JCP&L Celebrates Careers in Utilities Week

On October 16, 2015 at their training center in Farmingdale, NJ, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) held an event to demonstrate the skills needed to become a utility worker and the job opportunities available in the profession. JCP&L President Jim Fakult was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and Dianne Solomon, NJBPU Commissioner and 44 trainees that are currently enrolled in the JCP&L Power Systems Institute, a unique two-year training program run in conjunction with Brookdale Community College and Raritan Valley Community College.

The JCP&L Careers in Utilities event included demonstrations featuring:
– The Bronto, a truck with a boom and bucket that can extend to 197 feet and is used to construct transmission lines
– The Rolligon, a vehicle specially designed to work in environmentally sensitive areas
– The Pressure Digger, a device for digging in rocky soil conditions
– The Aerial Saw, a unique tree-trimming tool deployed from a helicopter
– The JCP&L Mobile Emergency Operations Center
– Pole Climbing Skills

Background on the PSI program:
For more than a decade, FirstEnergy Corp, the parent company of JCP&L has teamed up with local community colleges to train the next generation of top-quality, well-educated line workers and substation electricians for the electric utility industry. The program, called Power Systems Institute (PSI), was originally introduced by FirstEnergy in 2000 as a way to replace retiring line workers. Since its inception PSI has helped more than 1,100 graduates take their careers to new heights.

Students who successfully complete the program earn an associate of applied science degree and will be prepared to enter the workforce as line workers or substation electricians.
JCP&L participated in the program in the early 2000’s but due the economic downturn in 2011 most of the PSI programs were placed on hold because projected hiring needs did not support bringing in new students. Up until that point, the Power Systems Institute already had provided JCP&L with more than 160 highly skilled employees who are working in the field today.

As future workforce needs were re-evaluated, the decision was made to reinstate the PSI program targeting a fall of 2015 enrollment class. Since JCP&L had previously instituted PSI programs at Raritan Valley Community College in 2003 and at Brookdale Community College in 2007, both colleges were reengaged for the re-launch of the program.

TOM COSENTINO
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, Public Affairs
tcosentino@mww.com

Columbus day Weekend  October 10th 2015  12 noon – 5  pm

COMING ATTRACTION: MIDNIGHT MOSAIC Party at Stone Pony  Friday August 28^th  7PM   bY Calvin Schwartz

Several years ago NJ Discover and Artist Nation TV sponsored a “You’ve Been Discovered” contest, in the same discovery mode as proliferative pop culture TV shows. Of course, our base is here in New Jersey. It’s what we’re about; discovering Jersey, especially its vast portfolio of musicians and artists. Part of our mantra is to elevate, support and promulgate our fellow creative Jerseyans. We were thrilled when the band ‘Midnight Mosaic’ was one of our winners.

Then and now we found them to be exciting, accelerating, eclectic and young which means a rising star phenomenon. Their sound was fresh and contemplative leading into a fusion of genres. For me, in the growing stage of music appreciation, I gravitate to their rock and soul sound. They’re fun and as I like to say when appropriate, like now, “welcome to the future.”

From time to time, we highlight coming attractions of events and gigs totally worthwhile to checking out like August 28th 7 PM at the Stone Pony for Midnight Mosaic’s party. And of course it’s the Jersey shore, a summer weekend, a plethora of eating places and cool ocean breezes.

Midnight Mosaic is:  A.t. Hunte (Vocals), Harrisyn Hartt (Keyboards/Synth), AJ (Drums), Dee M (Backing Vocals) Ant (Guitar), and Eric Ubl (Bass) Based in Asbury Park, New Jersey.  So therefore being at the Stone Pony means being home.    Calvin Schwartz  8-17-15

Facebook Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/802406453191443/

“Come join Midnight Mosaic plus special guests Soraia Autumn City Garden State Line & Far in the Maples for a night of joyous noise LIVE at The Stone Pony! Spinning between sets & after the bands are DJ’s Jahred & Christopher Castillo. Plus we will have vendors displaying and selling their art. Tickets are $10.00 from the bands $12.00 at the door. The show is ALL AGES.”

