Bella Buddha to hold grand opening event May 9th

Bella Buddha, a new yoga studio in Belmar, will hold its grand opening at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9^th. The grand opening event will feature live kirtan by Yogi Ananda, food from Live Jolly, hooping, face painting/henna tattoos and a belly dancing performance at 7 p.m. A free belly dancing class will be held following the grand opening from 7:15-8:15 p.m. The studio is located at 921 Main Street. Visit the website at BellaBuddhaYoga.com or call 732-749-0729 for more information.

Red Bank 1st annual International Flavour Festival set for May 6th

Red Bank RiverCenter will be holding the 1st Annual International Flavour Festival on Saturday, May 6th from 12-7 p.m. in the White Street parking lot. The event will feature international food, international beer and wine and entertainment.

Click to visit the International Flavour Festival Website to view a full list of participating restaurants and scheduled bands.

The International Flavour Festival is a fundraiser for the Red Bank Regional Buccaneer Athletic Foundation and the Red Bank RiverCenter. Admission is $5.00 for anyone over 12. 

Project Animal Worldwide to hold awards dinner

On Friday, May 18^th, 2012 from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. , Project Animal Worldwide (PAW) invites its supporters and the general public to attend its “A World of Thanks” Awards Dinner at Salt Creek Grille located on Bingham Avenue in Rumson, NJ. The dinner will raise funds for the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization’s mission to develop spay/neuter programs, assist in animal rescue, and implement humane education in areas of the world where the homeless dog and cat population is unmanageable. “A World of Thanks” will recognize the important contributions of individuals who have gone above and beyond to assist its life-saving work. The evening’s honorees include Jerome Rosenthal, Executive Director, Monmouth County SPCA, and Daran Haber, MD, Trustee, Project Animal Worldwide and President, Monmouth County SPCA Board of Trustees.

Tickets cost $75 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary cocktail and buffet dinner. To purchase tickets visit www.projectanimal.org or call Jean Greller at 732-890-9190.

“Thanks to PAW’s “A World of Thanks” honorees, Jerome Rosenthal and Daran Haber, MD, satos continue to be rescued, healed and transported from the beaches and streets of Puerto Rico to loving homes in New Jersey,” said Ellen La Torre, Treasurer, Project Animal Worldwide. “Sadly, however, for each of these smiling faces, there are thousands more dogs and cats still starving, sick and suffering on the island. We have however, seen, heard and felt progress in the efforts to help end the suffering of Puerto Rico’s animals and the momentum continues to build thanks to dedicated advocates for change like Jerome and Daran.”

Project Animal Worldwide has been working behind the scenes in Puerto Rico for the last two and half years in partnership with the local government, veterinarians and animal rescue groups to bring about the change and legislation necessary to save the innocent lives of thousands of sato dogs. Sato is slang for mutt. Since PAW was founded, 121 dogs have been rescued and transported; the first ever Animal Control Officer Certification program in Puerto Rico was established; and the first ever mass spay/neuter day was held in Puerto Rico.

About “A World of Thanks” Honorees

Jerome Rosenthal has been on the Board of the Monmouth County SPCA since 2008. He is now serving as Executive Director of the shelter.  Jerry's love of animals is evident in the organizations he supports. He is also on the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School in Philadelphia.  Since becoming Executive Director of the SPCA in February 2012, Jerry has made tremendous inroads in many programs at the shelter. On April 26^th, 2012, the MCSPCA celebrated the grand opening of the Homeward Bound Adoption Center in the Freehold Raceway Mall. The adoption center, as well as the shelter itself, features many "satos" from Puerto Rico.  Jerry has been instrumental in forging a partnership between the MCSPCA and Project Animal Worldwide, ensuring that these very deserving "satos" and "gatos" find their forever homes.

Daran Haber, MD has been involved in animal welfare for many years, starting as a volunteer at the MCSPCA in 2004 when he adopted one of his dogs "Sweetie". He now serves as President on the MCSPCA Board of Trustees. Daran has been instrumental in helping Project Animal Worldwide with rescue operations in Puerto Rico and has enabled the organization to obtain much needed funding to carry on its mission. He is on the staff of Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ. He has also worked tirelessly with Northeast Medical Missions run by Dr. Eric Wurmser of Middletown, helping with medical emergencies around the world.

