Concerts...charity walks...fairs...the Jersey Shore is full of events for the whole family! Let us know about your event via email to dan.alexander@mrgnj.com.

Jersey Seafood Challenge - Seafood chefs from around New Jersey are invited to enter the 2008 Jersey Seafood Challenge to help promote the Jersey Seafood brand. Chefs will be required to prepare their signature dishes focusing on Jersey Seafood and a “Down the Shore New Jersey” family platter that showcases simple seafood recipes that can be prepared by home cooks.  A list of possible Jersey Seafood selections, all harvested locally is available at  jerseyseafood.nj.gov/PossibleJSSelections.html. The winner of the Jersey Seafood Challenge will go to New Orleans to compete in the Great American Seafood Cook-off in August of 2008  For chefs interested in participating in the Jersey Seafood Challenge, visit: jerseyseafood.nj.gov/08SeafoodChallenge.html.

Food Collection - The Township of Brick will be collecting canned goods at events at the Brick Township Civic Plaza between through mid-November to benefit Ocean County Hunger Relief.  Call 732-262-4781 for more information.

Books For Kids - Ocean County Library is helping to make the holidays a special time for children in the community through its Books for Kids program. All twenty one locations of the Ocean County Library are accepting new and gently used book donations from the community through December 1. All books collected are distributed to disadvantaged children in Ocean County. For more information, call 732-349-6200.

Red Bank Centennial Logo – The Red Bank Centennial Committee is accepting logo designs to commemorate the Borough’s 2008 Centennial Celebration. The logo should compliment Red Bank’s existing logo. Deadline to enter is December 1. For full contest details call (732)530-2797.

The Joseph Walker Run - Joseph Walker of New York plans to run in the ING NYC Marathon for the fourth consecutive year to benefit LADACIN Network, a nonprofit agency serving infants, children and adults with developmental and multiple physical disabilities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. In the past three years, Joseph has raised over $82,500 from donors across the country. Last year, the Agency purchased a van to use for field trips and to transport clients to doctor’s appointments, work and shopping. This year, donations will fund therapy services and equipment. Joseph hopes his four-year fundraising effort will exceed $100,000. To make a donation to the Joseph Walker Run, visit ladacin.org or send to LADACIN Network, Community Relations Department/Joseph Walker Run, 1701 Kneeley Boulevard, Wanamassa, NJ 07712. For more information, call732-493-5900.

Cell Phones For Soldiers – The Central Regional Alumni Association is collecting cell phones and cell phone accessories, regardless of their condition. They are sent to a recycler with the profits used to purchase calling cards for soldiers and their families in the States. For more information call (732)606-6040.

The Kimball Medical Center Foundation is selling tickets for a spring car raffle to benefit the hospital’s Mother-Infant Pavilion. The winner can select any 2008 Pine Belt Auto Group — which includes Cadillac, Chevrolet, Subaru, Nissan, Jeep and Chrysler vehicle Tickets cost $100 each, and only 1,000 chances will be sold for the raffle, which will be drawn in the hospital’s main lobby on Thursday, May 1, 2008 – Kimball’s 95th birthday. To purchase a ticket or for further information, call 732.886.GIFT (4438).

Toy Drive - True Fitness & Physical Therapy, located at 1 Cooper Avenue in Long Branch at the Promenade Beach Club is collecting new unwrapped toys for babies, toddlers, kids and teens.  Drop off hours are between 5:30 am to 9pm, Mon - Fri & 7:30am - 4pm Sat & Sun.  Donations of toys & gift will be accepted though December 24 and will benefit The St Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Trinity Church. Call 732-229-7800 for more information.

Dell’Omo Realtors in Plaza II on Route 35 in Ocean Township is teaming with the Monmouth County SPCA to find homes for people and pets. With every home sold  Dell’Omo Realtors will sponsor a pet at the shelter. The office will also act as a drop-off location for blankets, towels other items for the MSPCA’s pets. For more information call (732)531-5008 or click ajdellomo.com.

Be Red Cross Ready - Every region of our country is vulnerable to disasters of some type like flooding, severe storms, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes or high winds.  Disasters can strike quickly and without warning.  Preparing for disasters and every day emergencies can give families a great deal of confidence and peace of mind should the unexpected happen.Preparing for an emergency need not be overwhelming, time consuming or expensive.  The Be Red Cross Ready campaign is  an initiative to promote personal and community preparedness by taking three steps: 1) get a kit, 2) make a plan and 3) be informed.  To Be Red Cross Ready the Jersey Shore Chapter of the  Red Cross urges you visit a free online education module available at www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.

