What’s Happening This Weekend In Ocean County

It’s the weekend before Memorial Day Weekend, which means it’s the final weekend before the start of the summer season in Ocean County. Between Bamboozle and the Seaside Music Fest, there’s no shortage a fun events at the Jersey Shore. Plus, this weekend in Ocean County features the 23^rd Annual State Chili Festival and LBI soaring into summer. From music to food and even family-events, there’s something for everyone enjoy this weekend. Here is what’s happening in Ocean County, this third weekend in May 2012 (more…)

What’s Happening This Weekend In Ocean County

Are you looking for something fun to do this final April weekend 2012 in Ocean County? Good news: There are plenty of fun events at the Jersey Shore right now. This weekend in Ocean County features a town-wide garage sale and a Halloween Party in April (really!). This weekend guide has something for everyone to enjoy. Here is what’s happening in Ocean County, this final weekend in April 2012 (more…)

Ocean County Easter 2012 Guide

It’s Easter 2012 in Ocean County! There are plenty of family-fun activities at the Jersey Shore including Easter egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more. Here is your guide to Easter 2012 in Ocean County (more…)

2 Things You Must Know About Spring Cleaning

Spring is finally here! Which means its time for Spring Cleaning. Before you bust out the vacuum and broom, there are 2 things that you must know that will help you out during Spring Cleaning. (more…)

What’s Happening This Weekend In Ocean County

You gotta love March! There are a lot of reasons to love March, such as Women’s History Month. This first weekend in March welcomes a variety of fun events at the Jersey Shore. This weekend in Ocean County celebrates Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and includes the 12^th Annual Gospel Extravaganza. So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend in Ocean County, consider this your guide. Here is what’s happening in Ocean County, this first weekend in March 2012 (more…)

Happening People: Mark Retacco

Mark Retacco Proudly Standing Next To One Of His Great Works of Art

Artist. Downtown Toms River Business Proponent. Ocean County Icon. That’s Mark Retacco.

Since moving to Bayville in 1971, Mark’s commitment to Ocean County has been unmatched. As an adolescent in 1976, Mark first made a local impact when he won a costume award in the Toms River Halloween Parade. It was a small victory for Mark, who had a difficult time fitting in with the other children at school. To Mark, his “refuge” was Art Class. As he described it, “In art class we all seem to have a equality that was surpassed by any other within the wall of school we were unique in our own way we were encouraged to be different. It was there that I found my true self and passion.”

After studying the arts in New York, Mark moved to Hollywood where he worked for Ted Turner and converted Turner’s black and white movies to color. Mark eventually moved back to Ocean County in the 1990s and found great success as an artist. One of his paintings received a special recognition from President Bill Clinton. Mark’s artistic work was also featured in MTV’s Real World Boston in 1997. He even created a special painting for Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard who was beaten to death as part of a hate crime. According to Mark, Mrs. Shepard described the incredible painting (entitled “End Hate Crimes”) as “bitter sweet”. Last year, Mark created a special painting for TV Personality Wendy Williams and presented the painting on her show. (more…)