About Project Animal Worldwide (PAW)

Project Animal Worldwide is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to develop spay/neuter programs, assist in animal rescue, and implement humane education in areas of the world where the homeless dog and cat population is unmanageable. PAW’s Board of Trustees include Keri Garcia, MRCVS, President; Francesca Alexander, Vice President; Ellen La Torre, Treasurer; Jean Greller, Secretary; Daran Haber, MD; and Kathy Miles. Visit www.projectanimal.org for more information.

Taste of Manasquan set for May 20th

The 3rd annual Taste of Manasquan will be held by the Manasquan Chamber of Commerce from 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 20th. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at Booktowne, Bouquets to Remember, Gatherings, Manasquan Lighting and the Corner Bagelry. Call 732-223-8303 or visit ManasquanChamber.org for more information and a list of participating eateries.

JSRG roller derby set for April 28th

The Jersey Shore Roller Girls “All Stars” are set to take on Philly Roller Girls “Block Party” on April 28th in Asbury Park’s Convention Hall. This is the first time that Jersey Shore and Philly will meet up on the track! While this is not Philly’s well known travel team, the Liberty Belles, this is still an exciting game for Jersey Shore in that Philly, whom is ranked number #2 in the East by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), has always been an inspiration team to our league!

As many of you know, JSRG is all about community and helping out in any way we can... next week at our game we are supporting The Animal Welfare Committee of Point Pleasant Borough.. their mission is simple.. they are a community involvement program working to protect, care for, and provide a safe and healthy environment for the cats/kittens in Point Pleasant, NJ.

They are always in need of help and will cheerfully accept your time, talent or funds. What they would love from our fans on Saturday, is a small token of love towards the animals they care for.. if every fan can bring one item from their wish list it would be great! Below is the list from the foundation..

* Right now we are in need of Friskies wet canned food, and Purina Dry cat chow, and Fancy Feast or Iams Wet canned kitten food or Purina dry kitten chow, Kitten mother replacement milk, powder or liquid, bottles. We use both clay litter and scoopable litter at our rescue. We are also always in need of laundry detergent and dish detergent, and paper towels as well. Monetary donations are always welcome and helps with the heavy cost of spays/neuters and veterinary care.

The April 28th bout also pairs with the Wonder Bar for the bout after party. Across the street from Convention Hall, the Wonder Bar will offer those bout attendees with a wristband no cover charge. The Roller Girls will be on hand and fully energized for any fans that want to keep the party going!

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first whistle blows at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are available online for $17 at www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net or directly at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/239598. Tickets are $25 for VIP and $20 regular admission at the door, $15 with military ID and $10 for children 10 and under.

For more information about the Jersey Shore Roller Girls, visit www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net or email jerseyhorerollergirls@yahoo.com. 

Photo by Sean Hale/Hale Yeah

Kenwood Racing to host derby party in Asbury Park

Kenwood Racing, a leading thoroughbred racing stable based at Monmouth Park, will host an afternoon-long Kentucky Derby celebration on Saturday, May 5 in Asbury Park.  The event will kick-off at 1 p.m. at BACA Sports Lounge in the heart of downtown Asbury and include live racing all day, culminating with the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, insider handicapping tips from thoroughbred professionals, cocktail and food specials, and a chance to win big on Derby Day. 

With multiple big-screen televisions and a sports-lounge vibe, BACA offers the perfect venue for this great, open-to-the-public event.  Live telecasts featuring top races from Churchill Downs will precede the 138^th renewal of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”   Kenwood founder and racing manager, H. Robb Levinsky will be onsite all afternoon to offer an insider’s handicapping perspective. Guests will enjoy a designated VIP area, specialty cocktails and cuisine, and the opportunity to win a “Day at the Races” with Kenwood Racing at Monmouth Park, including admissions, private box seating, and a chance to meet owners, trainers and jockeys. 

