Discover the energizing coastal allure of Asbury Park, New Jersey, where life thrives along a stunning shoreline backdrop. This
vibrant city effortlessly blends the charm of its historic roots with a dynamic modern spirit, creating a unique living experience. Asbury Park is a place where creativity flourishes — colorful murals and engaging street art are abundant, reflecting the passion of a thriving artist community.
Residents revel in a bustling live music scene that has put Asbury Park on the map as a premier entertainment destination. The legendary Stone Pony is just one of the iconic venues where renowned musicians and up-and-coming talent captivate audiences. Whether it's sun-soaked days on the sandy beaches or enjoyable evenings exploring the lively downtown, there's never a dull moment here.
Gastronomic delights await as well, with an eclectic mix of eateries offering culinary experiences that cater to every palate. Farm-to-table restaurants and cozy coffee shops line the streets, ensuring that every bite is a new delight.
Community spirit thrives in Asbury Park, a city where diverse cultures and traditions merge to create a warm, welcoming environment. The sense of unity and pride is palpable, as residents cherish the perfect blend of coastal beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant lifestyle that makes living in Asbury Park a truly fulfilling experience.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park: A Coastal Haven of Vibrancy and Charm
Discover the energizing coastal allure of Asbury Park, New Jersey, where life thrives along a stunning shoreline backdrop. This vibrant city effortlessly blends the charm of its historic roots with a dynamic modern spirit, creating a unique living experience. Asbury Park is a place where creativity flourishes — colorful murals and engaging street art are abundant, reflecting the passion of a thriving artist community.
Residents revel in a bustling live music scene that has put Asbury Park on the map as a premier entertainment destination. The legendary Stone Pony is just one of the iconic venues where renowned musicians and up-and-coming talent captivate audiences. Whether it's sun-soaked days on the sandy beaches or enjoyable evenings exploring the lively downtown, there's never a dull moment here.
Gastronomic delights await as well, with an eclectic mix of eateries offering culinary experiences that cater to every palate. Farm-to-table restaurants and cozy coffee shops line the streets, ensuring that every bite is a new delight.
Community spirit thrives in Asbury Park, a city where diverse cultures and traditions merge to create a warm, welcoming environment. The sense of unity and pride is palpable, as residents cherish the perfect blend of coastal beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant lifestyle that makes living in Asbury Park a truly fulfilling experience.
6 | HelloAsbury Park, New Jersey • Fall Issue
A Vibrant Tapestry of Coastal Charm and Co...
Asbury Park, New Jersey, shines as a beacon of revitalization and community spirit, offering an exceptional quality of life that continually draws in both residents and visitors. With its rich cultural tapestry and exquisite beachfront,
this dynamic city harmonizes the allure of seaside living with the vibrancy of a thriving urban center.
Walk along the famed boardwalk, and you'll encounter a symphony of unique experiences, from boutique shops to galleries showcasing local artists' work. The dynamic music scene resonates through its legendary venues, including the iconic Stone Pony, cultivating a sense of kinship through shared rhythms and tunes. This soundscape
Asbury Park
Hello Asbury Park, New Jersey • Fall Issue |7
complements the picturesque setting of sunrises that paint the Atlantic horizon, breathing life into each new day.
Culinary enthusiasts find Asbury Park a haven, where diverse eateries offer flavors reflective of its multicultural community. The city's commitment to sustainability is evident in its support of local farmers through bustling markets and eco-friendly initiatives, fostering a balanced and wholesome
lifestyle.
Community engagement thrives in Asbury Park, where friendship flourishes and neighbors enthusiastically support one another. Festive events and vibrant street fairs are staple occurrences, continually weaving stronger threads in the city's social fabric. Asbury Park stands as a testament to a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking community, proud of its heritage and...
Asbury Park
Asbury Park: A Vibrant Tapestry of Coastal Charm and Community Spirit
Asbury Park, New Jersey, shines as a beacon of revitalization and community spirit, offering an exceptional quality of life that continually draws in both residents and visitors. With its rich cultural tapestry and exquisite beachfront, this dynamic city harmonizes the allure of seaside living with the vibrancy of a thriving urban center.
Walk along the famed boardwalk, and you'll encounter a symphony of unique experiences, from boutique shops to galleries showcasing local artists' work. The dynamic music scene resonates through its legendary venues, including the iconic Stone Pony, cultivating a sense of kinship through shared rhythms and tunes. This soundscape complements the picturesque setting of sunrises that paint the Atlantic horizon, breathing life into each new day.
Culinary enthusiasts find Asbury Park a haven, where diverse eateries offer flavors reflective of its multicultural community. The city's commitment to sustainability is evident in its support of local farmers through bustling markets and eco-friendly initiatives, fostering a balanced and wholesome lifestyle.
Community engagement thrives in Asbury Park, where friendship flourishes and neighbors enthusiastically support one another. Festive events and vibrant street fairs are staple occurrences, continually weaving stronger threads in the city's social fabric. Asbury Park stands as a testament to a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking community, proud of its heritage and optimistic about its future.