October

Through Sunday, October 28

Minstrel Show; Or the Lynching of William Brown
The New Jersey Repertory Company, located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch presents the  New Jersey premiere of Minstrel Show; Or the Lynching of William Brown by Max Sparber,  Friday, September 27 – Sunday, October 28.Performances will be Thursdays, Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm; Sundays at 2pm & 7pm.  Special reduced priced previews will be presented on Thursday and Friday, September 27 and 28 at 2pm and 8pm. Opening night is on Saturday September 29 at 8pm. A talk-back with the cast will follow each performance.  For more information call 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org.

Saturday, October 20 – Sunday, November 18

Visiting Mr. Green
Center Players, Inc. the resident theatre company of Freehold presents Visiting Mr. Green a comedy/drama about the friendship that develops between the elderly Mr. Green and 29-year-old corporate executive, Ross Gardiner The two are thrown together when the younger man is assigned community service in the form of helping the recently widowed Mr. Green after nearly running him over in New York traffic.  What starts as a resentful, but humorous exchange, develops into a relationship of caring and respect as the two men come to terms with the wounds of their respective pasts and make new discoveries about themselves, their beliefs, and their capacity for understanding and forgiveness. Visiting Mr. Green will run from Saturday, October 19 – Sunday, November 18. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.  Tickets are available at centerplayers.org or by calling the box office at 732-462-9093, option 1. 

Saturday, October 27 – Sunday, November 4

Into The Woods
The Jersey Shore Arts Center presents the NENA Productions Theater Group performance of Into The Woods. This Tony Award winning musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them to explore the consequences of the characters wishes & requests. For more information call (732)502-0050 or click nenaproductions.com.

Saturday, October 27

POSTPONED TIL NOVEMBER 3! Fall Festival Fund Raiser
The Monmouth Falcons Pop Warner football and cheer teams hold a Fall Festival Fund Raiser at their new football field on West Park Avenue in Tinton Falls from 2PM-8PM. Enjoy a Halloween costume contest, walk-a-thon, face painting, live music, a pig roast and more. Proceeds will go towards the completion of their new field. For more information call (732)918-1014.

Lakehurst Halloween Parade & Fright Night
Lakewood’s annual Halloween Parade steps off at 11AM at the Post Office on Brown Avenue, led by the Manchester High Marching Band to the Lake Horicon pavilion for a costume contest. Fright Night begins at 7PM at the Lakehurst Community Center with a Haunted House. For more information call (732)657-4141.

POSTPONED UNT IL SUNDAY! Children’s Fair & Craft Show
Beachwood Elementary PTO hosts a Children’s Fair & Craft Show on the grounds of the school on Berkeley Avenue from 11AM-3PM with 8 inflatable rides, interactive attractions, a teacher gladiator joust and dunk tank and more. For more information call (732)505-5820.

Bully Prevention Seminar
Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts Of Toms River holds a free Bully Prevention Seminar on Saturday, October 27th. Call 1-800-52-TIGER to reserve your free place.

Gift Auction
The Brick Township High School Dance team holds a Gift Auction at the School beginning at 5:30PM. For more information call (732)262-1794.

Pet Adoption Day
PNC Bank on Route 70 @ 571 in Manchester holds an Adopt A Pet Day at the Manchester office with several non-profit shelters and rescues on site. PNC will make a donation to the shelters and rescues for every checking account opened that day.

Hallow-Marine
The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium (NJMSC) presents their  fifth annual Hallow-Marine on Sandy Hook and all those things, plus weird lights, spooky sounds and more whose tales will chill the intrepid souls who dare to take this journey through modern science and ancient myths about The Hook. Call (732) 872-1300, X30  for reservations or click njmsc.org/Education/Hallow_Marine.htm. Children must be  accompanied by an adult. 

Sunday, October 28

Children’s Fair & Craft Show
Beachwood Elementary PTO hosts a Children’s Fair & Craft Show on the grounds of the school on Berkeley Avenue from 11AM-3PM with 8 inflatable rides, interactive attractions, a teacher gladiator joust and dunk tank and more. For more information call (732)505-5820. (This event originally scheuled for 10/27)

Cut-A-Thon
The Muscular Dystrophy Association for Monmouth and Ocean Counties holds a Cut-A-Thon at the Charles Edward Salon in Whiting from 10AM – 4PM to benefit ALS Research. For more information call (732)936-9940.

Trick Or Treat Trot
The Jersey Shore Runners Club holds their Trick Or Treat Trot at Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch with registration starting at 9:30 at the Windmill Restaurant.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch.  The Kids Races will begin at 10:30 AM with the 4 Mile Race starting at 11:00 AM.  A Costume Parade will start at 11:45AM with prizes given for costumed runners and parade participants.   Call 732/542-6090 or jsrc.org.

