Free Thanksgiving Dinner

There's no need to go hungry this Thanksgiving. There are a number of organizations in the area that will be serving free Thanksgiving dinner for those in need.

hat tip  Steven Duncan

Middletown North Support Parkland Students

One month after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, students of Middletown North High School and thousands of others from around the country, showed their support and solidarity for the victims of Parkland's Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School by walking out of class yesterday.

Students gathered on the MNHS football field at 10 am and observed a 17 minute moment of silence in honor of the 17 people killed in last months shooting.

I'm not sure who took the pictures below, they are making the rounds on various social media pages. I believe the bottom was taken by North student, Spencer Bennett via drone camera.

Our Middletown students are amazing and our heart are with all of their's, honoring those who lost their lives. We see you, hear you and support all of you.

On Saturday, March 24th, we can all show our support by attending the “March for Our Lives” in Red Bank.

NJ FRAMES Open House

TRENTON – On Thursday, February 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the lobby of the Two River Theater in Red Bank, the Department of Environmental Protection will host an event for the public to offer input about flooding concerns in the Two Rivers region and learn what steps are being taken to improve flooding resiliency in the area.

The open house will feature booths where the public can learn about flood resiliency efforts, sea- level rise, ecology basics and more.

The open house is part of the DEP’s New Jersey Fostering Regional Adaptation through Municipal Economic Scenarios (NJ FRAMES) project, which aims to help officials in the region understand the impacts of flood resiliency decisions in the communities surrounding the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a year ago awarded New Jersey a $900,000 Regional Coastal Resilience Grant to help the 15 municipalities in northeastern Monmouth County develop a regional plan to address the potential impacts of storm surge and other coastal hazards.

The Two River Theater is at 21 Bridge Avenue in Red Bank.

Directions from Garden State Parkway:

 Take Exit 109 toward Red Bank/Lincroft
 Go three-tenths of a mile and turn left onto Route 520/Newman Springs Road
 Go three-tenths of a mile and turn left onto Half Mile Road
 Go six-tenths of a mile and turn right onto West Front Street
 Go 1.2 miles and and turn left onto Bridge Avenue. Destination is on the left.


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Learn more about NJ FRAMES

Equal Pay for Women Rally In Red bank

There is a rally for Equal Pay for Women this Sunday 12pm outside Senator Jen Beck's office, 32 Monmouth St Red Bank. The Monmouth County Democratic Women's Caucus is organizing the rally.

APP: Red Bank mayor, aided by ex-con's loan, set to payoff tax debt: Similar Situation Similar Thoughts

Early last month the Asbury Park Press reported that Middletown's Stephanie Murray (newly reappointed Deputy-Mayor), had a federal tax lien of $78,000 placed against her and her home on Wallace Rd. was being included in an upcoming County Sheriff's sale.  At the time, I commented on both which you can find HERE and HERE.

It was (and is) my opinion, that if you're an elected official, regardless of party affiliation, if you can not pay your taxes and have a lien of any kind on your property or other holdings, than you shouldn't be in office. After all, if you can't control your own finances, how can taxpayers trust you controlling their tax dollars? Also, one has to consider the possibility that a sitting politician, who is in dire financial straits, could be susceptible to some kind influence pedaling or bribery by someone who may "just want to help" in return for a favorable town ordinance or planning board outcome.  

Do I need to remind everyone of former Township Mayor Ray O'Grady? Remember, he was arrested when he got snagged by the F.B.I.  in Operation Bid Rid and went to jail for bribery and extortion. 

At the time, I received a few comments, basically calling me a hypocrite, because if the shoe were on the other foot and it was a Democrat, as opposed to a Republican, I wouldn't be so quick to judge or even point out the issue.

In response to that, I point to the December 29th article in the Asbury Park Press which pointed out that Red Bank's Mayor, Pat Menna, has a similar tax federal tax lien against his home as Stephanie Murray has on hers.