CHECK OUT LINKS FOR MORE INFO:

http://www.midnightmosaicband.com/

http://www.facebook.com/MidnightMosaic

https://twitter.com/midnightmosaic

http://www.reverbnation.com/midnightmosaic

http://www.youtube.com/user/MidnightMosaicMusic

http://instagram.com/midnightmosaic

ALSO CHECK OUT FIRE WORK (full length) on Soundcloud    

  https://soundcloud.com/midnightmosaic/sets/fire-work-full-length

In case You Missed It:  Thunder Road Thursday’s 40th Anniversary Born To Run Celebration   BAR A  Lake Como  Thursday Aug 13^th   bY Calvin Schwartz

I  often write about New Jersey having arrived at the pinnacle of American Pop Culture. Just look at the proliferation in media; The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Jersey Boys, Jersey Shore, Garden State, Jersey Girl. The Jersey shore is a frequent topical theme and rightfully so; President Obama was here several times after Sandy as was Prince Harry and so was American Pharaoh, Triple Crown winner, yesterday at Monmouth Park along with 63,100 fans. There is a magical quality to the Jersey shore; the shore embodies senses of family, history, Americana, fun, reverence, loyalty, food, music with the Atlantic Ocean as backdrop.

Thus it is fitting and proper to be excited about a very special concert at the epicenter of the Jersey shore, at BAR A in Lake Como, close to Belmar, Asbury Park and miles of boardwalks. The lineup for the concert is iconic and kudos to Jesse Warren and Terry Camp for putting it together at the Jersey shore. Of note is the serious side of the concert; to raise awareness for the heroin epidemic here in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

If you meld all these elements together, the night promises to be hugely memorable. Get thee to the shore a few hours early for dinner, boardwalk and ocean air inhalations.                                                                                                                                                                                                             Calvin Schwartz

Event details and frequent updates will be on the Facebook Event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1524147801165369

 THUNDER ROAD THURSDAY

CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPRINGSTEEN’S “BORN TO RUN”

Lake Como, NJ – On Thursday, August 13, 2015, the Jersey Shore celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary album, “Born to Run,” at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como, NJ. The event will honor this 40-year milestone and the pop culture influences that helped create the distinctive “Jersey Shore” sound. With this special event, the Thunder Road Thursday Series also aims to raise public awareness of the heroin epidemic facing Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Producer Jesse Warren of Jesse James Productions lost his brother, Scott Warren, to a heroin overdose on March 26th, 2015. Warren states, “The heroin addiction crisis in Monmouth and Ocean Counties has been building for many years and has, unfortunately, received national note. A few months ago, it hit home – my home. We are all responsible to keep the issue front and center in our communities.”

The show will feature a house band of All-Star New Jersey musicians backing featured performers. Springsteen’s “Born to Run” album will be covered and celebrated. The night will also feature artist collaborations and jams for which the Shore is famous. Bar Anticipation hosts as part of its own “Throwback Thursdays” series and offers a variety of drink specials all night long.

Assisting Jesse Warren is attorney and long-time member of the Jersey Shore music community, Terry Camp. Camp and Warren last collaborated on last January’s 3rd Annual “Big Man’s” Birthday Bash at Bar Anticipation, celebrating the late E Street sax man, Clarence Clemons. Camp adds, “We’re thrilled to again be working with Tom Jannarone and his Bar Anticipation team. That place is cream of the crop for a diverse and quality entertainment experience – and a natural venue to carry on the legacy of Jersey Shore rock and roll.”

