Middletown Democrats "Breakfast for Dinner" 3/23/18

"Breakfast for Dinner"

$10 per person

Kids 6 and under eat free.

Friday, March 23, 2018

5 PM – 8 PM

American Legion Hall

860 Route 36, Leonardo, NJ

Pancakes and Pajamas!

Kids, feel free to wear your pj’s!

RVSP @ MiddletownDems@gmail.com

Make checks payable to:

“Middletown Democrats”

** Dinner includes pancakes, sausage, hash browns, orange juice, and tea or coffee. (Gluten-free option available.)
** Fun for the kids also includes crayons for tablecloth coloring, bean bag toss, party favors, and more!
** Adults, join the fun by wearing your most festive “Evening” attire! Door Prizes awarded!

Harvest Moon Celebration: A Maguire for Middletown Committee Fundraising Event

Maguire for Middletown is gaining momentum. There is genuine and authentic energy across town. Please join us, as together with our Special Guest Tammy Murphy, we celebrate the excitement and work together to GOTV for the Democratic win in November.

Monday, October 23, 2017

6 - 8 pm

Suggested Donation is $50

Cafe La de Da

549 State Route 35

Middletown, NJ

RSVP and Tickets:

You may use this link to donate and RSVP:

harvestmooncelebration.vote4tricia.com

You may also RSVP to:

vote4tricia@gmail.com

Checks made payable to Maguire for Middletown Commitee will gratefully be accepted at the door, but please do let us know you are planning to join us.

Byrnes, Giaimo & DiDato LD13 Rock N' Rally

Please join Phil Murphy, Congressman Pallone, and singer Phoebe Ryan for a Rock N' Rally!

Click here to RSVP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/rocknrally

Byrnes: People over Party

Please join our next State Senator Sean Byrnes for his People over Party Pig Roast on Sept 22nd 6-9pm!

Click here to RSVP: http://www.monmouthdems.org/byrnes_for_senate_pig_roast_fundraiser

Breakfast Fundraiser with Special Guest Senator Cory Booker in Asbury Park

Surf's Up For - Freeholder Candidate Margie Donlon

Middletown Firefighters Hold Shave a Hero // Save a Hero Event

The Shave a Hero// Save a Hero event is a family oriented, heartfelt afternoon aiming to raise as many funds as possible so that we at Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer can help fulfill desperately needed research grants specific to children's cancers. This event will be held RAIN or SHINE!

WHEN: Saturday July 29, 2017

TIME: Noon - 4:00pm

WHERE: Community Firehouse Station #4,

75 Appleton Avenue

Leonardo, NJ

This beautiful, fun-filled afternoon will consist of food, activities, raffles, prizes, face-painting, balloon animals, lots of laughter and OF COURSE head shaving!

While the main attraction will be our BIG heroes (local firefighters, police officers and first-aid responders), being shaved by our LITTLE heroes (both childhood cancer fighters and survivors), shaving is open to anyone willing to go for the bald is beautiful look...in our eyes ANYONE willing to shave their head or help us in any other capacity is a true hero!

Remember, whether you plan on shaving or not...ALL ARE WELCOME at our event so spread the word and we CAN'T WAIT to see you!!


*****************************************
I first heard of this event while driving home from work yesterday morning while listening to Shellie Sonstein on Q104.3, and knew that I just had to let others know about it. If you would like to learn more about the fundraiser and organization, checkout the website Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer.  If you can't attend the fundraiser and/or wish to support the cause, you can do so ... HERE   Thanks MM

Above, 6-year-old Mia McCaffrey shaves 1st Asst. Chief (Middletown Twp. Fire Dept) Ryan Clarke's head during the filming of "Fighter" (August 2016). This past March 17th Mia passed away from the cancer that she was fighting (parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma). Shave a Hero//Save a Hero was inspired by Mia's brave fight and all will be raised in her beautiful name to fight the very cancer that took her life.

Pancake Breakfast

Navy Veteran To Walk From NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial to D.C. to Raise Awareness, Funds for PTSD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/25/16


Mike Dowens will kick off the three-day walk from the Memorial on June 2 to raise funds to send a veteran suffering from PTSD to treatment

Holmdel, NJ (May 24, 2016) — Mike Dowens, a Navy veteran, is kicking off a three-day walk from the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, NJ, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on June 2, 2016. Dowens suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his time serving in the Liberia, Somalia and Haiti as a Navy search and rescue swimmer. His goal is to increase awareness about PTSD and raise money through a Go Fund Me campaign to send a veteran in need to The Refuge, a treatment center in Florida where he sought treatment for his own PTSD.