Mayor Menna however seems to be open to addressing the issue and has answered questions about his situation. According to Mayor Menna, his financial problems seems to be from a combination of health problems and business losses. Whereas, no one really knows what the situation is with the Murrays. Stephanie Murray is keeping quite about her financial troubles, insisting it's a private matter.

Having a Federal tax lien against you is a serious issue. If you're an elected official, you have a moral obligation to disclose the information to the residents of the community that voted for you. You can't hide behind a curtain and plead for privacy insisting that there's nothing to see.  

For the record, I will reiterate my position. If an elected official, regardless of office, has financial problems and for whatever reason, cannot pay his or her taxes, then they shouldn't be in office. They should resign or if possibly, be placed on administrative leave until such time as their situation is resolved satisfactorily by authorities. If their situation cannot be resolved in a timely and satisfactorily way and the elected official refuses to step aside or be placed on leave, every attempt should be made by authorities and the taxpayers, to remove them from office.

Here is a snippet from the APP concerning Mayor Menna. I encourage everyone to read it and make up their own mind as to what should or shouldn't be done.

RED BANK - Mayor Pasquale "Pat" Menna said he plans to pay off a $40,000 federal tax lien by year's end, his financial woes eased by a $75,000 loan from a convicted car thief. 

The IRS placed the $40,146 lien on Menna's home in October 2013 after what the mayor described as a "confluence of circumstances," including a significant shift in his law practice and major health issues that cut into his income. 

"It's painful, but it's a reality," Menna said. "I've tried to deal with it quietly." 

Menna is the third official whose federal tax lien has become public in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the Asbury Park Press revealed Middletown Committeewoman Stephanie Murray has a $78,000 tax lien on her home. A week later, news broke that Ocean County GOP chairman George Gilmore was being investigated by the IRS, which placed $1 million in federal liens on his property....

Read more

BEATLEMANIA STAGE SHOW COMES TO RED BANK! Sunday, August 2nd

ALL PROCEEDES BENEFIT PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND AND DISABLED

The Beatlemania Stage Show features an all-star cast in one incredible evening of music and fun! Performing hit Beatles songs ranging from She Loves You to Yellow Submarine to Revolution - the show spans the entire story of The Beatles in one magical, family friendly show. The cast members appear in full authentic Ed Sullivan suits, silk Sgt. Pepper uniforms and Abbey Road styled apparel. The production features two hours of Beatles music, performed live on stage with authentic instruments.

This concert will be held on Sunday, August 2nd at the Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Doors open at 2:00PM and the show runs from 3:00 – 5:30PM. General Admission tickets are45.00 ticket. Tickets are on sale now at the Two River Theater Box Office, tworivertheater.org or 732.345.1400.

This is a family friendly event, appropriate for the audiences of all ages. The event will also feature a Gift Auction featuring great prizes donated by local merchants and businesses such as the Blue Claws and SeaStreak Ferry, a Super 50/50 raffle & concessions sales.

All proceeds from the concert, auction and raffle will benefit the nonprofit organization HOUSING AND UNITED SERVICES, INC.

Housing and United Services, Inc. (HUS): is a local Non Profit 501 C3 organization assisting New Jersey residents who are blind and disabled with advocacy services, multimedia transcription, housing information consulting, adjustment to vision loss services, comprehensive information and referral services, and more. HUS provides specialized advocacy services to children who are blind and their families particularly in the area of education. HUS is excited to enter into the provision of affordable housing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities who may also blind through the current development of two group homes in Middletown Township. These two group homes will create the opportunity for eight people to have affordable, community living housing with all the necessary support services they may need. HUS advocates and serves people who are blind and disabled with the sole purpose of providing the essential services to provide the opportunity to lead more independent and productive lives in today’s society. HUS also has been a Lions State Approved project since 2001 and thus is supported by the Lions clubs of New Jersey. All of the net funds raised directly benefit these blind and disabled New Jersey residents who are in need of these essential services. Housing and United Services, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 in New Jersey and has NO Paid employees; all services are provided by volunteers with professional backgrounds in service delivery to those who are blind and disabled.

