Join us for “Ocean Happening’s 1^st Birthday Celebration” on Wednesday June 27^th 2012 from 6PM-10PM at Mulligan’s Bar & Grill in Toms River. And there’s absolutely NO COVER CHARGE to go to the party!

During the party, Mulligan’s will be serving delicious food, available for purchase, including pizza, wings, burgers and 2lb lobsters. Plus, Miller Lite draft and bottle specials. It’s a great opportunity to eat and drink good food and celebrate Ocean Happening’s 1^st Birthday. And it includes LIVE entertainment by local musician Bonnie Boland.

Plus, Ocean Happening will be collecting non-perishable food items at the event that we will be donating to the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties. For every non-perishable food item that you bring it, you’ll receive a raffle ticket to win fun local prizes from local businesses.

So make sure you come out to Mulligan’s on June 27^th and celebrate Ocean Happening’s 1^st Birthday. Feel free to reserve a ticket to the celebration.

And when you’re talking about “Ocean Happening’s 1^st Birthday Celebration” on Twitter, make sure you use the hastag: #OH1B

Friday, May 18^th

Barnegat High School hosts Relay For Life on Friday. Campsite setup starts at 3PM and the event commences at 5PM.

Saturday, May 19^th

Long Beach Island welcomes the season with their “Soar Into Summer” event on the 17^th Street Ramp from 9:30AM-Noon. Bring the whole family to take pictures with costumed characters. There will be vintage cars on display. It’s a great event to kickoff the summer.

It’s Ocean Fun Day at Island Beach State Park from 11AM-3PM. The Ocean Fun Day has vendors, food, games and nature tours for everyone to enjoy. Come out to this FREE event. You know its going to be fun because it says so in the title.

Hey Foodies: It’s the 23^rd Annual New Jersey State Chili & Salsa Cook-Off in Downtown Toms River. Try some FREE tastings. Live entertainment, vendors and more will also be on display.

The Ocean County Library in Manchester hosts Ring-A-Ding Rock-A-Billy Swing at 2PM. Musician George Pettignano will be playing some of your favorite hits from the 40s to the mid 60s. It will be just like you went back through time to experience a great show from years ago.

Our nightlife pick goes to Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant Beach where Sideways, a hip and groundbreaking local band, will be playing your favorite current hits starting at 9PM.

Sunday, May 20^th

The Tuckerton Seaport hosts the 6^th Annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival from 11AM-5PM. Come out enjoy the smooth music and great food. Plus, there are crafters, vendors, games, boat rides and more.

Senior home care is the best option for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. It is important that Alzheimer’s patients continue their normal activities and remain in their familiar surroundings of home. Senior home care allows that to happen. Welcoming a professional caregiver during the early stages of the disease helps your loved one get familiar with the caregiver.

Alzheimer patients who live in Ocean and Southern Monmouth Counties, including Toms River, Lakewood, Manchester, Brick and Manahawkin, deserve the best care possible, and senior home care provides that. Caregivers can visit on an hourly basis or provide live-in care. These caregivers provide Alzheimer patients with companionship, personal care and even conduct light housekeeping.

When you seek a senior home care service, make sure that the agency is licensed, bonded and insured. They should conduct background checks on their caregivers. An experienced and compassionate caregiver can provide help that Alzheimer patients need.

Although Alzheimer’s can be a difficult experience, your family doesn’t have to go through it alone. Using senior home care can make the experience easier for you and your loved one. A professional caregiver gives your family the peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the best care possible.

Visiting Angels in Toms River delivers senior home care like no other. Licensed, bonded and insured, they specialize in both hourly and live-in home care services for adults and seniors. Their caregivers are caring, compassionate, experienced, qualified and go through extensive background checks. They provide personal care and even light housekeeping to seniors throughout Ocean and Southern Monmouth Counties. For more information about how Visiting Angels can help you, call them at 732-240-1050 or email them at visitingangelsoc@gmail.com. You can also stop by at their office at 1747 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ, 08753 or you can visit their website.