Dowens, 37, will begin his walk the morning of June 2 at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, 1 Memorial Lane, exit 116 off the Garden State Parkway at the PNC Bank Arts Center. He will then take a route on walkable roads to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a total of 237 miles. He will be joined on his walk by another veteran and PTSD sufferer. The two will walk non-stop, pausing only for meals.

After spending four years in the Navy and being honorably discharged in 2006 for asthma he developed while overseas, Dowens felt lost. He felt severe separation from the military and suffered intense symptoms of PTSD for years before he finally sought treatment.

“I struggled with the fact that I wasn’t in the Navy any longer,” said Dowens. “I had survivor’s guilt and tried to get back into the military nine times.”

Dowens knows The Refuge, a PTSD and trauma center in Ocklawaha, Florida, saved his life. And now, he knows he wants to give back.

“While I was in treatment I realized I could serve without going back in the military,” he said. “I could raise money for a veteran to get the same help that I got.”

The walk Dowens is making draws sharp comparison to the Last Patrol, a group of New Jersey Vietnam veterans who walked from the nation's capital in 1989 to the would-be site of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel to raise awareness, support, and funds for a memorial honoring Vietnam Veterans in New Jersey.

On May 27, 1989, The Last Patrol was greeted with welcome arms by members of the community who had come to pay respect to the efforts of these men as well as to honor the fallen. The message was simple — Welcome Home.

That message spoke volumes to a group of veterans who hadn’t been welcomed home with such open arms. The Vietnam War was unpopular in the United States, and the soldiers felt the brunt of that unpopularity when they returned home. Adjusting to life at home was difficult, and things like PTSD and other health issues were largely ignored. Veterans felt isolated and alone and often didn’t seek treatment.

Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan and other recent conflicts have had similar experiences when coming home. PTSD and its treatment are major issues with this group of military veterans, and something difficult to seek help for. It’s something they share with Vietnam Veterans.

“Not all wounds are visible,” said Dowens.

And it’s those invisible wounds Dowens is trying to raise awareness for with his walk. His mission, named Unbroken Warriors, has raised more than $6,000 to date with a goal of $10,000. The funds will send a veteran for PTSD treatment at The Refuge. To donate, click here.

Dowens, who has been a police officer in Holmdel for eight years, will wear a full pack weighing 70 pounds on his walk. He hopes this trek calls attention to the issues that veterans, past and present, are dealing with.

“You don’t have to wear a uniform to serve,” said Dowens.

About New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, dedicated May 7, 1995, strives to encourage and foster patriotism and provide for recognition of the sacrifices, courage and valor of the New Jersey Veterans of the Vietnam Era. The Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center, dedicated in September 1998, strives to encourage and foster a thorough understanding of the Vietnam era, including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects that affected the United States, especially New Jersey. For more information, visit www.njvvmf.org.

District 4 Fundraiser for Lorna Phillipson

Friends of the Middletown Township Public Library fundraiser

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/

Show Your Breast Intentions While Enjoying A Short Stack For A Tall Cause

Please support an upcoming Breast Intentions fundraiser. The goal of Breast Intentions is to provide crisis intervention for women who are facing financial hardship as they battle breast cancer.

Here are the details of the Pancake Breakfast:

Location: Applebee's, 1183 Route 35, Middletown, NJ 07748

Date/Time: Sunday, March 15, 2015 8am - 10am

Ticket Cost: $10

Come join the fun and help raise money for a good cause. Members of Middletown's Town Committee and Police Department have volunteered to be servers!

Can't attend and want to make a donation? You can do so through this link https://www.crowdrise.com/BreastintentionsNJMarathon2015/fundraiser/breastintentionsnj

Any questions contact:

Tracy Lewis @ tracydannymaddy@yahoo.com
or call 732-9360408

Enjoy a Short Stack and Support The Backpack Crew

The Backpack Crew will be holding a fundraiser at the Middletown Applebee's on March 21, 2015.

You can purchase tickets by contacting our friends at Nephews Skate Shop  or by emailing the Backpack Crew directly at backpackcrewnj@gmail.com

All proceeds raised support The Back Pack Crew's mission of providing local children with food on the weekends, when they do not have their school lunch to rely on.