 The full line-up of popular Shore artists will include:

Max Weinberg ( E Street Band)

Eddie Testa (from The Eddie Testa Band)

JoBonanno (from JoBonanno and the Godsons of Soul)

Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez (original E Street Band drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer)

“The Philly Elvis” Nick Ferraro (who has performed with Springsteen)

Bob Polding (from The Bob Polding Band, as regularly featured on “The

FAN,” WFAN-AM radio)

Killer Joe ( From Killer Joe and The Lido Soul)

Pat Roddy (from The Pat Roddy Band)

Sean Loughlin (from The E Street Shuffle)

Joe Cartwright (from Bent Mushroom)

The All Star House Band features:

Mark Leimbach (Gary U.S. Bonds)

Kevin Gilmore (Eddie Testa Band)

Dennis Miele (Godsons of Soul)

Vini Lopez/Dave Halpern (John Eddie)

Joey Stann (Springsteen, Jukes)

Tony Perruso (Jukes)

Tommy Miers (Jukes)

Tony Aiello (Joe Jackson, Jukes)

Joe Arminio

Ken Latawiec (Eddie Testa Band)

David Turner

Sheri and Lori Gilmore

Doreen Arminio

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and live music begins at 7:00 p.m. The show is expected to end by 11:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15.00 day of show.

21 and over

Tickets may be purchased via the Facebook Event page or by contacting Jesse Warren (contact information below).

 Event details and frequent updates will be the Facebook Event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1524147801165369/

Bar Anticipation

www.bar-a.com

703 16th Avenue

Lake Como, NJ 07719

(732) 681-7422

For Press/Media inquiries and access:

E-mail Jesse Warren at sting5890@aol.com

Phone – (908) 309-0426

 A MESSAGE FROM THE PROMOTERS

Proud to announce we are partnering with CFC Loud N Clear Non-Profit to Raise Awareness of the Heroin Epidemic.

http://www.cfcloudnclear.org

Join Us and CFC at Thunder Road Thursday in dedication to Scott Warren August 13th and at Rock The Farm NJ August 29th!

Be aware. Be vigilant. Care

About CFC- CFC Loud N Clear was developed in light of our family’s personal journey through addiction. In 2012 after many IOPs, several in-patient treatment centers and years of an uphill battle, we discovered the gaps in the system and realized a need for diverse programs of extended after care. Daniel Regan developed an after care system for himself with the help of his mother Lynn Regan. After a while people started to want to know how they did it and wanted a recovery plan set up for themselves. They decided from that point that everyone deserves access to an aftercare program and they created CFC Loud N Clear. The first year after treatment is the most crucial year in someone’s recovery. CFC will help guide you through your first year and beyond. CFC Loud N Clear believes in providing many roads to recovery thus giving our members many positive proven options that resonates with them. We also recognized the need for safe sober socialization and create a social calendar filled with fun/ laugh inducing activities. Daniel and Lynn Regan are highly involved in the field of prevention and saw the importance of giving back and preventing others from going down the wrong road. Thus CFC got its name Coming Full Circle, we are proudly more than just a recovery program. CFC provides services for Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery with a seamless integration of the three making it a full circle.

http://www.cfcloudnclear.org/

In case you missed it!
Spring Lake NJ Irish Festival Saturday May 16th. Live music, cultural food, beer garden, contests, kids activities, Atlantic Ocean, Jersey Shore ambiance, sports personalities and more.

‘FUNNY’ COMING ATTRACTIONS: MIKE MARINO BACK IN JERSEY FOR 2 CONCERTS; FRIDAY APRIL 24^TH  and Friday May 1^st

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Marino for the last three years since I first met him at the Asbury Park Comedy Festival.  Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a unique handle, a release and grasp of our world.

It’s funny, every time (which is several times a week) I go in to one of those convenience stores, some with those strange birds in their logo, and I pass by the computer station to order sandwiches, I stop, stare, smile and think of Mike Marino. And I know customers see me smiling and they must think I’m a little out there. But Mike makes me smile and laugh even when he’s in California, a few thousand miles away.

