SEVENTH ANNUAL ‘RUN WITH DENNIS’ SET FOR NOVEMBER 4th To Include Second Annual One-Mile Youth Run Proceeds to Benefit Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund

Red Bank & Holmdel, NJ (Friday, October 5, 2012) -- The seventh annual Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial 3.5-mile run and 2.0 mile walk is slated for Sunday, November 4, 2012 (rain or shine) at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ.  Race registration begins at 7:45 AM, followed by an opening ceremony at 8:50 AM, and the start of the race is slated for 10:00 AM.

All proceeds will benefit the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, which sponsors programs for injured soldiers and scholarships for students attending Christian Brother’s Academy in Lincroft, NJ.

Participants can now also join in a run clinic to be held at RoadRunner Sports, 490 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ on Wednesday, October 24 from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.  Participants are advised to bring a Run flyer or tell the clerk they are there for the Run with Dennis. There will also be a race package pickup at RoadRunner Sports scheduled for October 30 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.  Participants will be able to pick up their bibs and shirts prior to the day of the race.

Funds raised by over 1,200 participants and generous corporate and individual sponsors in 2011 were donated to: Underwater Warriors, Inc.; The Fisher House; a presentation of four hand-crank bikes to our wounded warriors; scholarships for Christian Brother’s Academy; a donation to LCPL Adrian Simone, US Marine Corps and NJ resident; Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon for KIA bracelets; Honor and Remember flags for 12 NJ Gold Star Moms; Jersey Shore Marines and AMP Surf; 1,000 pounds of dog supplies for military working dogs in Afghanistan; the funding of school and care packages to the troops in Afghanistan, and providing four wounded warriors suffering with PTSD and TBI injuries with service dogs.

Different sponsorship levels and registration information for this year’s event can be found at www.runwithdennis.org or by emailingrunwithdennis@yahoo.com.  Cash donations, as well as in-kind sponsorships for items such as water, beverages, fruit, printing, banners, etc. are needed.  Sponsorships must be received by October 31 for print recognition.

This year’s sponsors include: Investors Savings Bank, Timothy 6:17 Foundation, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, The Dardin Fund, Howell Township PBA, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Tort family.

About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund:

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor Lt. Zilinski’s memory and spirit for life.  All proceeds raised on behalf of the fund are used to support programs that assist our wounded soldiers and their families, and to provide scholarships in Dennis’ name to his alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy.  The Fund strives to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families and provides scholarships that invest in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski.

For more information including sponsorship opportunities and race registration please visit: www.runwithdennis.org. 

Additional donations may be sent to: Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, PO Box 35, Holmdel, NJ 07733.

Possible suitor for Avaya? Monmouth Girls Academy Said To Be Interested

There has been talk recently that there maybe a commercial buyer interested in purchasing the controversial AVAYA site and redeveloping the property into something other than a high density housing project which would consist of 342 units.

In order to deflect residents anger away from the proposed housing project at AVAYA, members of the Township Committee have been floating rumors and innuendo to Lincroft citizens groups like SONIC and the Lincroft Village Green Association about a potential commercial buyer of the property, but they have been mum on details and wont elaborate.

Earlier today I was forwarded an email that I thought would be of interest to some in Lincroft. The email (posted below minus contact information, I can forward if interested) details a plan that would have the Monmouth Girls Academy purchasing the property and turning it into an all girls school similar to that of Christian Brothers Academy, which is also located in Lincroft:

Hi all,

You may have heard the facts by now but here is a summary for the proposed school:

• Yes - they ARE serious about this!! The feasibility study is being funded by local parents who seem quite determined to make this happen.
• The school would be accredited by the Middle States Association and Colleges.
• The school will be somewhere in Lincroft - they have already checked out the Avaya property.
• Tuition would be comparable to CBA - currently $13,000. Academics and curriculum would be comparable to CBA.
• Like CBA - the school would NOT be a part of the Diocese of Trenton.
• Target enrollment would be 500-600 girls.
• Target freshman class - Sept 2013 a bit aggressive but they are hopeful:)!
• They currently have a Steering Committee in place with various local Educators and professionals.
• They also have a Founders Committee in place to raise funds if the study has a positive outcome.
• Meitler Consultants hopes to complete the study by October 2011.
• This is the first Phase in the process.

How can you help? Go to the website www.monmouthgirlsacademy.org and register so they can get an idea of just how many parents are truly interested in the school.

Also - please forward to anyone you think would be interested. I did not use any group e-mail lists so as to not abuse the system.

On the surface, I don't think this is a viable plan. There is just too much involved to make this happen and at a cost that would easily exceed millions of dollars. First off the building is very large and sits on partial wetlands building an active campus for students would seem almost impossible at that site. But stranger things have happened.

We'll just have to see how it plays out.