Donations of non-perishable food to the BackPack Crew can also be dropped off at Nephews Skate Shop at any time.

Middletown Township Public Library Fund Raiser at Barnes & Noble, Holmdel 7/31/14

The Middletown Township Public Library will be having a fundraiser at Barnes & Noble on July 31st to take advantage of their Harry Potter birthday. There will be assorted activities there throughout the day, many conducted by library staff. The money raised will go toward increasing our STEAM* programs and for equipment for use by all of our patrons, young and old. You can obtain a voucher at any of the B&N service desks at the time of sale or you can purchase online for up to 6 days starting July 31st using Bookfair ID# 11392180.

Activities:

Storytimes at 10:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Crafts at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
Authors: young adult author, Janine Kimmel at 2:00 pm; children’s author, Artie Bennett at 3:00 pm; local paranormal researcher and author, Richard Kimmel at 4:00 pm.
Harry Potter Party at 6:00 pm.
Fifth Down Teen band at 7:00 pm
Teens from “Young Magicians Crew 123” time TBD.

Middletown 350 Brick Fundraiser: Volunteers Pave the Way for Arts Programming

For Immediate Release:


50th ANNIVERSARY BRICK FUNDRAISER LAUNCHES WITH PERSONAL MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FROM MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER VOLUNTEERS

CJ Marsini Performing (Credit: Tammy Marsini)

Middletown, N.J. (May 19, 2014) – The Middletown Arts Council is excited to launch a brick campaign to celebrate Middletown’s 350th Anniversary and raise funds for arts programming. A 50-year Time Capsule will be buried on the lawn at the Middletown Arts Center, surrounded by an “Anniversary Plaza” designed with personalized bricks. Donors who purchase a brick will have their special message be part of this beautiful plaza for years to come and also will help the Middletown Arts Council continue its mission of bringing enriching arts programming to the community.

The Arts Center’s Executive Director Maggie O’Brien has been thrilled to receive donations of bricks from several of her volunteers. “These are individuals who have donated their time and now their dollars to express their appreciation for the organization,” said O’Brien. “It’s touching to read their messages and realize just how much the Arts Center means to them. It’s also wonderful to see members of the community express themselves in these bricks.”

Nineteen-year-old CJ Marsini of Middletown stepped up with a brick donation. Marsini performed in the Arts Council’s first Talent Show at the age of seven. He has grown up on the Middletown Arts Center’s stage and has volunteered at the MAC in numerous capacities from performer to summer camp counselor. His mother, photographer Tammy Marsini, serves on the Board of the non-profit Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council, which operates the Arts Center.

"I am so proud of CJ for everything he has accomplished and all that’s in store for him in the future," says Tammy. "The first time he performed in the Art Center's Talent Show he was very shy. Through the years, he continued to perform at the MAC and each time his confidence grew. I am grateful to Maggie and her team for always providing a fun, welcoming environment and for providing CJ with many performance opportunities to hone his craft. He considers the MAC his home away from home.” CJ will be leaving this fall to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. “It’s been an honor to see CJ grow into such a talented musician and wonderful young man,” says O’Brien. “Like so many children in our community, the arts played an important role in his life. When we nurture our children with arts experiences, they are equipped to succeed.”

To Kathy Rauffer and her late husband, Walt Rauffer, a pioneer in television broadcasting and engineering, the Middletown Arts Center meant more to them than just bricks and mortar. Walt donated his expertise and time to create the Art Center’s state-of-the-art theater sound and lighting system and worked the equipment for performances. The Rauffer Family purchased a brick in his honor.

“Walt started volunteering in 2007. He felt the organization was truly community focused and he loved the diversity there,” says Kathy. “With so many threats to the arts, Walt wanted others to see the value the Arts Center offered, and he praised its value every chance he had. He wanted people to embrace it, and get behind everything it offered.”

Walt was Technical Director for the Children’s Television Network’s Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and many other commercial sets. He worked with stars like Big Bird, Jim Henson and the Muppets, Mr. Rodgers and Bill Cosby. Highlights from Walt’s career include the creation of the first mobile news truck, the creation of Sesame Street’s first tape room at its 81st Street Theater set, and a 1978 Emmy Win for “Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.” According to Kathy, “Walt told me that when he graduated from RCA Institute and told his father he was getting a job in television, his father said “Why don’t you get a job in something that will last?” Walt just knew when something felt right and had the potential to grow and take off. That’s the way he felt about the Middletown Arts Center –he knew it would succeed. ”

The Arts Center relies on donor contributions to maintain its affordable, year-round arts and cultural programs. In 2013, the MAC boasted over 60,000 visits from area residents of all ages and abilities. Those interested in purchasing a brick can download an order form at www.middletownarts.org or visit the Arts Center.