Monday, October 29

Blood Drive
Bayshore Pharmacy on Route 36 @ First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands holds a Blood Drive from 5PM-8PM in the parking lot. For more information call 732-291-2900.

Breast Cancer Awareness Raffle
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to promote breast health awareness and the importance of early detection Aquamedica day spa at Pier Village in Long Branch is hosting a Chance Raffle for an array of prizes donated by area organizations to benefit the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center.  In addition to the Chance Raffle, Aquamedica will also host patients of Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center on Monday, October 29 and treat them to complementary spa services. For more information call 732-222-8611.

November

Thursday, November 1 – Saturday, November 3

Job Fair
Monmouth Mall on Route 35 at 36 in Eatontown holds a Job Fair with the New Jersey Department Of Labor to recruit help for the holidays on Thursday & Friday from 4PM-8PM and Saturday 10AM-4PM.  Call 732-542-0334 or click monmouthmallonline.com.

Inherit The Wind
The Manasquan High School Drama Club presents the courtroom drama Inherit The Wind at the school’s Jack Nicholson Theatre with a curtain time of 7:30PM. For more information call (732)223-8330.

Noises Off
The Point Pleasant Borough High School Performing Arts Center presents Noises Off, the uproarious comedy following the on-and-off stage antics of an inept acting troupe as they stumble from bumbling dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night. Performances are at 7PM on November 1 and at 8PM on November 2 and 3. Call (732)701-1900 X2218 for tickets and addition information.

Thursday, November 1

Vendor Night
SRH Elementary School in Neptune hosts a Vendor Night from 5PM-9PM with over 50 merchants on hand to benefit the PTA.

Friday, November 2

Policeman’s Ball
Neptune PBA #74 hosts the Monmouth County Conference Policeman’s Ball at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune. Themed “Concerns Of Police Survivors,” proceeds from the Ball benefit Garden State Survivors to provide emotional, financial and legal resources for families and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Sunday, November 3

Rescue Ridge Fundraiser
Bar Anticipation in Lake Como hosts a fundraiser for Rescue Ridge from 3PM-7PM featuring live music, a magician, dancing, dinner and more. Rescue Ridge is a non-profit animal rescue group serving pets in Monmouth & Ocean Counties. Call 732-681-3450 for tickets.

Fall Festival Fund Raiser
The Monmouth Falcons Pop Warner football and cheer teams hold a Fall Festival Fund Raiser at their new football field on West Park Avenue in Tinton Falls from 2PM-8PM. Enjoy a Halloween costume contest, walk-a-thon, face painting, live music, a pig roast and more. Proceeds will go towards the completion of their new field. For more information call (732)918-1014. (This event postponed from 10/27)

Comedy Show
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Laurelton Fire Company #1 holds a Comedy Show at the Firehouse on Route 88 beginning at 7PM. For more information call (732)899-5587.

Gift Basket Auction
Beachwood Soccer Club holds a Gift Basket Auction at Toms River Intermediate South beginning at 5:30pm to order a basket call (732) 473-0915.

Battery Giveaway
The Brick Bureau of Fire Safety and fire companies from Brick team up to hand out free smoke detector batteries in conjunction with the end of Daylight Savings Time beginning at 10AM at Walmart on Route 88, Lowes on Route 70 and Costco on Route 88 while supplies last.

Sunday, November 4

Elie Wiesel At Strand Theater
Georgian Court University, the historic Strand Theater, and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County present Against Indifference, an afternoon with Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel at 1:30 p.m. at the historic Strand Theater, Lakewood. This special afternoon with Professor Wiesel, one of the leading figures of our time, will bring to the forefront the importance of standing up to those who would spread prejudice and hate, rather than giving in to indifference.  For more information call 732.367.7789.

Monday, November 5 – Monday, November 12

YMCA Arts Week
The Ocean County YMCA joins hundreds of YMCA’s and communities across the nation in celebrating national YMCA Arts Week 2007 November 5-12.  The Ocean County YMCA will celebrate Arts Week through activities that honor the efforts of artists, performers, and cultural groups working to make the arts and humanities a part of everyone’s life.  Call 732.341.9622 or click ocymca.org for more information.

Tuesday, November 6

Visitors Day Networking Meeting
The Toms River I Chapter of Business Network International (BNI) hosts a Visitors Day Networking Meeting at 11:30 am at the Quality Inn on Route 37 in Toms River. Click bnidvr.com or call (732)892-8882 for more information. 