The genius of Marino’s humor is to take our modern (expletive omitted) lives and shove it under a comedic microscope.  And when you see him in concert, you get a chance to see the ‘Marino’ face; how he loves to laugh with the audience at his own humor; that genuineness and warmth draws us in and embraces. Even more than that, my being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike on stage, I can’t help but see Jack Benny, who had one of the greatest comedic facial expressions as well as incredible timing. Benny was Johnny Carson’s all-time favorite; Mike Marino’s expressions and timing is right there with Jack Benny.  His concerts are a happening especially when he’s back home in front of a Jersey audience.

Calvin Schwartz   April 22, 2015

Mike Marino’s Official BIO:

Mike Marino – affectionately known to thousands of his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – is one of the most unique comics of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse. Mike, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, can be seen nightly as a top headliner at both the world famous Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky Quarter

HEADLINE:  “Mike Marino – Out of the Hospital & Back on Stage!”   Mike recently finished an 8 month battle with diverticulitis on April 1^st when he had successful stomach surgery at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank. For me, the best is that he’s recovered, back on stage and ADDED  all this new  material from being in the hospital and if its Mike, it has to be hugely funny!!!!! (side-splitting)

And don’t forget Mike’s  new DVD is out now on iTunes, GooglePlay, Xbox and Sony and now also on Amazon Prime!  Currently it’s a TOP SELLER on iTunes!!!

Mike’s new website coming soon!!   http://mikemarino.net/

CHECK OUT THE FLYERS BELOW  ALSO THE AFTER PARTY FOR FRI APRIL 24^TH CONCERT IN METUCHEN

HEY, WE’RE RUNNING  OUT OF EARTH TIME. COMING ATTRACTION: THIS WEDNESDAY APRIL 22^ND EARTH DAY. ONLY NEW JERSEY SCREENING OF POWERFUL ENVIRONMENTAL FILM ‘PLANETARY’ AT CROSSROADS IN GARWOOD NJ.  READ ALL ABOUT IT.   CALVIN SCHWARTZ  APRIL 20, 2015

Somehow I feel a full circle coming on.  On April 22^nd 1970, a year after graduating from Rutgers University, the first Earth Day was held and I’ve been involved ever since. A few days ago, I met(for NJ Discover) with Dr. Lauren Laurino, ND and Lee Frankel of the Crossroads night club in Garwood, New Jersey. We three realized how critically important it was for New Jersey to join the other 90 theaters all over the world showing the environmentally haunting, poignant, beautiful documentary, ‘Planetary.’

Perhaps when you get to be a certain age, that critical epiphany about the planet Earth arrives at sensibility; I’ve been there actively for a few years to the extent, philosophically, that nothing really matters here on earth except the planet’s continuing existence and we’re really running out of time.  We all (7 billion of us) seem to live for the day in varying degrees of excesses. When and how do we really start making a lasting difference? Because it’s not working. From all I learned about ‘Planetary,’ this film  can be that emotional, spiritual realization to move us to more action before we run out of time.  Kind of like a ‘Moonstruck’ slap in the face.

So I think if you’re under 30 or even over 30, and a Jersey person living anywhere within 100 mile radius of Garwood, please please (2 ‘pleases’ together is as heavy as I ever get) make that effort to join us Wednesday night and begin your own arrival and spiritual elevation to making a difference here on earth. And bring friends and teenagers; it’s their inherited planet.  And this just in, world renowned mime, Janet Carafa is coming from New York to join us and present a special short mime act, ‘Gaia’ she created especially for our Wednesday together.

Calvin Schwartz  April 20, 2015

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE!!!!!   https://www.facebook.com/events/1600245936883099/

CHECK OUT FILM TRAILER:   http://www.xxroads.com/#!film/ct4g

OFFICIAL SUMMARY OF THE FILM:

PLANETARY is a feature length documentary that expands on the mind-blowing perspective shared by astronauts and indigenous elders alike – that each and every one of us is inseparable from each other, the planet and the universe as a whole, a realization that is both humbling and comforting. If more of us start to experience the simple truth of our interdependence and connection, we believe there is hope for the next stage in our human journey. PLANETARY is meant to inspire awe and wonder by seeing things as they are, placing our individual stories in the context of the larger planetary / cosmic story.