The public is invited to the Time Capsule Celebration on June 21. This free, family friendly event will feature a parade, the burying of the Time Capsule, entertainment and more! Brick donors will be recognized at this event and the “Anniversary Plaza” will be dedicated later in the year.

Monmouth County Freeholders Backtrack on Dirty Lucas Land Deal

For Immediate Release: 


MANALAPAN - The Monmouth County Freeholder Board has backtracked in their recent unanimous vote to exclude elected officials from New Jersey’s farmland preservation programs.

Freeholder Director Lillian Burry and her board have been harshly criticized for releasing $1.2 million in taxpayer money to Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas [R], under the semblance of an Open Space land grant. Mr. Lucas is now under an 11-count indictment because of the $1.2 million deal.

In October of 2011, Lucas hosted a fundraiser for Freeholder Lillian Burry on the very property that was awaiting funding by her and the Republican Freeholders. Freeholder Burry has since been criticized by fellow Freeholders for supporting the release of the funds, which passed on a 3-2 vote. Republican Freeholders Gary Rich and Serena DiMaso voted to release the money to Lucas, while John Curley and Thomas Arnone voted against.

Joe Grillo, candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder, stated “Freeholders Burry and Rich are doing a typical political flip-flop. Eight months ago, they voted for something that was clearly unethical. Now that our money is already gone, they admit what they did should be illegal.”

Candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder Larry Luttrell stated, “By passing this resolution, Freeholder Burry admitted that she was wrong to funnel $1.2 million in taxpayer money to Lucas. We cannot let a career politician like Lillian Burry get away with this.”

CHRISTIE'S PRIORITIES ARE SERIOUSLY OUT OF WHACK SAYS TOP NJ DEM

DEM CHAIR CURRIE: GOV.'S PRIORITIES ARE SERIOUSLY OUT OF WHACK

Christie Cancels Town Hall But Confirms New York City Fundraiser For National GOP

(Trenton) – Today, New Jersey Democrats are questioning Governor Chris Christie's priorities after he postponed – for the second time – his first town hall meeting with New Jersey residents in months and confirmed plans to leave the state (after a long weekend in Puerto Rico) to attend a big money fundraiser for national Republicans in New York City.

"Although top aides in his inner circle abused power and put politics above public safety, and despite the administration's botched effort to assist countless survivors of Superstorm Sandy, Governor Christie believes skipping off to New York City to solicit funds takes precedence over accountability. His priorities are seriously out of whack," said New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Currie. "It’s clear what’s most important to Chris Christie is Chris Christie, not the welfare of New Jersey's middle class families families."

Both the Star-Ledger and the Asbury Park Press have called on Governor Christie to resign from his chairmanship at the Republican Governors Association to spend more time doing the job the taxpayers of New Jersey are paying him to do. And, as the Bergen Record highlighted, even "Republican strategists are advising Christie to return to governing."

DETAILS ON GOVERNOR CHRISTIE’S DAY

Christie Will Attend A Fundraiser In New York City Benefiting The NRSC Despite Postponing His First Town Hall Since Bridgegate. “New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s first town hall since the Bridgegate story exploded last month was postponed due to snow, but he will be fundraising this evening in New York City for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, another example of the possible 2016 presidential candidate trying to broaden his national message while he deals with the fallout from the scandal at home. ‘Governor Christie is speaking at the welcome reception for the Winter NRSC Majority Makers Policy Retreat,’ a Christie aide told ABC.” [ABC News, 2/18/14]

Chris Christie’s Vegas Vacation

From Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor


New Jersey’s economy is lagging behind the rest of the country. With over 400,000 New Jerseyans out of work, property taxes continuing to rise and middle class families struggling to make ends meet, there is much that needs to be done to restore New Jersey’s economy. Yet instead of focusing on New Jersey, Governor Christie spent yesterday in Las Vegas to "kiss the ring" of a conservative billionaire who wasted over $100 million in 2012 in failed attempt to defeat President Obama. It’s clear that Christie’s top concern is chasing cash and support in advance of his 2016 presidential campaign, not lifting up New Jersey families and workers.