TICKET PRICING: $4500 General Admission; Tickets are available at the Two River Theater Box Office:

In Person - 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone - 732-345-1400
Online - Tworivertheater.org

For More Information:
Housing and United services, Inc.
Phone: (732) 872-1990
www.husnj.net

OR

Beatle Mania Stage Show
www.BeatlemaniaStageShow.com

Rally for Rob Cressen at the Dublin House

On Tuesday, June 2nd, please join us from 6 to 9 pm at the Dublin House for a fun night of food, music, prizes, and drinks to support our friend Robert Cressen, as he battles a rare health condition called CRPS.

Live Music by Scott Elk Music and Sheri Gilmore, Deedee Pie and Guns 4 Hire Acoustic Trio.

Donations accepted at the door, checks made payable to:
Rob Cressen Supplemental Needs Trust (RCSNT)
c/o Chris Russell
5 Banyan Court
Jackson, NJ 08527

If you can't be there in person, consider making a secure online donation at:
https://transaxt.com/mobile/Donate/UADSMQ/RobCressenSpecialNeedsTrust/

West Front Street Bridge to close Jan. 5; Bridge closed to all motor vehicle traffic for project duration

from Middletown Alerts:

RED BANK, NJ – On or about Monday, Jan. 5, the West Front Street Bridge (S-17), connecting Red Bank and Middletown, will close to motor vehicle traffic until May 16.

Pedestrian access across the bridge will be available throughout the closure. Bicyclists must dismount and walk their bicycle across the bridge.

“We are moving into the home stretch with the West Front Street Bridge replacement project and it is on schedule to open before Memorial Day weekend,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Department of Public Works and Engineering. “To connect the new bridge to the Middletown and Red Bank shorelines, we must close the current bridge to vehicles and begin the last big phase of construction.”

Drivers should plan an alternate travel route until the project is completed and the new West Front Street Bridge is opened to traffic in mid-May.

Detours will be posted. Westbound traffic from West Front Street in Red Bank will be directed north on Rector Place to State Hwy 35 and across Coopers Bridge and then onto Navesink River Road to Hubbard Avenue. Eastbound traffic from West Front Street in Middletown will be directed north on Hubbard Avenue to Navesink River Road to State Hwy 35 and across Coopers Bridge to Rector Place.

“Motorists should expect travel delays in the area while this work is completed,” said Arnone.

Read more...

BRITISH INVATION IN RED BANK TO LIBERATE PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND AND DISABLED; Come out to Celebrate the 50th Annavirsary of the Beatles

For Immediate Release:

A concert benefiting th Non Profit “HOUSING AND UNITED SERVICES, INC.” will be held on Sunday, August 3rd featuring the Broadway production of “BEATLEMANIA STAGE SHOW” AT 3:00 PM. AT TWO RIVER THEATER, 21 BRIDGE AVENUE, RED BANK, NJ 07701: $37.00 General Admission, $55.00 Reserved Seating.

The doors will open at 2:00 pm with showtime from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm featuring a two hour performance by the Beatlemania Stage Show. This is a family friendly event, appropriate for the audiences of all ages. The event will also feature a Gift Auction consisting of donations from local Merchents and a 50/50 sold only on site.