 

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More importantly, Memorial Day Weekend is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our nation. Let’s honor and remember our brave military by attending the Memorial Day parades and ceremonies across Ocean County. Here is your guide to Memorial Day 2012 in Ocean County:

Northeast Ocean County

• On May 25^th at 7:30PM, Lakewood will be holding a Memorial Service in their Municipal Auditorium. The service features the Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, prayers, a tribute video to our soldiers and more.
• Lakewood will hold a Memorial Day Parade at the Town Square at 10AM. The parade ends at the All War Memorial Amphitheater.
• Brick’s Memorial Day Parade, which pays tribute to the brave men and women in the military, starts at 10AM at the former Foodtown site and travels to town hall on Chambers Bridge Road. It’s hosted by VFW Post 8867 and American Legion Post 348.
• Get your bikes out for the 11^th Annual Point Pleasant Beach Memorial Day Bike Parade on May 26^th at 10:00AM. It starts at the Bank of America parking lot on Arnold Avenue. Bikes and floats will be smothered in red, white and blue – proud American colors!

Northwest Ocean County

• Plumsted holds their Memorial Day Parade at 1PM on May 28^th. It starts at North Main Street and marches all the way to the American Legion headquarters.
• On Memorial Day in Jackson at 10AM, the VFW Post 4703 hosts their parade and Memorial Day services. The parade takes place between Jackson Memorial High School and the Jackson Municipal Justice Complex. Afterwards, stay for a BBQ featuring burgers, sandwiches and more.
• For the first time, Manchester holds one large Memorial Day Parade instead of two. It starts at 10AM at the Grand Army Memorial in Pine Lake Park.

Toms River Area

• A local favorite, the 78^th Annual Toms River Memorial Day Parade, returns to Downtown Toms River at 9AM. It starts at Main and Washington Streets.
• Beachwood hosts a Memorial Day Parade at 10AM followed by their annual RiverFest in Mayo Park from 11AM-2PM. There will be tons of vendors, crafters, antiques and more. The event includes delicious food from local restaurants and activities for the whole family to enjoy.



• Lavallette honors all of our brave Veterans with their Memorial Day Service in Memorial Park on May 30^th at 11AM.

Southern Ocean County

• On May 27^th at 7PM, Barnegat Light hosts a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The festivities start at West 11^th Street and end at the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The parade includes the Ocean County Emerald Society Bagpipe Band.
• Pay tribute to our brave men and women at the Barnegat Memorial Day Parade at 1PM. The parade commences on Birdsall Ave.
• Check out the Memorial Day Parade in Beach Haven at 10AM. It starts at Taylor Avenue and concludes at Veteran’s Bicentennial Park. Floats covered with patriotic colors will march through Long Beach Island!
• Ship Bottom hosts a special Memorial Day Service at 1PM at the front lawn of Borough Hall. They will be paying tribute to our military.
• Manahawkin presents a Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29^th at 1PM at the Stafford Municipal Complex’s “Veteran’s Park”.

On May 12 2012, Downtown Toms River welcomed two different mega events: The 2012 Toms River Food & Arts/Crafts/Music Festivals. Thousands of people flocked to Downtown Toms River for the festivals. At the Arts/Crafts/Music festival, there were local artists displaying their amazing works. At the Food Festival, there was delicious cuisine prepared by local restaurants and cooks, plus music and games for the kids. It is so convenient for Ocean County residents to have these two fun events right next to each other at the same time. Watch the video we created for the event (and a special thanks to artist Mark Retacco for giving us a tour of the festival.)

Some of the bands and performers live here at the Jersey Shore and others are coming from other states just to perform. They will be playing some of the best new music you will ever hear. With rock, pop, alternative, folk-artists and even DJs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For a full schedule of the bands and locations, check out the Seaside Music Festival website.

And even if music isn’t your thing, the 2012 Seaside Music Festival also features other fun events on Saturday May 19^th including the American Muscle on the Beach Auto Show, a surfing clinic and a Vendor Village. Plus all the rides and games on the boardwalk will be open.

The 2012 Seaside Music Festival will be a great way to start the summer season at the Jersey Shore. There will be lots of local people from Ocean County attending, as well as numerous out-of-towners. And best of all – its FREE admission. Rock on, Seaside Music Festival!

Friday, May 11^th

Bring the kids to a Carnival for the Manchester High School Class of 2014. There will be kid-friendly activities available from 4PM-7PM and activities for High School students from 7PM-10PM.

Saturday, May 12^th

The Jersey Shore Animal Center presents the 3^rd Annual Beach to Bay 5K at Brick Beach III at 8:30AM. The 5K is in memory of Justin Weisleder It’s $25 to register now for the 5K. And there will be prizes given out to the winners.

It’s a double feature in Downtown Toms River today that you don’t want to miss. Starting at 11AM, check out both the Arts, Crafts and Music and the Toms River Food Fest. These are great events for people who enjoy the arts and great food. Bring the whole family to this fun community event.

