In top photo, Joe Valentino, host of the Men’s Night, standing at right, is pictured with priests from the Diocese in attendance at the sixth annual event held July 23. Staff photo
“A real nice time.”
That’s how Joe Valentino described the sixth annual “Joseph’s Deli Men’s Night” held July 23 in the Breakers Hotel, Spring Lake.
Valentino, owner of the popular Joseph’s Delicatessen located on Warren Ave. in Spring Lake, and member of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, shared that the gathering was started in 2021 soon after pandemic restrictions were lifted, and was a way to bring local men together for an evening of fellowship and camaraderie.
With each year, the number of attendees has increased, he said, noting that there were about 20 men at the first gathering. This year, there was more than 12 times the amount, with 242 men in attendance. Among the more well-known “Men’s Night regulars” include Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Msgr. Sam Sirianni, rector of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, and a childhood friend of Valentino’s, and Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, Belmar.
What has made the Men’s Night even more meaningful, Valentino said, is inviting a U.S. military veteran to address the group. He shared that last year’s speaker was a 102-year-old World War II veteran. This year’s speaker was Col. Jack H. Jacobs, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest medal, from President Richard Nixon on Oct. 9, 1969. Col. Jacobs served in the U.S. Army and was severely injured in the Vietnam War. Despite his injuries, he persevered to save his unit which had endured devastating heavy machine gun and mortar fire.
Valentino commented on the distinguished guests seated at this year’s “table of honor” – a group of soldiers who served in various wars including World War II, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“This was so appropriate for this year, especially this year as our country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Valentino said.
He added: “The Men’s Night has become something that people look forward to. It’s a great opportunity for friends and family members to get together and become reacquainted.”