Housing and United services, Inc. (HUS) is a local Non Profit 501 C3 Orgganization assisting New jersey residents who are blind and disabled with advocacy services, multi media transcription, housing information consulting, adjustment to vision loss services, comprehensive information and referral services, and more. HUS provides specialized advocacy services to children who are blind and their families particularly in the area of Educational Services. HUS is Excited to enter into the provision of Affordable housing opoortunities for the Developmental disabled who may also blind threw the current development of two Group Homes in Middletown township. The Two Group Homess will create the opportunity for 8 people to have affordable community living housing with all the necessary support services they may need. HUS Advocates and Serves people who are blind and disabled with the sole purpose of providing the essencial services to provide the opportunity to lead more independent and productive lives in todays society. HUS also has been a Lions State Approved project since 2001 and thus is supported by the Lions clubs of new Jersey. All of the net funds raising directly benefits these blind and disabled New jersey residents who are in need of these essencial services. Housing and United services, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 in New jersey and has NO Paid Employees, all services are provided by Voluteers with professional backrounds in service delivary people who are blind and disabled.

The beatlamania stage Show features an all star cast in one incredible evening of music and fun. Performing all the popular Beatles songs ranging from She Loves You to yellow Submerine to Revolution, the show spans the entire story of The Beatles in one magical, family friendly show. The cast members appear in full althentic Ed Sulivan suits, silk Sgt. Pepper uniforms and Abbey Road styeled apparel. The production features 2 hours of beatles music all performed live on stage with althentic instuments.

During the evening, there will be concessions, gift Aution featuring blue Claws Tickets, Sea Strek , and many other local business’s, a Super 50/50 raffle with all net proceeds from the event to benefit Housing and United service, Inc.

TICKETS: $37.00 General Admission, $55.00 Reserved Seating

Tickets are availabl at:

TWO RIVER THEATER BOX OFFICE 732-345-1400 AND PRESS 2, OR https://tickets.trtc.org/TheaterManager/1/tmEvent/trtnEvent416.html



For More Information:

Housing and United services, Inc.
Phone 732-872-1990
www.husnj.net

Beatlmania Stage show
www.Beatlemania StageShow.com

Fire Disrupts Diners In Red Bank

I was at the Farmer's Market earlier today with my son when we decided to head on over the Broadway Diner on Monmouth Street for "brunch".

Shortly after sitting down and ordering our pancakes and eggs an obviously upset, shirtless man came into the diner and said something to the hostess. After walking outside and looking up the hostess came back inside the diner and notified the patrons (myself included) that we needed to evacuate the premises due the flames that were coming out of the window of the apartment to just above and to the left of the diner's kitchen.

Everyone existed the diner in an orderly fashion and within no time fire trucks from Red Bank, Fair Haven and Middletown were on the scene.

John Ward, the reporter from Red Bank Green showed up just after the first fire truck arrived and got the scoop as to what started the fire. Evidently a faulty air conditioner unit was responsible for the blaze.

Here are a few pictures I took while standing along the street:

         

  

Bread of Life Soup Kitchen Christmas Supper DEC. 15th

As posted on Middletown Patch by Salvation Army Red Bank Corps News:

The Bread of Life Soup Kitchen will once again be held on Sunday, December 15th at 4 PM, at the Red Bank Corps, 180 Newman Springs Road, Red Bank, NJ. A voluntary devotional will be held at 3:15 PM, for those who are also interested in fellowship. ALL are welcome! The individuals and families that joined us at our table for the Thanksgiving Supper were happy to attend: do not lose out on good food and good company!

GASLAND II Screening in Red Bank on Oct 17, 6 p.m.

Creator Josh Fox’s sequel to Gasland -- Gasland II -- was released this summer. If you haven’t yet seen it, here’s your chance to catch a local screening, hosted by Food and Water Watch:

When: Thursday, October 17TH, 6:00 PM

Where: Red Bank Cinemas, 36 White Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Watch the trailer here: http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/about-the-film

Please contact the theater for ticket information. Phone: (732) 747-0335

Booker's Father Passes Away

My condolences go out to Newark Mayor and Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Cory Booker and his family. Earlier today Booker’s father died.

Booker was to be in Red Bank today along with gubernatorial candidate Senator Barbara Buono and her running mate Milly Silva, attending today's Monmouth County Democrats GOTV rally at the Bates Elks Lodge #220 on Shrewsbury Avenue.

