The Jersey Shore Festival strives to help contribute to the Shore’s post-Sandy success.

The event is a free-admission festival that provides something for everyone and offers an experience of the real Jersey Shore in a come-one, come-all atmosphere. In the wake of the October 2012 storm that decimated Seaside Heights and surrounding areas, many were left wondering, “will they be ready?” for the summer season. While New Jersey as a whole will still be recovering for- in reality, years- the Jersey Shore Festival welcomes residents, long-time visitors, and the curious, to experience the real Jersey Shore with the myriad of the event’s festivities. Jersey Shore Festival celebrates summer with an array of fun-filled activities. Live original bands can be seen on Friday and Saturday throughout town and in select venues including the Aztec, Jimbo’s, Spicy Cantina, JR’s, and Jack N Bill’s- to name a few.

The Jersey Shore Car Show is set for Saturday May 18th and will feature hot rods, muscle cars, and classics, and is open for competitors’ entry. The BMX, Skateboard, and Freestyle Motocross stunt shows will put on jaw-dropping shows on Grant Avenue in the midst of the festival’s Saturday excitement, and a Paintball field will be erected near Grant Avenue to host Paintball demos. The festivities also feature the Vendor Village to with food vendors, artists, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. The Festival invites the public to its Welcoming Party on Thursday May 16th, 6PM at Spicy Cantina in Seaside Heights (500 Boardwalk, at the corner of Sumner Ave and Ocean Terrace).

A free gourmet buffet from 7-9PM courtesy of Spicy Cantina will be provided with Coors Light drink specials, and features a Silent Auction to benefit Helping Hands of New Jersey. The non-profit organization began to assist NJ Families recover from Hurricane Sandy. While continuing to rebuild homes and perform other recovery-related tasks, Helping Hands of New Jersey helps New Jersey families in times of adversity. Saturday May 18th also features the official After Party for Roar to Restore the Shore motorcycle run at the Beachcomber Bar, 7:30pm at 100 Boardwalk. The fundraising rally is 1,000-bikes strong and is benefitting Jersey Shore families affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Beginning in Keyport NJ, the Roar to Restore the Shore will drive through Sandy-affected areas. The After Part starts at 7:30 with free buffet, Coors Light drink specials, as well as another Silent Auction to benefit fellow Sandy Recovery supporters Helping Hands of New Jersey. Performing bands include an array of local favorites plus emerging artists from out of town. Local names such as First To Friday, A Clever Con, Amanda Fama, Ropetree, Vextion, End of an Era, Out For More, The Black Clouds, The Black Jesuses, EOS, and many more are scheduled to perform. Bands new to the area and sure to impress include 3 Shades of Blue, No Risk, The Republik, The All Ways, and more, listed on the festival’s website, jerseyshorefestival.com.

Additional programming and band line-up will be detailed on the Jersey Shore Festival’s website daily. Those interested in participating in the event as a performing band, vendor, car show competitor, event sponsor, or attendee can contact info@jerseyshorefestival.com or call 732-203-7787.

On: May 16, 2013 @ 10:51 AM
IP: 68.239.232.41

• Event Name: “Do The Most for the Coast” A Community Haircut-A-Thon
• Event Date: 06/11/13
• Venue/Location: Salons Listed
• Town: Brick NJ
• Date: 6/11/13
• Brief Description: “Do The Most for the Coast” A Community Haircut-A-Thon for the HSNJRF
• Event Details: PRESS RELEASE

  Brick NJ –
  Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey- Local established hair salons in Shore communities will be contributing to their own communities affected by Hurricane Sandy on Tuesday June 11th, 2013. New or existing clients can enter participating salons during their regular business hours on June 11 and not only chop their tresses, but donate to a wonderful cause by doing so.

  Participating salons are donating 10% of all haircut proceeds from said day to the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund, Inc. Not only will this contribute to the community, but this event will boost sales for our local salons that did lose a portion of their clientele as a result of the natural disaster. The objective of this event is to rebuild our community together by raising $10,000.

  Participating Salons: All Cutting Crew locations, Spa Bella Salon & Boutique of Point Pleasant, Bridge Ave Barbershop of Point Pleasant, Paul Mitchell Jersey Shore Beauty Academy of Brick, Razberris of Toms River, J Michael Salon of Sea Girt, Roots Hair Lounge of Brick, and Aurelio’s Salon at both their Howell and Toms River Locations.

