Our Monmouth Blog

The Freehold Center Partnership has announced the continuation of Freehold Idol, a contest based on the runaway TV talent show spectacular “American Idol” as well as some changes.

In the endeavor to nurture potential pop icons of the future, every Wednesday evening, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the gazebo on Main Street is the chance to hear budding pop stars perform in Freehold Idol. This contest is now open for aspiring singers aged 16 to 27, with the grand finale scheduled on August 21, 7:30 to 9:30 pm on stage in the Hall of Records parking lot, East Main Street.

Judges are Joe Orlando and Mick Walsh, both of the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts, and local musician David Singer. MC is Spook Handy.

Prizes so far are as follows: First prize, $500.00 plus recording a demo at the Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts, second prize is $250.00 plus a free hair makeover at Chez Baliye in Marlboro, and third prize is $100.00.

Application forms are available at www.freeholdcenter.com and there is a $5.00 registration fee.

Upcoming Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Events

Monday, July 21st - 5:30 -7:30 pm
Free Business Card Exchange sponsored by the Young Professionals Group:
Metropolitan Cafe, 8 East Main St., Freehold
The Metro offers a full Sushi bar and Grill, Martini’s and drink specials. The lounge has been reserved. Bring plenty of business cards to share with other professionals in the area!
Thursday, July 24th - 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Summer Fun & Hidden Talents event:
Monmouth Academy of Musical Arts, 1230 Campus Drive West, Morganville
$25/pp
We know that our Chamber members possess many talents that remain hidden during the normal course of business. This is an opportunity to hide them no longer. Whether you talent is singing, playing an instrument, or fine arts…come join in the fun! Collaborative efforts are welcome. If you don’t wish to be a performer, just come and enjoy the food and the entertainment. It is always a fun event!
Wednesday, July 30th 5:00 - 8:00 pm (free event)
ATHENA Garden Party hosted by HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospitals of Tinton Falls and Toms River:
2 Centre Plaza, Tinton Falls
Wine-Carving Station-Hors d’oeuvres
We are celebrating 23 years of ATHENA Award Presentations by WMCC and opening the call for 2008 Nominations!
RSVP by July 25 - register online at www.wmchamber.com

The The Star-Ledger put together a nice list of local events. I have pulled out some highlights but the full list can be found here.

Holmdel
This year’s Memorial Day ceremony will include the announcement of two names added to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, presentation of two scholarships to New Jersey high school seniors and the induction of one Vietnam Veteran into the memorial’s “In Memory” program, 11 a.m. Monday, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, 1 Memorial Lane. Call (732) 335-0033.

Keyport
The Keyport Centennial Memorial Day parade will begin on Beers Street then end at Fireman’s Park. There will be a competition of floats with trophies awarded to the winners. Local businesses will offer “Centennial Specials” for the day. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. Fireman’s Park is at the corners of West Front Street and American Legion Drive. Call (732) 739-5138.

Long Branch
The city’s Memorial Day services will begin at 9 a.m. Monday with a gathering at Fireman’s Field. Then at 9:45 a.m. there will be a wreath laying ceremony at West End Beach. At 10:15 a.m. everyone will gather at Jerry Morgan Park on Liberty Street between Broadway and Joline Avenue. Then at 11 a.m. at City Hall there will be the annual Memorial Day services and announcement of essay contest winners. Ending with an open house at VFW Post 2140 on Willow Avenue. Call (732) 571-6542.

Ocean Grove
In the spirit of the Memorial Day holiday, Ocean Grove will kick off its summer entertainment season with a free concert by The Atlantic Wind Ensemble titled “America, One Nation Under God,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Great Auditorium, 54 Pilgrim Pathway. Call (800) 965-9324.

If you know any others please let us know.
Have a great holiday weekend!

American Recreational Military Services (A.R.M.S), a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity

In order to help the local charity ARMS on its important mission we have volunteered to actively help promote its latest fund raising efforts. Any business or organization making a suggested contribution of $250 dollars or more will receive a thank you on OurMonmouth.com.
A special section on the homepage has been created just to show support from the local business community. Our troops and their families really deserve community support for their sacrifices. Please help us show them that we appreciate their service to our county. You support a great cause and we support your business! Any support or help in promoting this cause is appreciated.

For more information go to the business and community directory of Monmouth County.

Best wishes and thank you!

Complete Press release:

ARMS reaches out to fellow New Jerseyans to help “our own” deployed troops.
This year NJ will experience the biggest troop activation of our National Guard and Reserves since WWII. We cannot continue doing what we have done so well for the past 5 years without everyone’s help. 3,200 troops will be deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, they and their families will need comfort both abroad and at home and ARMS can supply this with help from all fellow New Jerseyans. Please help our campaign and donate a tax deductible donation to A.R.M.S.
Red Bank, NJ, April 14th, 2008: American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) an all volunteer 501c3 is asking for your help. This year NJ will experience the biggest troops surge since WWII. We cannot continue doing what we have done so well for the past 5 years without everyone’s help. 3,200 troops will be deployed, they and their families will need comfort both abroad and at home and ARMS can supply this with help from all fellow New Jerseyans.
Our biggest expense is packaging material and shipping cost. The average comfort package that we send to the troops cost about $10.00 in postage to ship. We do not get a shipping cost discount from the U.S. Post Office The content of the packages are all donated by the wonderful school children, parents, church groups, civic groups, veteran organizations and business owners, of NJ. Over the past 5 years we have shipped over 20,000 packages to the troops.
The impact your can make on these families lives with your support cannot be underestimated. Your donations either financial, goods, or time is critical to our success. To show our appreciation of your support OurMonmouth.com has committed to recognize any business, organization, or individual that contributes over $250 with a featured spot on the homepage. OurMonmouth.com is a local business and community directory of Monmouth County.
American Recreational Military Services (A.R.M.S), a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity was founded in 2003 by a group of grass roots volunteers who wanted to give something back to the military and their families. In a matter of months, this small organization had grown from just a handful to more than 325 volunteers throughout the tri-state area. A.R.M.S. continues to provide services to local armories throughout the region. A.R.M.S. supports the area unit Family Readiness Groups, as well as providing direct assistance to family members in need. In addition, A.R.M.S. has been working with the local military bases to address quality of life issues for soldiers and their families.
# # #
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Ronnie Micciulla, please call (732) 890-4914 or e-mail ronnie@supportarms.org.