According to PolitickerNJ, Booker’s father, Cary Booker, had recently suffered a stroke. Cary Booker was 76 years old.

Monmouth Dems Host Rally for Booker and Buono in Red Bank

For those interested, the Monmouth County Democratic Organization will host a rally featuring Newark Mayor Cory Booker (Democratic Nominee for US Senate) and State Senator Barbara Buono (Democratic Nominee for Governor) on Thursday October 10th at the Red Bank Bates Elks Lodge #220, 306 Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank.

Other confirmed speakers include Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor Milly Silva and State Democratic Party Chairman John Currie along with our Democratic Party candidates for local, county and state offices.

The rally will begin at 4:30pm.

Press may RSVP by e-mailing us at monmouthdemocrats@gmail.com or call (732) 739-8888.

MC Women's Caucus Sponsoring Economic Forum

District 11Democratic Candidates Ready to Win in November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Michael Brantley along with Assembly candidates Ed Zipprich and Kevin McMillan officially became the party’s candidates in the 11th Legislative District after being elected in Tuesday’s primary election. These candidates are very optimistic about their chances November 5th and look forward to reforming government in Trenton.



Dr. Michael Brantley, 68, is the Deputy Mayor of Neptune and has a dental practice in Asbury Park. “The 11th District and all those affected by Superstorm Sandy need better representation in Trenton. I will work to ensure we receive support from our State government to rebuild and recover our businesses, our homes and our economy” said Brantley.









Ed Zipprich, 53, Councilman of Red Bank who sits on the board of trustees at the Count Basie Theater, the Borough Planning Board and serves as President of the NJ Stonewall Democrats said “Our State government needs to focus on what New Jersey residents really need- a growing economy with more businesses and more jobs. Let’s put New Jersey back to work.”







Kevin McMillan, 51, is a Neptune Councilman and works as a pharmaceutical sales rep. “New Jersey is becoming too expensive to live in for middle class families. The cost of the poor decisions and financial mismanagement of our State government is now being passed down to us- New Jersey residents. We need to make New Jersey affordable  gain and fix the problems that got us in to this mess.”




To learn more about all three candidates and their plans to improve New Jersey government,
please visit www.NJDistrict11.com.

Zipprich Calls Out Angelini's No Vote On 'Samaritan Act'

Red Bank Councilman and Candidate for the NJ State Assembly (D-11) Ed Zipprich, called out Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini for voting against "The Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act" with yesterday's featured letter in the Asbury Park Press.

Zipprich took issue with the fact that Angelini was one of only two State Assembly members to vote against the act that was signed with much fanfare last week by Gov. Chris Christie and states, "...when someone calls herself “pro-life,” she should vote in favor of saving lives, and no one should have to choose between saving someone’s life or ruining their own".

Here's the full letter:

The Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act eliminates criminal liability for persons who seek medical assistance for anyone in a drug overdose situation.

Gov. Christie set an example of good public policy taking precedence over political calculations when he signed this bill. Both parties reworked it to ensure that it saves lives.

Passage has given comfort to families who have lost a loved one to overdose, and it gives people involved in a difficult situation a second chance at life. It also spares a family the pain of having to bury loved ones who overdosed by encouraging people to call 911 before it’s too late.

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, R-Monmouth, was one of only two Assembly members to vote against it. Her first vote against this bill put her in alignment with Christie’s original position.

I applaud the governor’s change of heart. I ask Angelini to explain why she voted against something that saves people who are overdosing or protects those witnessing overdosing from arrest and prosecution if they call for help.

This new law saves lives, and parents are being spared the horror of a call from the emergency room with the ultimate bad news. As a constituent and candidate for this Assembly seat, I want to know why Angelini voted against the Good Samaritan Act.

When there is a chance to save a life, I believe that’s the right path. Mistakes happen. Emergencies happen. Life happens.