Ultimately, the film makes the assertion that we are in the midst of a global crisis, brought on by a disconnection from Earth and from each other. Stephen Apkon, president of associated production company Reconsider, said of the film, “At the heart of all of our environmental and social challenges is a profound disconnection with the natural world. Planetary deals with this magnificently – not from a place of fear, but of affection. For this planet we call home and for the experience of life itself.”

PEOPLE INVOLVED IN BRINGING FILM TO CROSSROADS IN GARWOOD ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 22ND :

LEE FRANKEL:  The Crossroads in Garwood NJ is a entertainment venue that hosts a over 100 events of various genre on and off site each month.  For the past 19 years, the owner Lee Frankel has utilized The Crossroads as a platform to bring community together through music festivals, comedy, shows, film and other events throughout New Jersey.

On Earth Day 4.22.2015 The Crossroads will be hosting the only screening in the State of the documentary film Planetary. The film will be screened in over 90 theatres Worldwide and has been brought to NJ by none other than NJ’s own “Dr Ren, America’s Holistic Sweetheart.”

DR.LAUREN LAURINO, ND: founded the State’s first Holistic Chamber of Commerce and currently hosts the first Holistic Lifestyle segment called “Think Healthy with Dr. Ren” on Public Access Television- UnionTV34. [ https://vimeo.com/channels/863110 ]  With 15 years in private and public event coordination, ‘Dr. Ren’ has been involved in various media and educational based projects independently and through the New York Open Center. (The largest Holistic Urban Learning Center in the World opencenter.org)  She is part of the films social media crew and is known for her ‘Holistic Health Crusade’ or Natural health advocacy. Dr. Ren recently won the Higher Achievement Award from the American Naturopathic Medical Association and a CA State Senate award for Outstanding Community Service.  ‘Dr. Ren’ hope’s this film will further encourage a sense of community and awareness that in this critical time we must come together to preserve our Garden State and ensure it’s sustainability.

CALVIN SCHWARTZ: is a novelist (‘Vichy Water’) and journalist for NJ Discover writing about homelessness, hunger, environment, music and co-hosts Rock on Radio.

LINKS TO THE ABOVE:     www.Xxroads.com            www.Laurenlaurino.com                      www.njdiscover.com

‘PLANETARY’ PEOPLE

JEFF GITTERMAN: Keeping it ‘Consciously Jersey’ Associate Producer ALSO of Gitterman Wealth Management in Iselin and co-author of  Beyond Success , which is a Holistic Approach to money management was one of the large driving forces in helping the film get off the ground.

GUY REID: ‘Planetary’ film director was on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.com/greenhouse/watch/interrupting-our-worldview-through-film-429137475580 ) the other day and spoke about the feedback Planetary Collective has received since the films world premiere at SXSW on 3/14/15. He and viewers have reported that the film is creating an emotional and cognitive shift globally.

During the Environmental Film Festival in Washington DC at the National Geographic Theatre Director Reid commented that: “The best review on the film I have received as of yet was from ‘Dr. Ren’. Turns out she had a spontaneous Kundalini Awakening while Lawrence Ellis was speaking.” Luckily for Dr. Ren she was sitting in VIP between Director Reid’s mother, who flew in from London and a Holistic Nurse. When questioned as to what happened Dr Ren stated “I’ve been practicing Kundalini Yoga for a decade and a half and have only read about spontaneous awakenings. In the book ‘Kundalini Rising’ I remember reading that it can happen at any given time and sometimes in a crowded place. Thankfully the nurse next to me had a clue. I remember becoming very hot, lightheaded and my heart started racing. She took me outside into the hallway and monitored me until I felt grounded. I thought it was pretty cool that this happened during my third time watching the film in it’s entirety and have heard others report similar experiences since then.”

