Paws for a Cause Day set for June 2nd at Pier Village

On Saturday, June 2^nd from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. the Purr'n Pooch Foundation for Animals will host "Paws” for a Cause Day at Pier Village Festival Plaza located on One Chelsea Avenue in Long Branch, N.J. Sponsored by The City of Long Branch and Pier Village, "Paws” for a Cause Day features free pet friendly activities for families and their pups. Guests can also raise a paw for animals by making donations to support the mission of the non-profit Purr'n Pooch Foundation for Animals. 

Purr’n Pooch 5K Classic Run/Walk

The day will begin with the Purr’n Pooch 5K Classic Run/Walk at 8:00 a.m. Day-of registration opens at 7:00 a.m. at Pier Village’s Festival Plaza. Note that the Long Branch Animal Control prohibits dogs on the beach, boardwalk and promenade so they will not be allowed to participate in the race with owners. Visit www.purrnpoochfoundation.org to preregister with the race organizers at Race Forum. There is a $25 fee to register. Race proceeds support the mission of the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals.

“Tails of Love” to Premiere at Paws for a Cause Day

Throughout the day, the Emmy-Winning Small Factory Productions and Purr'n Pooch Foundation for Animals will premiere the Second Annual “Tails of Love” animated movie short. The film promotes the humane treatment and adoption of animals. This spring, middle school children from across Monmouth County were invited to submit their original animals stories or drawings to the “Tails of Love” contest.  Winners included Sam Jansky (age 8) from Little Silver Point Road School, Eric Bellino (age 8) from Little Silver, Ryan Karr (age 9) from Little Silver Point Road School, Carolyn Hester (age 8) from Oceanport, Molly Kenney (age 9) from Little Silver, Emma Greene (age 9) from Monmouth Beach, Abigail Wieczevzak (age 10) from Lincroft, and Victoria Spadavecchia (age 4) from Monmouth Beach. The winners worked collaboratively to create the film over the course of several production workshops at Small Factory's studio in Fair Haven, NJ. Small Factory Productions has created a library of more than 200 cartoons produced by more than 1,000 children from across NY and NJ.  

Other event highlights include a Long Branch K-9 Police demonstration, face painting with the Monmouth County Underdogs, DOGA (yoga with your dog) with Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts, canine treats from Jodes Happy Tail, and a meet and greet with adoptable dogs from local rescue organizations. The "Paws" for a Cause Day Doggie Fashion Show will be held on the Main Stage in Festival Plaza at 1:00 p.m. During the show, "Tails of Love" winners will hang ten in summer fashions as their doggie models strut their stuff in fashions from Paws & Pose Pet Boutique.

"Paws" for a Cause Day Schedule of Events:

7:00 a.m. Pre-registration for Purr’n Pooch 5K Classic Run/Walk

8:00 a.m. Purr’n Pooch 5K Classic Run/Walk Begins

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. DOGA Class with Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts

1:00 p.m. Doggie Fashion Show

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. “Tails of Love” Movie Playing, Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, Meet and Greet with Loveable Adoptable Dogs, and Sample Gourmet Pet Products and Services from Participating Vendors

For more information on the event, visit purrnpoochfoundation.org. No admission will be charged to participate in the day's activities, excluding the $25 Purr’n Pooch 5K Classic Run/Walk registration fee. Donations made to the Purr'n Pooch Foundation are greatly appreciated. Businesses or organizations interested in participating in the day’s activities as a vendor or featured charity are requested to email savelives@purrnpoochfoundation.org.

About the Purr'n Pooch Foundation for Animals
The Purr'n Pooch Foundation for Animals is dedicated to providing financial support and educational resources to non-profit, no-kill animal rescue groups and organizations from across the United States. The Purr'n Pooch Foundation supports all species of animals and is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Visit purrnpoochfoundation.org for more information.

Roller Girls and Vader's 501st Legion to support Military FRG

The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are set to roll again on June 9, 2012 when the Murder Beach Militia take on the Right Coast Rollers in Asbury Park’s Convention Hall. This is the first time that these two teams are meeting on the track since last June when the Right Coast Rollers took the win over Murder Beach. Murder Beach will be fighting hard for redemption with the hope of securing their spot in the championship game set for November 24, 2012.

 

The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are teaming up with Vader’s First 501st Legion to support the Family Readiness Group for the Co. B 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion (FRG). While the 501st was initially founded to unite costumers with a penchant for Star Wars villainy, our joint mission for this bout is to bring awareness to the FRG which was established to provide activities and support to enhance the flow of information, increase the resiliency of unit soldiers and their families, provide practical tools for adjusting to military deployments and separations, and enhance the well-being within the unit.