Enjoy a garden tea party at 11AM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Parish in Barnegat Light. Wear your Sunday’s best (on Saturday of course) and enjoy a nice tea party plus lunch.

The International Film Society will be screening the movie “Small, Beautifully Moving Parts” at the LBI Foundation of the Art and Sciences at 7:30PM.

Local band Riff Raff makes their Waretown Debut at Longshots. Plus “Drinkin with Lincoln” drink specials all night.

Sunday, May 13^th

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers!

All Weekend Long

The Ocean Theatre Company will be performing their spring production of “Nunset Boulevard – The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show” all this weekend at the Barnegat High School auditorium. If you love singing and dancing nuns, then you gotta check out this show. Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children. Make sure you come out and support the local theatre company.

Beach badges are on sale now for your favorite beaches throughout Ocean County. Although most of the beaches won’t require beach badges for access until Memorial Day Weekend 2012, you can start purchasing seasonal badges now at special pre-season rates. Also, its important to know which beaches at the Jersey Shore offer the best rates this year. Here is a list of Ocean County beach badge prices for 2012:

• Barnegat Light: $35 Seasonal ($10 Seniors), $20 Weekly, $5 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Bay Head: $70 Seasonal ($45 Seniors), $7 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Beach Haven: Seasonal $30 before June 22 or $40 after June 23 (FREE for Seniors), $20 Weekly, $5 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Brick: $25 Seasonal Before June 15 or $30 Seasonal starting June 16 (FREE for Senior Residents), $5 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Harvey Cedars: $30 Seaonal before June 15 or $40 afterwards.
• Lavallette: $40 Seasonal ($14 Seniors), $25 Weekly, $7 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Loveladies: $40 Seasonal ($5 Seniors), $20 Weekly, $5 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Point Pleasant Beach (Jenkinsons): $85 Seasonal ($60 Seniors), Daily $7 Weekdays & $8 Weekends ($2 Kids agees 5-11 on Weekends), FREE for Children Under 5
• Seaside Heights: $45 Seasonal ($10 Seniors), $5 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Seaside Park: $50 Seasonal before June 14 or $55 after June 14 ($20 Seniors), $35 Weekly, $10 Daily, FREE for Children Under 11
• Ship Bottom: $40 Seasonal ($10 Seniors), $17 Weekly, $5 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Surf City: $50 Seasonal (FREE for Seniors), $17 Weekly, $6 Daily, FREE for Children Under 12
• Toms River: $35 Seasonal before May 28 or $50 Afterwards (FREE for Senior Residents), $25 Weekly, $7 Daily Weekdays & $8 Weekends/Holidays, FREE for Children Under 12

Northeast Ocean County

Moms get in FREE with a paid admission at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach on Mother’s Day.

Arr! Even Pirates had Moms too. On Mother’s Day at Jersey Shore Pirates in Brick, Mothers and Grandmothers in the group ride for FREE. There will be six sailings on Mother’s Day, starting at 9:30AM.

Northwest Ocean County

Laurita Winery in New Egypt presents a FREE Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend. Come out and dance to the great music and enjoy the refreshments all Mother’s Day weekend long.

The New Egypt Speedway welcomes a Mother’s Day Giveaway on May 12^th at 6PM.

Toms River Area

On May 10^th from 5PM-8PM, the Ocean County Mall has a FREE Mom’s Nite Out. Come out and get your FREE mini-makeovers and receive a FREE photograph of your makeover. Plus there’s psychic readings, yoga and zumba demonstrations, FREE hair consultations, prizes, coupons to your favorite stores and more. It’s a great night for local Moms to go out and have some “Mom Time”.

Here’s a good show to experience with the whole family. It’s the production of “Are You My Mother” at Ocean County College’s Arts and Community Center on May 12^th at 1PM. It’s a musical show about a group of baby birds who are on a quest to find their mother.

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe in Lavallette presents special performances on Mother’s Day at Noon and 2PM.  They always put on an entertaining show, and its FREE when you order an ice cream sundae.

It’s Mother’s Day on the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights with FREE entertainment and flowers all day.

Southern Ocean County

Are you looking to buy flowers for Mom? Then check out the Forked River Ladies Auxiliary Mother’s Day Plant Sale on May 11^th from 9AM-4PM.

Waretown’s Ocean County Arts Center presents a Mother’s Day dedication with songs and dance performances all about the theme of motherly love. The performances begin at 11AM on May 12^th.

Take Mom to see a special production of the Wizard of Oz presented by the American Family Theatre. The show is at the Stafford Township Arts Center on May 12^th at Noon and 5PM.