“We are excited to be able to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with this great event right here in Asbury Park. It’s the perfect opportunity for Kenwood’s team to help introduce thoroughbred racing to a new generation of fans, and hopefully give them a reason to visit Monmouth Park this summer,” commented Levinsky. “Our offices are right here in Asbury Park and our horses are based at Monmouth Park each summer. We are a local business and it’s great to be able to host an event like this at a venue like BACA, right in the heart of Asbury’s downtown.” 

Kenwood’s Kentucky Derby Party will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at BACA (533 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, 732-846-6153).  To learn more about Kenwood Racing, please visit www.KenwoodRacing.com.   

Broadway in Red Bank

By: Sherri Hall - Editor

If you have not yet been to a Red Bank Flavour event, you’re missing out!

I, myself, have only been to just two—Holiday Flavour in December and Broadway in Red Bank earlier this week.

I must say that both events were fabulous and offered guests a chance to sample some of Red Bank’s best “flavours” while enjoying some form of entertainment.

The winter event featured food samplings, as well as live music and live paining by artist David Banegas.

The spring event combined cuisine with cabaret making for a truly unique evening. Instead of the traditional dinner and a show, guests were able to sample amazing food from 14 of the town’s restaurants and then be entertained by four talented performers all in one place—Two River Theater.

“I love this theater,” said performer Kenita Miller who appeared in Honk! in January. She added that music and food are two of her favorite things, making Broadway in Red Bank a perfect evening.

Performer Katie Boren agreed and noted that she was “excited to be here and support Red Bank.”

In addition to Miller and Boren, also performing at the event were Miguel Cervantes and Jeff Kready.

According to Co-owner of Sugarush Chris Paseka, who organized the evening’s talent, Red Bank has amazing performing arts and amazing restaurants. “It was great to put this event together that would feature both.”

He added that this event allowed each actor to own his or her performance and gave them a chance to “really shine.”

In addition to the performers, what also really shined was the food!

EVERY SINGLE DISH WAS DELICIOUS!

What I really enjoyed was that each restaurant had something so different from the next.

Restaurants featured included Bistro, Teak, Danny’s Grill & Wine Bar, The Cheese Cave, Taste, Gaetano’s, Readie’s, Boondock’s Fishery, Via 45, Siam Garden, Front St. Trattoria, Sugarush, Melting Pot and Dish.

This event is “great. It’s awesome,” said guest and Middletown resident Linda O’Mara. She noted that she eats in Red Bank often and looks forward to attending another Flavour event.

“I think it’s important to have events where vendors can benefit from being together while supporting charities and each other,” said guest and Saddle Brook resident Tara Ricart.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Red Bank Falvour Culinary Alliance, Two River Theater’s Fund for New York and Count Basie Theatre.

The event also sought to bring awareness to Red Bank’s restaurants, as is the purpose of the Flavour campaign.

George Lyristis (owner of  Red Bank’s Bistro and Teak, as well as Little Silver’s Zoe-An American Bistro), noted that he and a group of other Red Bank restaurant owners started the Flavour campaign as a way to raise awareness of Red Bank and its restaurants when the economy started going downhill.

The others involved include Valerie Aufiero of Front St. Trattoria, Judy Matthew and Anthony Ferrando of Dish, Tom Fishkin of Readie’s and Tom Cappello of Gaetano’s.

The group has come up with some very creative ideas to attract attention to the restaurant scene in town. Aside from Holiday Flavour and Broadway in Red Bank, there are a number of other events that have been held, as well as some in the works.

Visit RedBankFlaovur.com for currently scheduled special events, as well as promotions and other information.

Downtown Renew established in Long Branch

A team of volunteers has established “Downtown Renew”, an exciting new program to revitalize downtown Long Branch by encouraging a cohesive business district that embraces a beautification program to dispel and reverse the appearance of neglect. “Downtown Renew” is led by Joy Bastelli, Carol Mellaci, Faith Teitelbaum, Jennifer Smiga and a team of volunteers from local businesses, the City of Long Branch and residents. Bastelli presented the group’s proposal for action at a Greater Long Branch Business Association meeting on March 21^st, 2012 at the Long Branch Urban Enterprise Zone Program (UEZ) offices on Broadway.

Though not the first attempt at revitalizing the downtown area, the Committee of Downtown Renew hopes to focus on an education and action plan that will help them to achieve success by empowering business owners and residents to tackle its litter problem for the greater good of the community.  The volunteers will host cleanups and meet with business owners to help them comply with City ordinances if requested. 