 

As usual the June 9th 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/243838. 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. 

Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival 2012 set for Middletown, Point Pleasant, Long Branch

The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation will be hosting the 2012 Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival this year in Middletown, Point Pleasant and Long Branch. Celebrate legendary & contemporary jazz and blues music during the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival 2012 Summer Series. This event features THREE days of live music, food, crafts, artisans and good company. The Festival is produced annually by a completely volunteer non-profit organization, The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation. The proceeds from the festivals help fund education, scholarship and outreach programs. 

The schedule is as follows:

July 7 at 12:00-8:00pm: Middletown Jazz & Blues Fest, Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street Middletown, NJ 07748). Event features a Beer Garden.

July 21 at 12:00-8:00pm: Point Pleasant Jazz & Blues Fest, Riverfront Park (River Road, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742). Event features a Beer Garden.

August 25 at 1:00pm-9:30pm: Long Branch Jazz & Blues Fest, The Great Lawn at the Boardwalk (28 McKinley Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740).

For Food & Service & Crafter Information, applications and booth possibilities, please contact: Doris at Vendors@JSJBF.org or  Crafters@JSJBF.org or call  Doris 732-933-1984. 

For Sponsorship opportunities and information, please contact: Jen Smiga at Sponsors@JSJBF.org or call Doris at 732-933-1984. 

For more information, visit http://www.jerseyshorefestival.org/ or email Doris Lazur at drdorisdc@aol.com.

Families invited to register for summer arts camp at Middletown Arts Center

Come explore and enjoy the arts in the heart of Middletown at the Middletown Arts Center’s Summer Arts Camp Program.  The MAC offers affordable weekly half and full day flexible schedules, perfect for busy families. Camps begin June 18^th and run through August 31^st.  Our creative camps help children build self-confidence and have fun in a loving, nurturing, safe, and air-conditioned environment.

"The Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council has been presenting Summer Arts Camps since 2002.  Each year, hundreds of children enjoy our fun camps, friendly atmosphere and enthusiastic teachers. It’s wonderful to see how we’ve grown into one of the most popular camps in the area,” said Maggie O'Brien, Executive Director.

Professional instructors and counselors will host over 75 activities for toddlers and children.  Offerings this year include an all new theater program, Barbie Dance Camp,  Dude’s Doodle Bug Camp, Miss Sherri’s Rockin’ Jam, Art Fun with Miss Laurie and Laura French, Make a Doll Workshop and a camp that explores Irish culture (and step dancing!)  Black Rocket Productions will return with their awesome computer camps. 

One feature of the camps that parents appreciate is that morning and afternoon sessions can be joined together to create unique full day experiences with the availability of before and after care, a bonus for working parents. Camp prices start at $90.  There is limited space and camps fill up quickly. Please visit middletownarts.org for camp schedules and rates or call (732) 706-4100 for more information.

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 is 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 www.middletownarts.org for more information.

Monmouth Park to host food truck competition May 27th

A new era of eateries popularly known as Food Trucks are burning up cities across the county. This phenomenon is led by innovative and cutting-edge food purveyors, chefs and entrepreneurs.  On Sunday, May 27, 2012 Monmouth Park Racetrack will showcase some of the best mobile-made food in the region by turning up the heat and pitting these road-warriors head to head.  

The NYC Food Truck Association is helping to recruit some of the Big Apple’s most popular trucks, but we’re still looking for participants in the tri-state area to compete at the ‘war’ for Best Food and People’s Choice awards.  During the event, a panel of guest judges will chow down to score the truck’s food on taste, quality and innovation. Attendees can cast their votes for People's Choice Awards throughout the day and enter to win great prizes.  To satisfy the hungriest foodies, we’re scouting for food options, from Korean BBQ to cupcakes and all cuisines in between.

The event will also feature an array of crafters, vendors and live music. Families will enjoy the Star-Ledger Family Fun Day, with attractions for children including clowns, face painters, pony rides, and more.  Food Truck Wars is surely going to be an exciting and fun way to celebrate this niche foodie culture, right here in our backyard, and is a perfect way to kick off summer at the shore.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and Monmouth Park's pulse-quickening thoroughbred racing begins at 12:50 p.m. Festival hours are 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Grandstand admission, which includes admission to the festival area, is just $3. Children 12 and under are always free. Food prices vary. 

Interested food, craft and commercial vendors should contact Spark Market Solutions at info@sparkmybiz.com or call 732-747-4449 for complete event information.