Wednesday, November 7

Finish The Fight Against Cancer
ProHaloLeague.com holds Finish The Fight Against Cancer, a Halo 3 Free-for-All tournament at the Game Lounge on Hazelwood Drive in Toms River from 3PM-9:30PM to benefit the American Cancer Society.  For more information click prohaloleague.com.

Blood Drive
The Middletown Elks Club hosts a Blood Drive & Spaghetti Dinner at their location at Church Street in Belford from 6PM-9PM. Call (732)757-8639 to make an appointment and for more information.

Networking Trade Show
Five Ocean County Chambers of Commerce are joining together to present a networking trade show extravaganza for the business community at Jenkinson’s Pavilion in Point Pleasant Beach on Wednesday, November 7th, from 5-7 p.m.   Participating Chambers of Commerce are: Brick, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Lakewood, and Toms River. The event will feature, in addition to the trade table displays, pasta stations, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, and a cash bar.  For additional information or to register for the event, please call the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce at 732-477-4949.

Thursday, November 8 – Saturday, November 17

The Real Inspector Hound & Bang, Bang you’re Dead
The Ocean County College Theatre Company presents two one-act plays as its Fall Production at the OCC Fine Arts Center on the Main Campus. The Real Inspector Hound and Bang, Bang Youre Dead will be performed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 8, 9, 10 at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, November 16, 17 at 8:00 p.m. November 9 will be a dinner/theatre, November 11 is a signed performance, and November 17 is a talkback session.  Details follow below. For ticket information, call the OCC Fine Arts Center box office at 732.255.0500.

Saturday, November 10

Garage Sale
The Monsignor Donovan High School Band, The Grifftones, holds a Garage Sale on from 8AM-1PM  in the MDHS Parking lot on Donovan Drive off Terrace Avenue in Toms River.  Proceeds from the sale will help the band purchase new instruments.  Articles for sale include household items, toys, games, clothing, small furniture, baby furniture and more.

Chuck Nevins Surf Fishing Benefit
Bayville Elks Lodge #2394 holds their 6th annual Chuck Nevins surf fishing benefit to help children  with cancer with fishing beginning at 5AM at the Lodge.   For more information call 732-269-2954

Sunday, November 11

2nd Annual LT Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Run/Walk
The 2nd Annual LT Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Run/Walk to benefit the LT Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund takes place the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel at 10AM with a Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Tribute to Lieutenant Zilinski at 8:50 am. The LT Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund helps disabled service members on their return home from deployment and their families and to fund partial academic scholarship at Christian Brothers Academy in Dennis’ name. In 2005 Dennis, who grew up in Middletown was killed in action while serving in Bayji, Iraq.  For more information click RunWithDennis.org.

Open House
Georgian Court College hosts an Open House beginning at 1 PM. For more details call (732) 987 – 2760 or click georgian.edu.

Tuesday, November 13

Academic Challenge
Monsignor Donovan High School hosts the Gateway Toyota Academic Challenge on Tuesday, November 13 & Tuesday, November 20. Over 70 teams from 50 schools in Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Burlington, Atlantic, and Camden counties competing for cash prizes. For more information call 732-349-8801, x 2426.

Veteran’s Day Recognition Ceremony
The Manchester Township High School Student Government Association holds its annual Veteran's Day Recognition Ceremony beginning at 2 pm in the High School Auditorium on South Colonial Drive.  For more information call 732-657-2121.

Gift Auction
Sisterhood Temple Beth Or holds their annual Gift Auction at the Temple on Van Zile Road in Brick beginning at 6PM. For more information call (732)468-4700.

Wednesday, November 14

Alzheimer’s Disease Health Fair
The Toms River Senior Center hosts an Alzheimer’s Disease Health Fair for older adults and caregivers between 11 AM and 2 PM at the Center located at 652 Garfield Avenue.  Information on Alzheimer’s will be presented throughout the day. Some transportation is available and can be arranged by calling (732) 341-1000 x 8474

Friday, November 16

Bounce Out The Stigma
The Harlem Wizards take on a team made up of Lacey Township school committee members and residents in a charity basketball game at 7PM at Lacey High School to commemorate Epilepsy Awareness Month.  All proceeds go to the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey. 

Shopping Night
Dover Elementary School in Toms River hosts its 2nd annual Holiday Vendor Shopping Night from 7PM-9PM.

Gift Auction
The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold holds their Fifth Annual Gift Auction at Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Drive in Monroe Township at 6:00PM.  This event is the major fundraiser that supports many of the club’s projects that benefit and encourage youth in our local community.   For additional information & tickets call  732-446-6447 or click sunrise-optimist.com/.