“I’m glad to see an interest in Downtown,” said Mayor Adam Schneider. “We’re seeing a renewed determination from storeowners, landlords and volunteers.  We will do all we can to help support their efforts.”

“The economy has hit businesses and communities hard across New Jersey,” said Carol Mellaci, “Downtown Renew” volunteer. “Our volunteers are looking to energize Long Branch’s vibrant multicultural shopping district so that we can offer local families and visitors a unique and affordable place to shop and play. No other seashore town in New Jersey offers our diversity of flavors and products.”

Partnerships, cleanups and survey campaigns will be key components of Downtown Renew. By listening to the community, city officials, and business owners, the group is determined to learn the root causes of Long Branch’s littering so it can focus on education projects that will be key to change. If you are a citizen, organization or business that would like more information on joining the Committee, email downtownrenew@yahoo.com.

Volunteers Needed for Cleanup

Join the Downtown Renew team on Saturday, May 12^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for its first cleanup. Register and pickup supplies at 9:00 a.m. sharp at Broadway Band Shell on the corner of Union Avenue and Third Avenue. The first 100 volunteers to register will receive t-shirts donated by the UEZ.

Email downtownrenew@yahoo.com or call the UEZ at 732-923-2043 with any questions or to register. Pre-registration is required for an accurate count of supplies. Volunteers seeking community services hours will receive a letter affirming participation.

The Dirty Facts About Urban Litter

According to Keep American Beautiful (KAB), litter cleanup costs the U.S. almost $11.5 billion each year, with businesses paying $9.1 billion.  Governments, schools, and other organizations pick up the remainder. Community economy and quality of life suffer.  The presence of litter in a community takes a toll on quality of life, property values, and housing prices.  KAB’s 2009 National Visible Litter Survey and Litter Cost Study found that litter in a community decreases property values 7%.

Litter also has environmental consequences.  Wind and weather, traffic, and animals move litter into gutters, lawns and landscaped areas, alleyways, and parking structures.  Debris may be carried by storm drains into local waterways with potential for serious environmental contamination. Long Branch is an urban seashore community and it’s vital to make the connection between the health of our waterways and the health of our community.

Spring 2012 Beach Sweeps set for April 21st

Clean Ocean Action will be holding its Spring 2012 Beach Sweeps on Saturday, April 21st at beaches throughout the state of New Jersey beginnning at 9 a.m. Clean the beach with friends and family or join a team. Visit CleanOceanAction.org for more information.

Asbury Park to hold first ever restaurant tour April 29th

The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the first ever restaurant tour in the city to be held from 12-4 p.m. Sunday, April 29^th.

Over 25 Asbury Park restaurants, lounges, juice bars and bakeries will be participating in the event throughout the downtown area, on and off Main Street and at the boardwalk.

Free transportation will be offered to tour-goers. Wristbands are available for $30 online at LoveAsbury.com/Tour or by phone at 732-775-7676.

For a list of participating venues and for more information, visit, LoveAsbury.com/Tour.

Guests are encouraged to bring canned food to be donated to a local charity.

Ocean Grove Food Lovers Block Party set for April 21st

Sample food from Ocean Grove at the Food Lovers Block Party from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 21^st on Main Ave.

Go to OceanGroveNJ.com for more information.

Spring Lake announces new line-up for Fashion Week-END event

As a result of the overwhelming response to its second-annual Fashion Week-END Extravaganza, the borough of Spring Lake today announced a newly updated event roster for Saturday, April 21.  With Friday evening’s fashion show at the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club already sold-out, Spring Lake retailers will keep fashionistas coming back for more on Saturday afternoon with a bevy of designer trunk shows, make-up demonstrations, fashion shows, gift giveaways, salon blow-outs and more. 