  About the Organization: The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund Inc. is an independent non-profit organization chaired by Mary Pat Christie. The fund raises and distributes funds to organizations that support the recovery and rebuilding efforts of New Jersey Communities impacted by the storm. The fund aims to make a sustainable long-term impact and focuses on programs that address the unmet needs of New Jersey communities.

  Contact Info:

  Christina Messano,
  Coordinator, Stylist
  Cutting Crew Sea Girt
  2176 Rte 35
  Sea Girt, NJ 08750
  Office: (732) 814-3955
  Email: cmessano23@gmail.com
  Release Date: IMMEDIATELY
  “Do the Most for the Coast”
  Community Haircut-A-Thon

• Web Only ($25 for non charities): no
• Print & Web ($15 per column in for non-charities): no
• Free. This event is being hosted by a qualified charity or non-profit organization.: yes
• Contact Name: Christina Messano
• Contact Phone Number: 7328143955
• Contact Email Address: cmessano23@gmail.com
• Business/Organization Name: Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund
• Billing Address: Address, City, State, ZipCode
• I agree that the information in accurate and I have the authority to purchase/publish this advertisement on behalf of the listed business or organization.: yes

On: May 13, 2013 @ 10:30 AM
IP: 173.15.134.65

• Event Name: MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING CENTER TO HOLD STRANDING VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP
• Event Date: 05/18/13
• Venue/Location: . Francis Community Center
• Town: Brant Beach
• Date: 05/18/13
• Brief Description: the Stranding Center will be training volunteers interested in becoming “first responders” for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in New Jersey.
• Event Details: OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – On Saturday, May 18 at 10:00am the Marine Mammal Stranding Center will be hosting a stranding volunteer workshop at St. Francis Community Center located at 4700 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach. At the workshop, the Stranding Center will be training volunteers interested in becoming “first responders” for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in New Jersey. Interested volunteers must be at least 18 years old and reside within 15 minutes of a beach or coastal waterway. To sign up for the workshop or get more information contact Sarah Miele, Education Coordinator, at (609) 266-0538.
• Web Only ($25 for non charities): no
• Print & Web ($15 per column in for non-charities): no
• Free. This event is being hosted by a qualified charity or non-profit organization.: yes
• Contact Name: Sarah Miele
• Contact Phone Number: 609-266-0538
• Contact Email Address: edummsc@aol.com
• Business/Organization Name: Marine Mammal Stranding Center
• Billing Address: Address, City, State, ZipCode
• I agree that the information in accurate and I have the authority to purchase/publish this advertisement on behalf of the listed business or organization.: yes

FILE PHOTO: Bishop Memorial Library, Washington Street. Erik Weber / Ocean Signal

The following was submitted by Ward 3 Councilman Jeffrey J. Carr and is published unedited per our letters policy.

It hardly seems it but, spring has arrived. Along with it comes yard work, Little League baseball and the Toms River Food Fest.  The Toms River Little League season got underway on April 6th.  It was a chilly Saturday morning but, much better than the rain filled event of last year. Mayor Kelaher and I were on hand at the TRLL fields to throw in the first pitch. Councilman Whittmann, Councilman Manforti and Councilwoman Maruca attended opening day at the TRELL complex.

This year’s Food Fest was held on Saturday, May 4th. The weather was nothing short of perfect. The event officially began at 12 noon but, the streets were already getting crowed by 11:30 am.  The event was kicked off by the Toms River High School North Marching Band parading down Washington Street.   That was followed by an invocation by Father Scott Schaeffer of St Joseph’s Church and the singing of the National Anthem by Lisa Evans, a Toms River South aluminous. There were 78 vendors in attendance and an abundance of food and drink.  There was a dunk tank sponsored by the fire department and lots of games and amusement rides for the kids. Four different bands played throughout the day and into the evening.  There was literally dancing in the streets.  Township Administrative Staff, Recreation Department,  Department of Public Works(recycling), Parks Buildings & Grounds, Mayors ADA Advisory Committee, Mayors Council for The developmental Disabled, Police Department and Safety and Fire Districts Bureau of Fire Prevention  were there to assist and answer any questions for our Township residents. It was estimated that over 25,000 people were in attendance.

Toms River prides itself in our efforts to be environmentally responsible and to promote recycling within the Township. In 2012 we received a recycling grant in the amount of $177,138.44. We were the fifth highest grant behind Newark ($299,903.76), Jersey City ($278,748.03), Paterson ($238,701.00), and Clifton ($222,103.44).  Based on our increased recycling tonnage (40,000 tons) we anticipate a higher grant for this year.