Saturday, November 17

Child Safety Day
Retro Fitness on Campus Drive in Marlboro hosts a Child Safety Day from 12noon-4PM with McGruff The Crime Dog. Create an identity card for your child, get their thumbprints, and learn about crime prevention & safety and more.  Call 732-861-2752 for additional information

Craft And Vendor Fair
Southard School PTA holds its Fifth Annual Craft and Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southard Elementary School, 115 Kent Road (across from Wal-Mart's side entrance) in Howell featuring specialty crafters, vendors with gifts wrapped and ready for giving, baked goods, refreshments and door prizes. If you are interested in participating as a vendor call 732-865- 2048.

Sunday, November 18

Sunday Smilers
The Monmouth County Park System continues Sunday Smilers,  a series of high caliber cultural arts performances designed for children and family audience with Aesop’s Fables.  Harking back to ancient Greece, these timeless tales have entertained children for centuries For more information call (732) 842-4000.

Tuesday, November 20

Academic Challenge
Monsignor Donovan High School hosts the Gateway Toyota Academic Challenge on Tuesday, November 13 & Tuesday, November 20. Over 70 teams from 50 schools in Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Burlington, Atlantic, and Camden counties competing for cash prizes. For more information call 732-349-8801, x 2426.

Friday, November 23

Brick High School Class Of ’87 Reunion
Brick High School’s Class Of ’87 holds their 20th year reunion at Martell’s on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk from 7PM-12midnight. For more information click brick1987.com.

Sunday, November 25

Navesink Challenge
The Jersey Shore Running Club (JSRC), the Middletown Youth Athletic Association (MYAA) and Habitat for Humanity of Long Branch host the seventh annual Navesink Challenge, which starts and finishes at Bodman Park in Middletown. Proceeds from the event will benefit MYAA and Habitat for Humanity. The Navesink Challenge includes two races; a challenging 15K run begins at 10 AM and a 5K run/walk begins at 10:10 AM. Registration online at JerseyRunner.com or by calling  732-542-6090.

Ocean Of Love Bus Trip
The Lions Club Of Brick sponsors a bus trip to Harrah’s Showboat Casino in Atlantic City to benefit Ocean Of Love departing the Brick Township Municipal Building at 2PM and returning at 9:30AM.  For tickets call (732)477 1010.

Thursday, November 22

Thanksgiving Dinner
Church of the Epiphany hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner for those who will be alone this holiday season at 12noon. There is no fee and transportation will be provided if needed. For more information call (732)458-0220.

Thursday, November 29

Holiday Shopping Spree
The Tinton Falls PTA holds a Holiday Shopping Spree from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., t the Mahala F. Atchison School in Tinton Falls at 961 Sycamore Avenue featuring over 50 vendors/crafters.

December

Saturday, December 1

Craft Show
The Neptune High School Band hosts a Craft Show from 9AM-3PM at the school on Neptune Boulevard featuring 100 crafters &vendors, pictures with Santa Claus, raffles and more.

Ship Bottom Christmas Parade
The Ship Bottom Merchants Association hosts their 26th annual Christmas Parade and Winter Festival. Festival hours are 10AM-4PM; the Parade steps off at 1PM. For more information call (609)494-2171 X116.

Friday, December 7

Glow Ball
The Arc Of Monmouth holds its 41st annual Winter Glow Ball with the theme Celebrating Out Future at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands. The Ball will feature live music, auctions and recognition of three honorees for their work with the Arc. For more information call (732)493-1919.

Saturday, December 8

Craft Fair
The Brick Township High School Marching Dragons holds their 28th Annual Holiday Craft Fair at Brick Township High School. To display your handmade crafts call (732) 920-3620, or click here.

Sunday, December 9

Sunday Smilers
The Monmouth County Park System continues Sunday Smilers,  a series of high caliber cultural arts performances designed for children and family audience  a lighthearted twist on a holiday classic with A Cowhand’s Christmas Carol.  Featuring a hero, a villain, and a fair damsel, this funny melodrama is sure to warm hearts. For more information call (732) 842-4000.

January

Sunday, January 20

Sunday Smilers
The Monmouth County Park System continues Sunday Smilers,  a series of high caliber cultural arts performances designed for children and family audience  a lighthearted twist on a holiday classic with Robert, The Bear Who Went to The Mall on Sunday, January 20.  Through Robert’s adventure, the audience will learn that the best way to be happy is to be true to oneself. For more information call (732) 842-4000.

February

Sunday, February 10

Harlem Wizards At Monmouth Regional
Monmouth Regional hosts a basketball between the Harlem Wizards and the faculty of the high school along with schools that feed the high school.