo by Jessica Delfino.

Panoramic views of forests and farmland from the highest point in New Jersey, combined with lush trails and quiet picnic spots, make this spot a nature-loving family's dream. Picnic shelters, large-group rentals, a playground, visitors' center, and concessions are all available at this stop along the Appalachian Trail. After taking in the view of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, try fishing, swimming, or boating in one of two lakes, or even overnight camping in designated areas (reservations required). Open 8am-8pm.

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Go for a dip in Sunrise Lake at Lewis Morris County Park. Photo courtesy of Morris Parks Dept.

Open lawns, shaded trails, and covered picnic areas with benches and grills abound in this 2,196-acre park. With 22 miles of walking, biking, and equestrian trails, plus swimming at Sunrise Lake Beach Club and a great playground, this park is a perfect family destination. And it's not too far from Jockey Hollow if you want to add some Revolutionary War history to your outing. Open sunrise to sunset.

Spread out your blanket and take in views of the Hudson River, New York skyline, and of course, the Statue of Liberty. The park's flat, riverfront paths are ideal for strollers and beginning bike riders. Don't miss Empty Sky, New Jersey's powerful September 11 Memorial. For even more adventure, you can schedule a canoe or kayak ride on the Hudson. Check out our Liberty State Park favorites. Open daily 6am-10pm.

RELATED: Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

Enjoy a gorgeous view of the bridge at Carpenter's Grove at the Ross Dock Picnic Area in the Palisades. Photo by Anthony Taronto for the park

Hugging the eastern edge of New Jersey along the Hudson River, this ribbon of parkland features picnic areas, boat basins, nature and wildlife lookouts, miles of trails, and historic sites. There are access ramps to the Hudson for crabbing, fishing, and personal canoes and kayaks. Four large picnic areas draw visitors from across North Jersey. Don't miss our post on the highlights of Palisades Interstate Park. Operating hours and parking fees vary within the park; check the website for details.

Home to the state botanical garden and sweeping views of the Ramapo Mountains, this Northern Jersey gem also has Shepherd Lake, a 74-acre, spring-fed lake where swimming, boating, and fishing are permitted Memorial Day through Labor Day. Picnic tables and grills are also available. Outdoor walking tours of the historic Ringwood Manor are offered on select weekends for FREE (advance registration required). Park entrance is free. Open daily, 8am-6pm.

South Mountain Reservation in West Orange has picnic spots, hiking, a zoo, and an epic playground. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Beyond the Turtle Back Zoo, this 2,112-acre Essex County Park also has 19 miles of hiking trails and 10 picnic areas. The reservation is home to Washington Rock Lookout historic site and a hidden, 25-foot waterfall. Look for picnic areas at Mayapple Hill, Turtle Back Rock, Oakdale, Tulip Springs, Shady Nook, Bramhall Terrace, and Summit Field. The recreation center in West Orange includes the zoo, mini golf, Treetop Adventure Course, Codey ice arena, paddleboat rentals, and a playground. Check out our list of South Mountain highlights. Hours are 8:30am-4:30pm.

Part of the Appalachian Trail, Stokes offers two large picnic areas at Stony Lake and Kittle Field, with shelters that can be reserved in advance for large groups. If your young hikers cannot make it up the steep trail to the top of Sunrise Mountain, you can drive up and still enjoy breathtaking views. The Kittle Field area has playgrounds and baseball fields, while Stony Lake has plenty of picnic tables and grills, as well as newly added horseshoe pits. Camping is also permitted. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

RELATED: Best Water Playgrounds and Splash Pads in New Jersey

Cool off at the Van Saun sprayground. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Tucked away not far from North Jersey's busiest highways (Routes 4, 17, and the GSP), this family favorite cannot be beat for easy access to summer fun. With 146 acres of green space featuring walking trails, picnic areas, a pond, flower garden, zoo, train ride, sprayground, and carousel, Van Saun has something for everyone in the family. Check out our top picks at Van Saun Park. Hours are 10am-4:30pm.

This article was first published in 2013 and has since been updated.

Is Shades of Death Road creepier than the hotel that inspired “The Shining?” Probably not to the people who live there, but the oddly named 7-mile wooded lane through Warren County is still one the scariest places in the world, at least in one online ranking.

FinanceBuzz.com recently published a list titled “The 5 Scariest Places in the World to Visit (and We’re Not Talking About the Price Tag)” and placed Shades of Death Road as No. 3, going heavy on the local lore:

“If you dare to get out of your car, there's a haunted lake just off the road as well, which often produces wraith-like vapor formations on top of the water. If you're feeling particularly fearless, drive up the road from Ghost Lake and to a cross street called Lenape Lane. At the end of this dead-end road sits an abandoned stable where apparitions and floating orbs are seen. Look out, though, as they say if the white orb chases you and turns red, you will die.”

The other entries are the haunted Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire, England; the Aokigahara Forest (aka Suicide Forest) in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan; the Shanghai Tunnels in Portland, Oregon; and the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for “The Shining”) in Estes Park, Colorado. Since it’s a financial website, FinanceBuzz provides travel tips for each location.

In reality, Shades of Death Road winds for miles through neighborhoods and swamps in the Great Meadows area. The origin of its unusual name is unknown, though legends suggest it could refer to it a bad malaria outbreak in the 1850s, a violent attack on the local Lenni Lenape by Iroquois tribes or for highwaymen who robbed travelers on the road.

Residents are used to seeing gawkers, especially in the fall. But anyone looking for a street sign as a souvenir better look elsewhere — the few street markers along the road are big, vertical posts, installed in response to frequent thefts.

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