Community Publications
On Saturday, July 14, 2012, the Frances Foundation For Kids Fighting Cancer held its sixth annual Softball Tournament and Picnic at Cross Farm Park in Holmdel. Including softball players, fans, kids with cancer and their families, and picnic guests, more than 400 people enthusiastically attended this fun-filled day.
All eleven teams in the softball tournament were named and played in the honor of local children battling cancer or in their memory. Team Angels, sponsored by Vonage, played on behalf of five shore area children who lost their battles to cancer during the last few years. The tournament and picnic brought beautiful smiles to all the children and guests. This event raised $10,000.00 which will be used exclusively for the Frances Foundations’ mission of bringing smiles to kids with cancer and financial and emotional assistance to their families.
For the third consecutive year, Team Mya won the thrilling softball championship, culminating a twenty game tournament with numerous teams sponsored by local businesses. The children also enjoyed DJ music and games, face painting, arts and crafts, water balloon toss and numerous other exciting games and activities. All players, fans, and guests were treated to a royal bar-b-que of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, salads, watermelon, fruit, ice pops, cake, popcorn and lots more.
Ten year old cancer fighting Sammie Whelan of Hazlet made a presentation of a beautiful colored collage that profoundly stated that “SMILES ARE THE BEST MEDICINE”. The Frances Foundation picnic and tournament brought unlimited dosages of medicine to the kids and their families.
The Frances Foundation, a Holmdel non-profit charity which has a serious passion to deliver compassionate help to kids with cancer and to their families, will be holding its eighth annual Dinner Dance Gala at The Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ, on Saturday, October 20. For more information and tickets please contact Bob Heugle at 732.462.7170.
It didn’t take long for local artist Grace Modla to branch out from exhibiting and selling her work on the East Coast. Fresh off of her successful one-woman show “Untamed” at Holmdel’s Duncan Smith Theater and other Monmouth County art venues, Modla learned that one of her paintings was chosen for an exhibition at the prestigious Linus Galleries of Los Angeles, CA.
Modla was one of only 39 artists chosen from an international call for entries for the juried show called “Nude But Not Rude.” The show was presented as “an elegant collection of thought-provoking nudes that demonstrate the natural beauty of the human race” according to a Linus Galleries press release.
Her sumptuous watercolor and pastel is entitled “Reclining Nude” and is 18 x 24 on Arches watercolor paper. The opening reception was June 15, 2012 in Pasadena and ran until June 28, 2012.
“I was beyond thrilled when I received word that my piece was accepted,” said Modla from her studio in Holmdel. “Exhibiting in a Linus Galleries show is a big deal in the art world, and it was deeply gratifying to be selected, and very affirming of my work.”
“My family and I danced around the kitchen, whooping for joy,” she said with a smile.
In connection with the show, a limited edition of gallery-quality prints were made of the original “Reclining Nude” featured in the “Nude But Not Rude” art exhibition. These signed and numbered prints are 8.5 x 10, mounted on watercolor paper and board, ready for framing.
An Exhibition Catalogue featuring each artist’s name and work from the show was published and will be available on Amazon.com.
Linus Galleries are located in Los Angeles County in Southern California (Long Beach and Pasadena). Their mission is to “embrace art that is sophisticated, moving, emotional, thought-provoking, beautiful, and elegant.”
Italian-born Grace Modla is a writer and an artist who has lived in Holmdel for seventeen years. The married mother of two has had an eclectic career in education and the arts, bringing her interdisciplinary work in painting, printmaking, and graphic design to explore the ways in which art, language, spirituality, and politics intersect.
She has taught English, Creative Writing, ESL, and her native Italian at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, and Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ. She was Visiting Artist for the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program for LGBTQ youth at The Center, New York City.
Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions, juried art shows, publications, graphic design venues, and private collections.
To see more of Grace Modla’s work and for purchasing information, visit gracemodla.com and follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/GraceModlaStudios.
Photo: Artist Grace Modla in her Holmdel studio holds the Exhibition Catalogue from the “Nude But Not Rude” art show. July 2012.
On Saturday, June 23, a group of supporters put on their dance walking shoes and braved the heat to join The Ashley Lauren Foundation at their first Dance Walk for Kids with Cancer at the picturesque setting of the Colts Neck Municipal Complex.
This newest fitness craze was made popular on Facebook by Ben Aaron, LXTV NBC and has gone National and International, viewed by 17 million people. It is walking and it is dancing – all done to music. Music for the day was provided by Party Storm Entertainment. The music began and everyone moved in rhythm through the designated dance walking trail having a great time along the way. .
Donations raised from the event will be used to support the programs of The Ashley Lauren Foundation including Direct Family Assistance, (household bills, bills and medications not paid through medical insurance, traveling expenses to and from hospitals, funeral expenses, etc.); Material Assistance (food, clothing, household items); Emotional Support; Support groups; Parties for the Children; Advocacy; Outings; Birthday and Holiday Gifts for the Children; “Making Dreams Come True” Program and anything else that is needed to make their lives easier and to let each child know that they are important. The Ashley Lauren Foundation does not fund research but rather are “in the trenches” with these families as they cope with the daily battle of pediatric cancer.