FEATURED STORY
How “Mr. Pinball” of Asbury Park Teaches Kids and Adults Pinball Strategy
by Rob Ilvento
Pinball in Asbury Park is loud, bright, and welcoming, and it teaches well when you start slow. Mr. Pinball, Rob Ilvento, treats the arcade as a classroom where parents and kids can learn together. The key is control first, then aim, so every lesson starts with how to hold the ball.A good stance keeps the game calm. Stand square to the lockdown bar, with feet shoulder-width apart, and have relaxed shoulders. Keep your hands light on the flipper buttons, then breathe before you flip.Trap the ball to stop the chaos and think. Hold a flipper up to
8 | HelloAsbury Park, New Jersey • Fall Issue
Rob Ilvento
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rob Ilvento is the founder behind Silverball Museum. Known as Mr. Pinball, he oversees two locations, Asbury Park, New Jersey, and Delray Beach, Florida, and focuses on hands-on preservation that welcomes beginners and longtime fans alike. His approach is simple, keep the games maintained, keep the experience friendly, and help new players build confidence with clear, practical tips. The result is a living collection that connects generations through shared play.
cradle the ball, then let it settle. From that safe pause, you can aim, read the playfield, and choose a shot with purpose.Reading the playfield begins with the lights. Follow the inserts that are lit; they point to features that are ready to score. Look for arrows, lanes, and drop targets that glow, and ignore the rest until they matter.Rules cards at the apron are simple maps. They tell you which shots build value and which start modes or multiball. If the card feels dense, ask a staffer for the one-sentence goal, then work toward it methodically.Flipper control is more than
Hello Asbury Park, New Jersey • Fall Issue |9
How “Mr. Pinball” of Asbury Park Teaches Kids and Adults Pinball Strategy
Pinball in Asbury Park is loud, bright, and welcoming, and it teaches well when you start slow. Mr. Pinball, Rob Ilvento, treats the arcade as a classroom where parents and kids can learn together. The key is control first, then aim, so every lesson starts with how to hold the ball. A good stance keeps the game calm. Stand square to the lockdown bar, with feet shoulder-width apart, and have relaxed shoulders. Keep your hands light on the flipper buttons, then breathe before you flip. Trap the ball to stop the chaos and think. Hold a flipper up to cradle the ball, then let it settle. From that safe pause, you can aim, read the playfield, and choose a shot with purpose. Reading the playfield begins with the lights. Follow the inserts that are lit; they point to features that are ready to score. Look for arrows, lanes, and drop targets that glow, and ignore the rest until they matter. Rules cards at the apron are simple maps. They tell you which shots build value and which start modes or multiball. If the card feels dense, ask a staffer for the one-sentence goal, then work toward it methodically. Flipper control is more than flipping fast. Try a drop catch, lower the rising flipper so the incoming ball stops. Try a dead flip, let the ball bounce off a raised flipper face to the other side, then trap. Aiming improves when you release late or early by a hair. Late flips send the ball to the right side of the playfield. Early flips send it left, which lets you pick safe returns instead of risky rebounds. Center drains feel unfair, but habits protect you. Keep the ball on one flipper and pass it when safe. Use controlled shots to orbits and ramps that feed back to cradles, not wild slams into bumpers. Nudging is part of the game, not cheating. A light hip nudge can turn a center drain into a safe post catch. Watch the tilt warnings on the display, then move the cabinet gently before the ball crosses a danger line. Tilts happen when motion continues after a warning. Learn the limit on each machine with a few small tests. Nudge early, not late, and stop completely when the game flashes a warning so the bob can settle. Older electromechanical games teach timing and touch. Scores count slower, and the ball moves differently on flat plastics. Use them as warm-ups for kids; the feedback is clear, and the rules are simple. Solid state and modern games reward planning. Modes stack, multipliers grow, and multiballs can be controlled with traps on one flipper. Teach a child to hold two balls safely while shooting with the third, then swap. Family play works best with short goals and breaks. Pick one skill to practice each game, like trapping or shooting the left ramp. After a few credits, step back, sip water, and talk about what worked and why. Etiquette keeps the room friendly. Wait for the player next to you to shoot before you step forward. Do not lean on another cabinet during play, and help small kids see by offering the step stool in the corner. Maintenance realities show up in how a machine feels. Snappy flippers and clean glass mean shots will make their marks. If a switch seems unresponsive, choose another game for the moment and return later for fair practice. Score watching motivates learners when framed well. Compare your best shots, not just totals, because games vary by rules and difficulty. A personal first, like starting a mode or saving a ball with a nudge, deserves a smile. Good pinball is control first, then aim, not luck, and that simple idea helps families learn together. As skills grow, talk about risk and reward. Hard shots often pay more, but missing them can drain the ball. Choose safer ramps to build a base, then take one high-value shot when the ball is trapped and steady. Parents can coach without pressure. Ask what your child sees lit and what they want to try next. Celebrate control moments, like a clean catch, because control makes every later lesson easier and more fun. Finish each visit with a simple reflection. Which layout felt comfortable, and which shot felt natural? That note guides the next session and turns a crowded arcade into a familiar learning space.
Good pinball iscontrol first, then aim,not luck, and thatsimple idea helpsfamilies learn together.
flipping fast. Try a drop catch, lower the rising flipper so the incoming ball stops. Try a dead flip, let the ball bounce off a raised flipper face to the other side, then trap.Aiming improves when you release late or early by a hair. Late flips send the ball to the right side of the playfield. Early flips send it left, which lets you pick safe returns instead of risky rebounds.Center drains feel unfair, but habits protect you. Keep the ball on one flipper and pass it when safe...