Christie heads to Vegas for event with GOP mega-donor
By Catalina Camia//USA Today
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie apparently has decided it's not stupid to visit Las Vegas in the summer. The Las Vegas Sun reports Christie, a Republican running for a second term, plans to be in town Thursday for a fundraiser hosted by casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam. Adelson, the biggest political donor in the 2012 elections, and his wife contributed about $92 million to super PACs and other groups aligned with Republicans.

Chris Christie at Sheldon Adelson fundraiser in Las Vegas
By Maggie Haberman//Politico
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is attending a gubernatorial fundraiser in Las Vegas Thursday hosted by casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam, a source familiar with the event confirmed to POLITICO.
… Adelson single-handidly funded a pro-Newt Gingrich super PAC that kept the presidential candidate alive in the 2012 primaries for a time.

No time for beer, Christie heads to Vegas for fundraising with casino billionaire
By Alexandra Jaffe//The Hill
… But many Republicans believe Christie is also preparing for a 2016 White House bid. The event with Adelson, one of 2012's top Republican donors, in an early caucus state, is likely to fuel rather than dampen those rumors.
… Adelson spent at least $98 million on the 2012 election, initially to back Newt Gingrich's ill-fated run.

Christie To Attend Private Adelson Fundraiser In Vegas
By Perry Stein//Talking Points Memo
… “Why is the New Jersey governor coming here in the middle of the summer if he’s not running for president, and particularly hosted by an individual who has actively been involved in fundraising for Republicans?” Eric Herzik, a UNR professor of political science, told the Sun. “He’s giving every indication that even though he’s running for re-election as governor, he could be tempted to run for president. It wouldn’t surprise me if this is a get-to-know-you session on behalf of both sides (Christie and Adelson).”

Chris Christie finds a reason to visit Las Vegas in the dead of summer
By Andrew Doughman//Las Vegas Sun
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie plans to visit Las Vegas on Thursday for a private fundraiser hosted by Sheldon and Miriam Adelson at the Palazzo. The event is technically for Christie’s gubernatorial re-election campaign this year, but it’s never too early for a potential presidential contender to visit an early caucus state.

Republican donor Sheldon Adelson hosts Christie at Las Vegas fundraiser
By Jenna Portnoy//The Star-Ledger
Conservative casino magnate and major Republican donor Sheldon Adelson and his wife will host a fundraiser for Gov. Chris Christie in Las Vegas today, The Las Vegas Sun reported. While in town for the private fundraiser, the Republican governor will also deliver a speech at the Kipp charter school conference. Then Christie heads to Milwaukee for annual summer meetings of the National Governors Association before going on vacation at the shore next week.

Christie flouts own advice for Vegas fundraiser
By Melissa Hayes//The Record
Governor Christie once said someone would have to be stupid to go to Las Vegas in the middle of summer as he made a pitch for tourism in Atlantic City. But against his own advice, the Republican planned to hit the strip Thursday and entertain donors at The Palazzo, a top-rated luxury resort owned by Sheldon Adelson. The Las Vegas Sands Corp. chief executive officer and his wife, Miriam, hosted the event, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
… Adelson — who pledged to spend $100 million in an attempt to defeat President Obama last year — reportedly gave $150 million to candidates, committees and special interest groups supporting Republicans.

Is billionaire Adelson funding Christie's 2016 prez run?
By Matt Katz//Philadelphia Inquirer
Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate who is believed to have given more money to an election in 2012 than any other person in history -- including a whopping $92 million to 2012 Republican candidates via a series of outside groups -- is holding a fundraiser today for Gov. Christie at The Palazzo in Las Vegas. The fundraiser is technically for Christie's re-election campaign, but c'mon, Adelson doesn't strike me as a guy who plays small-ball state politics. He plays for the presidency, and this has 2016 written all over it. Adelson essentially subsidized Newt Gingrich's campaign in 2012 before moving over to Mitt Romney. A staunch supporter of Israel, Adelson might have appreciated Christie's controversial and hawkish comments last week. He also probably likes that the gov visited Israel last year. I emailed Bill Palatucci, Christie's campaign chairman, but he said he wouldn't give me details about how many people attended the fundraiser -- or more importantly, how much money was raised.

Friedman & Moorehead Pasta Dinner July 23rd