 The Fashion Week-END Extravaganza’s Saturday, April 21 event line-up will include:  

• Famed New Jersey designer Beatrice Matiash will present her jewelry line, Tashka by Beatrice, at Urban Details (1115 Third Avenue).  Tashka by Beatrice is featured in Bloomingdale’s nationwide and has been spotted on celebrities throughout Hollywood.
• LOU-Paris lingerie trunk show at Linger (304 Morris Avenue).  LOU-Paris, the beautiful emblem of French lingerie, draws inspiration from the artistic to meet the aspirations of women worldwide.
• Donna Ricco dress trunk show at The Spot (1226 Third Avenue)
• Amy Keane scarves and jewelry trunk show at Camel's Eye (1223 Third Avenue)
• An organic juice tasting at Waterlily (1203 Third Avenue) complements of Asbury Park-based Yoga Basin.
• Complimentary mineral make-up makeovers will be offered at EurOrganics (1219 Third Avenue).  A licensed herbalist will be on-site to explain the benefits and therapeutic beauty uses of many herbs and flowers found in the featured make-up products.
• Products from TrollBeads and Vera Bradley will be on special at Koi Boutique (1111-B Third Avenue)
• A fashion accessory forecast, jewelry-making demonstration and light refreshments will be available for guests to enjoy at Arteffects (1319 Third Avenue)
• Special occasion wear from Samuel Dong for Golden Season, in addition to Jovani Fashions, will be presented via trunk show at Karen’s Boutique. (1212 Third Avenue; 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.)
• Present your ticket from the Friday evening kick-off party at the Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club to receive 10% discount on all regularly priced items at Skuby & Co. (1210 Third Avenue) and Skuby Blue (1106 Third Avenue)
• West Indies Wear trunk show at Style in Motion (1209 Third Avenue)
• Stella and Dot Trunk Show with independent stylist Lori Height at Whimsicality.  Coffee and cupcakes from Cakes by Me will be featured throughout the day (1219 3^rd Avenue, 11:00 – 4:00 p.m., special giveaway at 3:30).
• Enjoy a stylish, Spring wine tasting at the Bottle Shop of Spring Lake (1400 Third Avenue, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) 

With special appearances throughout the weekend from Susan Swimmer, resident fashions features editor at More Magazine, and Victoria Keelan from FM News 101.9’s “Victoria’s Favorite Finds,”  trendsetters and fashion-lovers will relish the bevy of style-inspired events happening throughout Spring Lake on April 21. 

For more information about Spring Lake’s Fashion Week-END Extravaganza, please visit www.VisitSpringLake.com or call 732-449-0037.

Arts & Flowers events to be held at Middletown Arts Center

On Friday, May 4^th, 2012, the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ, will kickoff a three-day series of flower themed events to raise funds for the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council’s community arts programming at the MAC. Inspired by the garden, the weekend will feature a juried exhibition, lectures, live music, arts and crafts for children, as well as a sale of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs from Guaranteed Plants and Florist of Locust, NJ and décor and bird products for the garden and home from Wild Birds Unlimited of Middletown, NJ.  There is no cost to attend the exciting lineup of activities, but a portion of plant and merchandise sales will be donated to the MTCAC. 

The weekend will commence on Friday, May 4^th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. with a lecture on how to create a garden environment to attract birds and butterflies presented by botanist and ecologist Linda Rohleder, Ph.D. Following the lecture, 8:00-10:00 p.m., guests will enjoy the opening reception for “Arts and Flowers,” an exhibition inspired by the beauty of the garden and nature.

On Saturday, May 5^th, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. there will be artwork on display in the gallery and a garden sale outside the Middletown Arts Center. In the morning, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Master Gardener Bob Mellert will explain the advantages of vegetable gardening in his lecture, “The ABCs of Vegetable Gardening”. Master Gardener Carolyn Heuser will follow at 11:00 a.m. with her “Organic Gardening” lecture, during which she will explain why organic gardening is not only about shunning chemicals.

“We’re excited to support our local arts community during the Middletown Arts Center’s weekend of flower inspired events,” said Todd Thompson, Guaranteed Plants and Florist of Locust, NJ. “Spring has sprung and families are eager to get digging. The Flower and Plant Sale is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a day out with the family and support the arts. We’ll be showcasing our new blooming annuals from the potted plant collections of Proven Winners, Flower Fields, Ball, Syngenta and others; vegetables and herbs; perennials, shrubs and hydrangeas; organic potting soil, flower, vegetable and herbs seeds; and our unique planters and containers.”