As far as the Clean Communities grant, the amount estimated to be received this year for Toms River is $168,296.83.  This puts us first in the County and third highest in the state behind Newark ($322,905.58) and Jersey City ($297,747.90).
Our Senior Center is always filled with some great activities available to our senior residents. I recently had the opportunity to attend an art show and tea party held at the senior center. Some wonderful art exhibits created by our senior residents were on display. Friday May 24th is our Health Fair and Picnic, free to all seniors. The time is 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Friday, May 31st is the Grand Opening of the Nutrition Site at the Toms River Senior Center. The festivities begin at 11:00 am.

On Saturday, June 1st, Toms River Youth Services will be holding a Kids’ Spring Cleaning Flea Market from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Our Youth Summer Camp will begin on June 24th. Family Carnival Day will be held on July 12th. There will be food, fun, game trailers and rides.

Our rebuilding process continues to receive our utmost attention.  The Land Use Committee continues to meet regularly to review our ordinances to ease the building process and to help rebuild using sound planning. The Council recently introduced new ordinances to better define and regulate setbacks and the construction of decks. The footings at the Lord House Lifeguard Station are complete and underground utilities are being installed.   The 3rd Avenue parking lot is scheduled to be completed on or about May 24th.  It will include new pavement, light poles and temporary restroom trailers. The number of parking spaces has been increased from 132 spaces to 150 spaces.  This cost of this work will be reimbursed by FEMA.  The boardwalk reconstruction continues to progress with pile driving being over 75% complete.  Other work underway or in the bidding process include repair of Township bulkheads and the first phase of Ortley roads.

Changes have also been instituted in our Building Department to ease the process of obtaining building permits. The department now opens at 7:30am. That is one hour earlier than usual. they are also open until 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Normal weekday closing time is 4:30pm. Inspections are performed Monday through Saturday. The Building Department staff has also worked some Sundays when the demand requires it.  Clerical staffing has been supplemented by hiring three additional permit clerks and one phone clerk. This equates to a 60% increase in clerical staff. The clerical staff also works overtime and on Saturdays to keep up with the volume. Other Township departments have also lent personnel during peak volume periods. The finance and tax offices have helped out with processing permits and certificates. The clerk’s office has handled all OPRA requests for permit documents. Administration has provided personnel to handle periods of high phone call volume, as well as unwavering support. This help was offered by other departments in the spirit of a true team effort.

Inspection and plan review staff has been increased with one full time inspector. We have also supplemented our inspection crew with personnel provided by the NJ DCA. This program, put in place immediately after the storm by the DCA, has been extremely beneficial to our residents. We had as many as 15 DCA inspectors helping us out immediately after the storm. As the demand fluctuates,  personnel is adjusted as necessary.

The department has issued 5,746 permits since 11/01/2012. That is an increase of 218% (2,634 permits) for the same period a year ago. To assist residents and their contractors, permit forms are now available for pick up at the Township’s Ortley Beach annex.

As summer approaches, we will continue our efforts to rebuild our Community.  While these continue to be difficult times for many, we must also continue to serve all of our residents. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many wonderful things our Township has to offer. There are many youth activities and sports programs available to our children. The senior center provides daily activities to our senior residents. And whether it’s a picnic, reading a book or a walk along a trail, our parks are a wonderful way to spend some time with family and friends. I wish everyone a safe and fun filled summer.  As always, I encourage you to send me your thoughts and comments to JCarr@TomsRiverTownship.com.  And don’t forget to visit our website at www.tomsrivertownship.com for more information about your town.