For additional information on how you can become involved in helping children with cancer, call The Ashley Lauren Foundation at 732.414.1625.
It’s summertime, and that means some tasty and refreshing drinks are in store for adults of the legal drinking age. Community Magazine wants to share this treat with you – a recipe for SANGRIA!
The beauty of the basic Sangria recipe is that it is as delicious as it is easy, and it only gets better as you spice it up with your own additions! Really, it is hard to add the “wrong” ingredient here, think favorite fruits, spice and liquors. Chill and enjoy!
Pitcher of Sangria
Fill your favorite pitcher up with ice
Add:
2 oz of brandy
1 oz of blackberry brandy
2 oz of triple sec
1 oz of peach schnapps
1 oz of apple beringer
Fill pitcher up to the handle with merlot or pinot
Add 1 and ½ cups of orange juice
1 cup of sprite
Stir and add any fresh fruit you want - oranges, lemons, limes, apples, peaches, melons, berries, pineapples, grapes and mangos!
The August eEdition of the Community Magazine is here!
Monmouth Park Family Fun Days
Now through 9/2 – Every Sunday • 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Free pony rides, face painters, clowns, live music, the excitement of thoroughbred racing & more. Children under 12 get in free. For more information, call 732.222.5100 or visit www.monmouthpark.com.
Red Bank Food & Wine Walk
July 15 & 29
Purchase wristbands to sample wine & food from local Red Bank restaurants from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sunday in July and August. For more information, call 732.842.4244 or visit http://onlyoneredbank.org.
Keyport Fireman’s Fair
July 9 through July 14
Family fun, rides and food! Located on the beautiful waterfront of Keyport at Fireman’s Park – hours are 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 732.739.3900 or visit www.visitkeyport.com.
26th Annual NJ Sandcastle Contest in Belmar
July 11 (rain date July 27)
Largest sand-sculpting event in New Jersey – a great time for participants and spectators. Located at the 18th Avenue beach – hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. For more information, call 732.863.1900 ext. 102 or visit www.njsandcastle.com.
4th Annual Bradley Beach Lobster Festival
July 14 (rain date 7/15) – 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Food, music & fun for entire family. Presented by Bradley Beach CC – event will be located at Beach Front Pavilion on 5th Avenue. For more information, call 732.776.2999 or visit www.bradleybeachnj.org.
West End Cruise Night 1, Featuring Lou Christie
July 14
Wildly popular classic car show with custom cars and entertainment from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. located on Brighton Avenue in Long Branch. For more information, call 732.923.2044 or visit www.longbranch.org.
Gigantic Flea Market at Allaire Village
July 21
Flea market located at Historic Allaire Village in Wall – hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit www.allairevillage.org for more information.
Film One Fest – Atlantic Highlands
July 21
Street fair from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., music from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and films start at 9:00 p.m. Located at the Atlantic Highlands Marina on 1st Avenue. For more information, call 732.872.8711 or visit www.filmonefest.org.
38th Annual Monmouth County Fair
July 25 through July 29
Opening night fireworks, 4-H events, animal shows & exhibits, rides & amusements, free stage entertainment, home & garden competition and much, much more! Located at the East Freehold Park Showgrounds at 1500 Kozloski Road in Freehold. For more information and times, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
Red Bank 58th Annual Sidewalk Sale
July 27 through July 29
Huge discounts, shops & boutiques across Red Bank business district. For more information, call 732.842.4244 or visit www.redbankrivercenter.org.
NJ Festival of Ballooning in Readington, NJ
July 27 through July 29 • Hours Vary By Day
This three-day gala includes big name concerts, magic and puppet shows, rides, craft and food vendors, and of course, hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes. This year more than 125 balloons will soar. Come early to watch the 6:30 a.m. ascension or in the mid-afternoon to watch the 6:30 p.m. high-rise. For more information, go to www.balloonfestival.com. (Riders must 42” tall or about 8 years old.). Fees: Adults: $30, Kids $15, Under 3: Free
10th Annual Ocean Grove Boardwalk Art Show
July 28
74 artists selling juried entries which include paintings, pastels, mixed media, pottery, sculpture, photographs, etchings, pater collages & jewelry. Sponsored by Ocean Grove Area CC from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m rain or shine. For more information, call 732.774.1391 or visit www.oceangrovenj.com.
Haskell – Summer’s Biggest Race
July 29
It’s the biggest race of the summer and the most anticipated day of Thoroughbred racing in the Garden State. Don’t miss your chance to see a field of the nation’s best three-year-olds battle for the richest invitational prize in the nation. Be sure to arrive early to receive your commemorative Haskell Hat. FREE Family Fun Day activities including pony rides, face painters, clowns, bounce house, live music and more. Live music from Tim McLoone and The Shirleys.
18th Annual Clamfest
August 2 through August 5
Located at Huddy Park in the Highlands – the name speaks for itself! For more information, call 732.291.4713 or visit www.highlandsnj.com.