I believe when someone calls herself “pro-life,” she should vote in favor of saving lives, and no one should have to choose between saving someone’s life or ruining their own.

Edward Zipprich

Three Red Bank Candidates File Ballot Petitions Zipprich, Lee and Horgan will appear in Democratic Column

For Immediate Release:

Democratic candidates from Red Bank will be running together again after yesterday’s Election filing deadline.

The Red Bank Democratic Organization announced that petitions were filed with the Division of Elections in Trenton by Councilman Ed Zipprich to seek an Assembly seat in the 11th Legislative District and by Councilwomen Sharon Lee and Kathy Horgan for re-election to the Borough council.

Councilman Zipprich received his party’s nomination at the Monmouth County Democratic convention in late February. Councilwomen Lee and Horgan received their nominations at the Red Bank Democratic nominating convention last month.

Councilwoman Sharon Lee of East Westside Avenue is seeking her fourth term on the governing body and Councilwoman Kathleen Horgan of Branch Avenue is seeking her third term.

Lee states that “running again with Councilwoman Horgan reinforces my lifelong commitment to serving Red Bank. We are working together with our Council colleagues for the betterment of our town.” Horgan says “I am excited to campaign again with Sharon. Our community has recognized our hard work in trying economic times and realizes that Red Bank continues to prosper under Democratic leadership.”

Zipprich of River Road is running with Neptune Township Committeemen Kevin McMillan for the General Assembly seat and Dr. Michael “Doc” Brantley for Senate.

“It is exciting to again be running with Sharon and Kathy on the same ballot” said Zipprich “and Kevin and Doc bring similar strengths to the ticket, making our entire team more committed to revitalizing our economy and doing the hard work for our constituents, many of whom are still recovering from Sandy in the district’s area.”

Lee, Horgan and Zipprich first ran together for Council in 2007. McMillan and Brantley are both former Mayors of Neptune Township.

All of these candidates will appear on the June 4th Primary Election ballot along with other Monmouth County Democrats seeking election as Freeholder and Sheriff.

Rt 520 Bridge Project Begins about April 1

Courtesy of Middletown Alerts

On or about April 1, Monmouth County will begin a construction project to replace the deck on the Route 520 bridge that spans the Swimming River, connecting Red Bank and Tinton Falls. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on Route 520 between Half Mile Road and Hance Avenue 24 hours a day until the project is complete. Construction period is 4 to 6 months. Expect heavy traffic delays, especially during commuter hours. The Middletown Police Department asks drivers to use alternate routes during construction. There will be no access for pedestrians to cross the bridge during construction.

Fracking, the Foodopoly and Our Future in Red Bank, NJ Two River Theater

Please join us for

FRACKING, THE FOODOPOLY AND OUR FUTURE

Thursday, April 4 at 7 PM

Reception with light hors d’oeuvres begins at 6 PM

Two River Theater • 21 Bridge Avenue • Red Bank, NJ 07701

Join Food & Water Watch for a panel discussion featuring experts on energy policy and our food system to understand how the rush for natural gas development and the deterioration of our food system are intricately linked together.

PANELISTS

Wenonah Hauter • Executive Director, Food & Water Watch and Foodopoly author 

Dean Nelson • Dean’s Natural Food Market 

J. Stephen Cleghorn, PhD • Paradise Gardens and Farm, LLC

 Cindy Zipf • Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action

Free and open to the public!

 Register at http://bit.ly/foodopolyredbank. For more information, 

contact Emily Reuman at 978.844.2164 or e-mail ereuman@fwwatch.org.

_____________________________________________________________

Thanks to our Host Committee:

Rosemary Parish, Robert Scardapane, WATERSPIRIT, and Tina Weishaus.

______________________________________________________________

To purchase your copy of Foodopoly in advance through River Road Books and pick it up at the Theater, visit www.riverroadbooks.net/special_order.html. You’ll also have a chance to buy a signed copy of Foodopoly at the event (while supplies last).