Where
Liberty State Park
Historic Central Railroad Terminal
Jersey City, NJ

Show Hours
Friday, April 25: 10am to 6pm
Saturday, April 26: 10am to 6pm
Sunday, April 27: 10am to 5pm

Location
PSEG Global Green Expo 2008 takes place at the historic central railroad terminal at spectacular Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ. See a map and directions here.

About PSEG Global Green Expo 2008

The PSEG Global Green Expo 2008 Whether you are single or married, a child or a senior, a home owner or renter, biker or driver, environmentalist or gas guzzler – the Expo has exhibits, speakers and demonstrations that will make it easy for you to take the next step in creating a more sustainable earth.

Thanks to Figmentations for bringing this event to my attention.

Best wishes.

Music, Raffles, Silent Auction and the Best of the Jersey Shore Chefs

Over 40 restaurants, brewers and wineries collaborate with The FoodBank to raise funds to help end hunger.

Held: May 5, 2008
At: The Mill at Spring Lake Heights
From: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Tickets $85 per person. Books of 10 tickets, $75 per person.

Participating Restaurants:
Atlantic Bar & Grill, Bay Avenue Trattoria, Black Trumpet, The Beanery, Branches Catering, Brandl, Chocolate Carousel, Clover Hill Coffee, Crown Beer & Wine, Danny’s Steak House & Seafood Grill, Doris & Ed’s, Farrell’s, Fedway Associates, Gaetano’s of Red Bank, Gallo Wine Sales of NJ, Joe Leone’s Catering, Kepwel Spring Water, La Nonna Piancone’s Café, Mahogany Grille, McLoone’s Rum Runner & Pier House, Market in the Middle, Molly Pitcher Inn, Mumford’s Culinary Center, Oyster Point Hotel, Piccola Italia, R&R Marketing, LLC, Red’s Frozen Custard, Rooney’s Oceanfront, Scarborough Fair, Shipwreck Grill, Susan Murphy’s Ice Cream, Synaxis, The Melting Pot, The Mill at Spring Lake Heights, The Pilot House, Tuscany Restaurant, Wegman’s Food Markets, What’s For Dessert. List subject to change.

For more information visit the Foodbank website.

For a extensive list of local restaurants and cuisine visit OurMonmouth.com local business and community directory.

I felt horrible when I read this Star Ledger article about a robbery and arson of a West Caldwell Pizzeria. The below excerpt is taken from the report:

A group of men robbed a West Caldwell pizzeria owner early this morning, then beat him before tying him up and setting the shop on fire, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The report goes on to say

… two West Caldwell police officers were injured rescuing the restaurant owner, who was not identified. The prosecutor’s office could not confirm that and West Caldwell police would not comment.

As if tough competition is not enough, issues like shop-lifting, internal theft, bad checks, credit card fraud, are sure to make any business owner cringe. As business owners we need to always be aware and watching not only to protect our assets and business but to protect ourselves.

Unfortunately these types of events are something that we all need to be prepared for. Having a alarm and video surveillance is a great deterrent. These types of systems are not cheap but what is the price of peace of mind worth? We all work very hard to make a living and need to take steps to protect ourselves.

The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group is coordinating a momentous charity event to help gather essential items for 180 Turning Lives Around. 180, Turning Lives Around, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. Promotional opportunities available. Donate a door prize - Gain visibility for your business and receive a free event ticket for the young professional in your company. Contact Diana Moore to learn more - 732-431-4440.

Guests are asked to bring an item from the 180 Wish List

When:
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:00 PM

Where:
Cue N Brew 1212 State Route 34 # 14, Matawan, NJ 07747 Google Map

Cost:
$10 in advance / $15 at door

This is a great event for a great cause.

The Monmouth County SCORE chapter is offering an opportunity to attend a FREE seminar on how to start a new business. SCORE is a great resource to help new business owners get started.

Areas to be covered include entrepreneurial self-evaluation, preparing a dream plan of expectations and goals, business plan preparation basics, registration and licensing procedures, as well as legal and financing options. Presenters will be Joe Wasilewski, a CPA specializing in small business management, financial planning and control and Al Pescoe, a successful entrepreneur who will review the keys to achieving success with a start up enterprise.

Where:
Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan 732-431-7242
When:
Wed, 2/13/08 6:30PM - 8:30PM

If you would like to attend, please click here or go to the SCORE36 Web site at www.score36.org and click on the Seminar Schedule tab to access the sign up button. You may also register by calling the library at the above number or the SCORE 36 office at (732) 219-9119.

Wishing you success.

Pancake Breakfast
Kidney Transplant Fund-raiser

Pancake Breakfast to support 15 year old Maren Jones and her parents with the medical and travel expenses for Maren’s Kidney Transplant.

Location:
The Woman’s Club of Matawan
199 Jackson Street, Matawan NJ

Date: December 9th, 2007 10:00am - 1:00pm

$10.00 for Adults and $7.00 Children under 12