SPECIAL MIME GUEST JANET CARAFA: Is a founder of the NY Entertainment Connection and Art of Mime will be introducing the NJ exclusive premiere of Planetary at the Crossroads in Garwood. She will be performing a piece she has created for this special event called “Gaia”. Janet is a world renown Mime who was taught and directed by the legendary Marcel Marceau. With many notable productions to her name, Janet event produced the 911 memorials at Madison Square Garden and Ground Zero working with the Port Authority of NY and NJ. She even produced ‘NJ Welcomes the World’ to greet players and fans with her ‘YES Team’ during last years Superbowl week at Newark Airport.

“We are thrilled to have Janet Carafa introduce the film in Mime. Her silent movements speak a universal language which go beyond borders amplifying the message of the Planetary Collective.” -Dr. Ren, America’s Holistic Sweetheart at the NJ Earth Day Premiere

http://www.artofmime.com/

http://www.nyentertainmentconnect.com/allpages/gala.htm

https://vimeo.com/88357762 << Superbowl week welcoming video with yes team

COMING ATTRACTION: Sunday April 5th at 7PM “Authors in the Round: Armstrong, Schwartz and Rienzi”

NJ Discover’s feature writer and correspondent, Calvin Schwartz is one of three authors  participating this Sunday April 5^th at 7PM “Authors in the Round: Armstrong, Schwartz and Rienzi”  You can listen, tune in, chat or catch the video feed or even come on down to 40 Foot Hole Studios.

LISTEN HERE 7PM SUNDAY NIGHT APRIL 5^TH   http://page.cloudradionetwork.com/40foot/

VIDEO LINK:  WATCH IT LIVE:  https://new.livestream.com/accounts/3269343/events/3939192

Join us for a lively discussion with these talented authors. They will share bits of their latest novels, their journey to bestsellers, what makes them tick and anything else that comes up.

Come to the studio to meet them or listen/watch online and ask your questions in the chatroom.

Light fare will be available. BYOB.

Your host for this adventure into the world of writing is Karen Kenney Smith, author and President of Three Worlds Press.

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1067342579946268/

40 Foot Hole Studios

Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center

431 N Main St (Rt 9), PO Box 246, Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey 08734

MEET THE AUTHORS!!!!!

Let us introduce the first of our three authors: Franny Armstrong. Franny will be joining us live via SKYPE from Toronto.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Franny Armstrong has written creatively since she was a child. Her mother always told her to write down her feelings and she did. When she was ten, she started writing and acting out plays in her garage for the neighborhood kids.
When she became ill in her forties, she used her writing skills to create stories that took her away. Living in the country with her husband and mother, three dogs, and three cats, she loves the silence when working on her books, when she can get it. With three full grown children and four grandchildren, she has a full life.
Writing is her life now. Her main goal is to be a #1 Best Selling author and tour with book signings.

COMING ATTRACTION: #HotNJ Competition for the Best ‘Made in New Jersey’ Hot Sauces. Highlands NJ Saturday March 28

NJ Discover has added this Hot Sauce Competition to our Coming Attraction feature here on the website for several poignant reasons. The obvious: the sauces are made HERE in New Jersey and the BEST reason; NJ Discover’s duo team of correspondents/reporters, Tara_Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz have been invited as media to be among the panel of judges!! For all our readers, coming on down makes for a fun Saturday. In addition to the contest ambiance, The Highlands has much history and sites including a special sculpture memorial to 9-11. Across  Highway 36 are the Twin Lights, the only connected lighthouse in the world. Sandy Hook is a mile away. So come on down to Chilangos in Highlands at 2pm.

Calvin Schwartz

Jersey Shore Vacations New Jersey’s premiere travel website, is planning a competition to pick the best “Made in New Jersey” hot sauces. The #HotNJ judging will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Chilangos in Highlands, from 2pm. The public is welcome to attend, as some of the producers will be there to offer samplings.