On Sunday, May 6^th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. there will once again be artwork on display in the gallery and a garden sale outside the Middletown Arts Center. Master Gardener Irene Wanat will begin the morning from 10:00-11:00 a.m. discussing color and interest through Spring, Fall and Winter in her lecture, “A Long Season of Color in the Garden.” She will also teach the audience about shrubs, perennials and annuals for sunny and shady areas and how to combine them for continuous enjoyment. For the remainder of the day, Master Gardener Bernard Dickman will inform guests about can't-miss perennials, must-miss perennials, perennial cousins of annuals, and the rules of thumb on planting and care in his lecture “Perennials for Monmouth County.”

Children will also be able to enjoy the weekend activities as their parents shop and attend the lectures with spring-themed arts and crafts, supervised by the MAC’s arts instructors. A $5 donation per child is requested to participate. Supplies included.

Visit www.middletownarts.org or call 732-706-4100 for more information on “Arts and Flowers” at the Middletown Arts Center.

Enter the "Arts and Flowers" Exhibition

The “Arts and Flowers” juried exhibition is open to artists working in all media. There will be ribbons awarded for youth (ages 8 and older) and adults. To be eligible for judging, artwork must be framed and ready to hang when dropped off at the Middletown Arts Center. To enter the show, an application can be picked up at the MAC or downloaded on middletownarts.org. Drop off: April 23rd from 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. and April 24th from 10:00 a.m.–7 p.m. Call Maggie O’Brien at 732-706-4100 with questions.

About the Middletown Arts Center

The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award winning, state-of-the-art facility run by the nonprofit Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities. The MAC offers enrichment programs and entertainment for all ages and abilities. Visit middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.

JSCVB to hold free annual summer kickoff party

Join the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau for its FREE annual summer kickoff event. Festivities take place Thursday, May 24^th at 4:45 pm on the Belmar Boardwalk by 5th Avenue.  At 5:15 p.m. (sharp), participants will organize to perform the Jersey Shore’s largest Flash Mob. 

We will hear a brief summary of Shore events from Grace Hanlon, Director of Tourism for the State of New Jersey and Bob Hilton, Executive Director of the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.

If you live within driving distance of the Jersey Shore, you are invited to participate in this momentous event.  If you are connected in any way to the tourism business, know someone in the industry, or just like the Shore, please come out and show you support of tourism.  This will be a fun way to show our local and statewide lawmakers how important tourism is to us all.

Bring your friends, family and co-workers to participate in the flash mob planned!  In order for the event to be a success, we need your help. Social media is an excellent way to share content and bring people together. Whatever platforms you are familiar with:  Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Google+, etc., we ask that you help us share the message. The CVB’s account links are listed below and we ask that you like, follow and otherwise connect with us and we’ll gladly do the same for you.

Let’s all join and celebrate one of the best parts of living in New Jersey – the Jersey Shore in the summertime. More information will be announced shortly, so stay tuned, and start practicing your flash mob moves!

We Want To Put A Face On New Jersey Tourism – Yours!

About the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau is the only Destination Marketing Organization serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  The JSC&VB is the fastest growing destination marketing organization in New Jersey promoting the Jersey Shore region as a destination for individuals and families, businesses and organizations, and meeting and travel planners for domestic and international markets. Tourism directly affects you, the consumer, lowering your taxes by almost fourteen-hundred dollars per household, per year.  To learn more on how tourism can help your community, visit our website at  http://www.visitthejerseyshore.com/ or call Executive Director Robert Hilton at 732-244-9283.

CJPHC meeting set for April 10th

Brick Relay for Life Team Coastal Jersey Parrot Head Club (CJPHC) April informal Happy Hour will be held on Tuesday April 10^th at Mantoloking Road Pub (MRP) located at 247 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ

Musical guests include Gary Philips and Jersey John Hanney.

Director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society/Brick Relay for Life Tracy Hamilton will also be present. Ms. Hamilton will briefly relate her personal reason to Relay.