On: May 12, 2013 @ 6:15 AM
IP: 69.142.180.8

• Event Name: The Dezirae Gilliard Benefit
• Event Date: 06/14/13
• Venue/Location: Central Regional Middle School
• Town: Bayville
• Date: 5/12/13
• Brief Description: Pasta Dinner/Gift Auction
• Event Details: Berkeley Youth Football and Cheer will be coordinating a Benefit Dinner/Gift Auction for one of our cheerleaders, Dezirae Gilliard. Dezirae is 10 years old and resides in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. This dedicated young girl has been diagnosed with Pilyocitic Astrocytoma, an inoperable tumor in her brain stem. Although this is a non-cancerous tumor, it is life-threatening because of its location and doctors must treat it as if it is cancer. She will undergo chemotherapy five times a week for six weeks. Even though she has medical insurance, the cost to her family will be significant due to copays, deductibles, and travel expenses. Dezirae’s treatment will take place at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia within the next few months.
  Due to our organization’s non-profit status, we are unable to financially fund this benefit for Dezirae, so we are asking local business owners to make a donation such as gift cards, gift baskets, etc. for the Gift Auction. All proceeds from the benefit will be donated to the Dezirae Gilliard Benefit Fund.
  Monetary donations should be made out to:
  Dezirae Gilliard Benefit
  P.O. Box 107
  Bayville, NJ 08721
  If you should have any questions, please feel free to call us at (732) 269-4160
  We thank you in advance for your generous donation!
  Berkeley Youth Football and Cheer
  EIN# 26-3134240
• Web Only ($25 for non charities): no
• Print & Web ($15 per column in for non-charities): no
• Free. This event is being hosted by a qualified charity or non-profit organization.: yes
• Contact Name: Deena Petrich
• Contact Phone Number: 7322694160
• Contact Email Address: info@berkeleyeaglesyfc.org
• Business/Organization Name: Berkeley Youth Football & Cheer
• Billing Address: PO Box 107, Bayville, NJ 08721
• I agree that the information in accurate and I have the authority to purchase/publish this advertisement on behalf of the listed business or organization.: yes

The newly re-instated Ship Bottom Vol. Fire Co. Auxiliary
& Ship Bottom Vol. Fire Co. are hosting a

SUMMER SIZZLE
bringing the bay to 21st. Street!

This event will be a fundraiser for both volunteer organizations
which are non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.

Entertainment so far includes:

2:00-3:15  - The Road Dogs

3:15-3:45 – Hot Dog Eating Contest

3:45-5:00 – Big Whiskey Band

5:00-5:30 – Hands-free Watermelon eating contest

5:30-6:45 – The Roustabouts

7:00-8:15 – The Rock Lobsters

8:30-10:00 – Rock Solid Productions House Band

All activities, including bounce house, slides, baseball and football games,

plus  food, beverages, merchandise . will be available for donations.
For up-to-date details, follow our

facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/491424774250187/?fref=ts

and check our website: www.shipbottomfireco.com

On: May 8, 2013 @ 10:24 AM
IP: 96.56.207.138

• Event Name: Brick Girl Scouts Recruitment Event
• Event Date: 5/31/13
• Venue/Location: Veterans Elementary School gym
• Town: Brick
• Date: 5/8/13
• Brief Description: For girls going into K-3: Sample a Girl Scout meeting!
• Event Details: Meet new friends, see what happens in Girl Scouts, enjoy crafts!

  This event is FREE for girls going into grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade in Brick Township schools

  Friday, 5/31/13
  6-8pm
  Veterans Elementary School gymnasium

  Parents, have your questions answered about Girl Scouts, sign up your daughters and sign up if you can volunteer.

  If you cannot attend and are interested in signing your daughter up, contact Kelly McAllister kmcallister@girlscoutsjs.org

• Web Only ($25 for non charities): no
• Print & Web ($15 per column in for non-charities): no
• Free. This event is being hosted by a qualified charity or non-profit organization.: yes
• Contact Name: Kelly McAllister
• Contact Phone Number: 732-938-5454 x135
• Contact Email Address: kmcallister@girlscoutsjs.org
• Business/Organization Name: Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
• Billing Address: 242 Adelphia Rd., Farmingdale, NJ 07727
• I agree that the information in accurate and I have the authority to purchase/publish this advertisement on behalf of the listed business or organization.: yes

On: May 6, 2013 @ 9:24 AM
IP: 71.172.253.122

• Event Name: Psychic Fair & Craft Show
• Event Date: 05/25/13
• Venue/Location: Green Goddess Grange
• Town: Jackson
• Date: 5/6/13
• Brief Description: Psychic Fair & Craft Show
• Event Details: Psychic Fair & Craft Show @ Green Goddess Grange Saturday & Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. Crystals, Psychic Readings, Reiki, Massage, Energy Healings. Plenty of Handmade crafts & & Unique Gifts for sale.

  1265 Toms River Road (Route 571)
  Jackson NJ 08527
  (732) 987-9560

• Web Only ($25 for non charities): yes
• Print & Web ($15 per column in for non-charities): yes
• Free. This event is being hosted by a qualified charity or non-profit organization.: no
• Contact Name: Stefanie Main
• Contact Phone Number: 732-987-9560
• Contact Email Address: goldenacres@optonline.net
• Business/Organization Name: Green Goddess LLC
• Billing Address: 1265 Toms River Road Jackson NJ 08527
• I agree that the information in accurate and I have the authority to purchase/publish this advertisement on behalf of the listed business or organization.: yes

Have an event to share with the community, submit your event here.

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