Outdoor Concerts
Sandy Hook Concerts on the Beach
Wednesdays in the Summer
Presented by the Sandy Hook Foundation, located at Beach E at 6:00 p.m. For concert dates, call 732.291.7733 or visit www.sandyhookfoundationnj.org.
Asbury Park Summer Concerts on the Beach
Mondays in the Summer
Enjoy music at famous beach. Boardwalk offers shops, clubs & eateries. Weather permitting. Check website for dates and times at www.cityofasburypark.com or call 732.897.6500.
Mayor’s Chill Out Series
Fridays in the Summer
Music, food and beer – check website for dates at www.cityofasburypark.com – series are from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Red Bank Summer Series
July & August
Jazz in the Park, overlooking the Navesink River at the Riverside Gardens Park at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 888.HIP.TOWN or visit www.redbanksummerseries.org.
Blues by the Beach in Long Branch
Sundays in the Summer
Local bands playing jazz & blues in the West End Park from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. For more information on the bands, call 732.923.2044 or visit www.longbranch.org.
Manasquan Band Concerts on the Beach
Thursdays in the Summer
Variety of musical styles on the Main beach at Main Street and 1st Avenue at 7:30 p.m. in Manasquan. For more information, call 732.223.8303 or visit www.manasquanchamber.org.
Our July eEdition of the Colts Neck • Holmdel • Lincroft Community Magazine is now up! Everyone enjoy your 4th of July!
By Susan Murphy
Bayonet Farm Earth Day Festival held its fourteenth annual fun-filled family day on April 29 with activities and information the entire family could enjoy. The free 5-hour event attracted hundreds of visitors from Holmdel and nearby communities.
Presentations included tactical maneuvers by Holmdel’s Finest K-9 Team; Farm Friends Petting Zoo; and Harding House Tours, which allowed visitors to glimpse the home of heiress and philanthropist, Laura Harding. Live bands entertained in the Gray Barn with jazz, rock, and folk music. Green-themed sculpture by the Kimissis Tis Theotokou Youth Group and posters by Indian Hill students were also on display in the Gray Barn. Under the blue and white Big Top were “GO GREEN” exhibits from perennial Earth Day Festival Sponsors, Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU), and Holmdel Environmental Commission (HEC). Other participants beneath the tent included Arcadia Bird Sanctuary and Educational Center, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Clean Ocean Action, Friends of Holmdel Open Space (FOHOS), Holmdel Green Team, Holmdel High School ECO Club, League of Women Voters, Monmouth County Master Composters, Monmouth County Master Gardeners, Monmouth County Mosquito Commission Entomologist Sean Healy, Holmdel Shade Tree Commission, and Holmdel Venture Crew 10.
Holmdel Historical Society President George Joynson and Vice President Peggy Lasky offered information and answered questions about Holmdel’s history. Behind them in an open area of the Red Barn’s lower level was an actual “Prohibition” whiskey still found in the attic of a nearby home in Holmdel. Visitors could examine the still and view the pictures relating to it. Across from the Red Barn, Pet Adoption Network had pets needing a home. Kittens and a dog could be pet and pampered by visitors. The Red Barn Deli offered Gourmet sandwiches, hot dogs, and snacks, as well as delicious goodies for purchase in the Olde Fashioned Bake Shoppe. Bayonet Farm t-shirts were also available for purchase.
In the upper level of the Red Barn, children were able to make crafts from recyclable materials assisted by the Girl Scouts. Shizam’s Magic, Arcadia Parrots and Exotic Birds, and Clean Ocean Action presented performances in the afternoon. A huge hit with the little ones, and many parents as well, was Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery demonstration. Wildlife educator Dominic Rizzo combined fun, silliness, and education as he talked and showed several live snakes, turtles, frogs, and a 15-foot Python!
Dearborn Market donated fresh fruit, as they have for all fourteen years; Johnny Shih of Sunpark Electronics donated free CFL lightbulbs; and the floral decorations were courtesy of Bayshore Greenhouse and Farm, as well as other nurseries. Holmdel Township Departments of Parks and Recreation and Public Works; Police Explorers; First Aid Squad; Girl Scouts; and Volunteers in the Park helped to make this event a success.
Free giveaways, informative literature, great music, fun activities and shows for the children, and plenty of delicious food made Bayonet Farm Earth Day Festival a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The fourteenth annual Earth Day Committee consisted of Carol Beckenstein and Regina Criscione as co-chairwomen, Sede Spang, Chairwoman Emeritus; Mike Rauchwerk, Music Coordinator; Ralph Blumenthal and Township Committeeman Larry Fink, Hike Leaders; and Carol Balmer, Jenni Blumenthal, Elissa Cahill, Margaret Cluskey, Dina D’Ambrosi, Cathy D’Orazio, Dina Hamwi, Karenmarie Henderson, Cathy O’Hanlon, Karen Strickland, Phyllis Ameduri, and Sam Shramko as Harding House Tour Guides.
The June eEdition of the Colts Neck • Holmdel • Lincroft Community Magazine is here!
June eEdition of the Bayshore Community Messenger is here! This is the last Bayshore newspaper until September when it will make its long-anticipated debut as a full-color, glossy magazine! Be on the lookout for it in September!