The charity donations for April are new items for two gift auctions. The first is for one or two Baskets for the Relay for Life gift auction on May 5 at the Pioneer Hose Fire Company, Brick, NJ. The second is for a fundraiser on May 12 to benefit Mary’s Place by the Sea (a place for women with cancer to rest) hosted by CJPHC at Rho/Katmandu, Trenton. Suggestions include gift cards and certificates, scratch off lottery tickets, “re-gift” a new unused treasure, and handmade crafts. CJPHC will take as many gifts that the generosity of its members and public will provide. Luminaria bags to honor a survivor or remember someone who lost their battle are available to personalize for a minimum $5.00 donation.

Tickets for the May 12th Feeding Frenzy Benefit will be available for purchase. Details located on website cjphc.org.

The public is always welcome to join members and guests, enjoy the music and bring in their donations of raffle items and/or cash for the Brick Relay for Life, Coastal Jersey Parrot Head team.
A Parrot Head is a fan of Jimmy Buffett, his music and his tropical lifestyle; but also a person who is committed to "partying with a purpose" and giving back to his or her community.

More information about CJPHC can be found at cjphc.org or contact Diane at dianenat@hotmail.com or 732-232-1630.

Carnival for Autism to be held April 29th

Chubby Penguin Parties, 5 Points Wellness and Sea Shore Amusements will hold a Carnival for Autism to benefit Autism NJ on Sunday, April 29th. The carnival will be filled with lots of activities for families of special needs children, such as characters, face painting, balloon twisting, bouncers, rides and more. The event will take place from 11:30am til 4:30 pm at YMCA Camp Zehndar, 3911 Herbertsville Road in Brick.

  

Harpin' Help charity event to be held at Bar A

Harpin' Help 2012 will be held from 1-9 p.m. on Sunday, April 22nd at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como. 

This annual charity event organized by local musician Sandy Mack in conjunction with the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation (JSJBF) seeks to generate some much needed funding for JSJBF, some much needed food for The Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry and to provide some great live musical entertainment. Each year many of the best local, regional & national musicians donate their incredible talent to this worthy case. All ages are welcome. Food service is available from Bar A and there will be a cash bar, as well as a 50/50 raffle all day.

The cost to attend is $15 if you bring food or non-perishable donations or $20 without an item.

For more information, contact Sandy Mack at sandmack2000@yahoo.com or 732-567-6186. You can also visit the JSJBF website at jsjbf.org

WATCH: Jersey Shore Restaurant Week Spring 2012 Preview

Over 70 restaurants are participating in the Spring 2012 Jersey Shore Restaurant Week, which will take place from April 13th-April 22nd. Guests of participating restaurants throughout the wseek will enjoy a 3-course meal for $20.12 or $30.12. 

The kick-off party will be held at the Breakers in Spring Lake on April 12th at 7 p.m., with the VIP session beginning at 6 p.m.

Other special events will be held throughout the week as well. For more information on special events or for a list of participating restaurants, go to JerseyShoreRestaurantWeek.com

Broadway in Red Bank set for April 16th

Broadway in Red Bank-A Red Bank Flavour event will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012 at Two River Theater Company. Enjoy cabaret from Broadway's rising stars and cuisine from some of Red Bank's best restaurants. 

Tickets: $75, $100, $150, $200

$150 includes VIP meet-and-greet and libations

$200 includes VIP meet-and-greet, libations, and premier seating

Proceeds will benefit three of Red Bank's not-for-profits:

The Red Bank FLAVOUR Culinary Alliance, Count Basie Theatre, and Two River Theater Company

For more information, visit RedBankFlavour.com or call the box office at 732-345-1400.

WATCH: Beers on the Boards Point Pleasant Beach 2012

The inaugural Beers On The Boards festival made its debut on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk on Saturday, March 24th. 

The organizers were the Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce, Martell's Tiki Bar and TotalBruMarketing/Beerheads.com 

The craft beer tasting event featured over 20 breweries and an all-day gourmet buffet. Local NJ breweries like East Coast, Kane, Carton and Cricket Hill joined regional favorites, such as Yards (PA) and Sixpoint (NY) and breweries from across the country (along with a handful of unique imports) to offer a tremendous variety of beer flavors. The buffet included beer-inspired fare and different beer/food pairings to sample.

If you like craft beer, be sure to check out our feature show, Jersey Brew Tours!