The format will be a blind tasting, and categories will include Best Hot Sauce, Best Medium/Mild Sauce and Best Flavor.

Eligible for the competition are any hot sauces crafted in NJ. The sauces in the competition include: Heartbreaking Dawns, Born to Hula, Hot Sauce 4 Good, Krazy Flav, Hank Sauce and Blair’s. Below you can read detailed reviews of some of these producers:

• Heartbreaking Dawns
• Born To Hula
• Hot Sauce 4 Good
• Krazy Flav

The panel will consist of a number of food bloggers, restaurateurs and media personalities. The results, with comments from the panelists, will be made public shortly after the judging. A special announcement of the winners will also be made during the Jersey Shore Biz Fest (April 15 at the Sheraton Eatontown).

COMING ATTRACTION; A SPECIAL NIGHT: 5 Year Anniversary of FREEHOLD NJ NETWORK FOR SUCCESS at PARK 33 FREEHOLD WEDNESDAY JAN 21st 7 PM  By Calvin Schwartz

Wendy and John Bruzzese created the Freehold NJ Network for Success five years ago giving of their time, energy and contagious passion to bring people together in a social and business atmosphere. I met them three years ago and  marvel at their continuing commitment and dedication. For me, back then, entering a new experience of central Jersey journalism, what a perfect opportunity to connect and network in a casual atmosphere. I can’t put an exact figure on how many people, connections and journalistic opportunities that Wendy and John’s Network have given me but it’s substantive.

Interacting with professionals and business people, my central Jersey connections have been so dramatically enhanced by the Freehold Network For Success. Actually I’ve pinched myself a few times at events; hundreds of people with shared interests, food, music, prizes, networking, and they don’t charge you; it’s one of those too good to be true organizations.

I remember the Christmas after Hurricane Sandy and how they used a Network event for this amazing toy drive for the affected communities; they keep finding ways to give back. They’ve been active in many anti-bullying campaigns; more giving back to the community. So the FNFS is celebrating their 5^th Anniversary. So one of my favorite expressions is “get thee off the sedentary sofa and come on over.”  Please do, get the chance to meet Wendy and John Bruzzese and a few hundred other people who probably have the same concentric circles of commonality as you; a great way to start a new year and you just never know the connection waiting.

Calvin Schwartz    January 9, 2015

***SAVE THE DATE for an amazing night of networking***
**PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS—Many more are coming**

Come celebrate the 5 Year Anniversary of FREEHOLD NJ NETWORK FOR SUCCESS at PARK 33…..and KICK OFF 2014 and our 5th Year of this group together!!!
This will be a great night out of Business/Social Networking with GREAT PEOPLE!!!

THIS IS OUR WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS and SUPPORTERS over the last 5 YEARS!!!

***PRIZES***
1- (2) separate Social Memberships to Bella Vista Country Club donated by Anthony Beshara.
2- $500 certificate towards any party of 50 or more people at Bella Vista Country Club donated by Anthony Beshara.
3- Sports Memorabilia Basket donated by Ed Garber.
4- $250 gift certificate donated by Neil Slattery Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
5- Gift Basket from Brazen Bras donated by Christine & Angela Longette.
6- $250 gift certificate and basket of products donated by Nanci McCarthy of BEST TILE.
7- Basket of Italian goodies from Cammareris Bakery donated by Ernest Caponegro.
8- Jewelry basket donated by Carol Walker.
9- Basket valued at $150 from Pinot’s Palette Red Bank donated by Dorothy Ferlanti.
10- $100 Gift card for J.Hilburn clothiers donated by Susan Klapkin.
11- Dove Chocolate gift basket donated by Susan Klapkin.
12- Thank you to Karen Esposito Bull from Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties for donating a Basket of Gluten free, Organic Sauce and Goods from Uncle Steve’s.
13- (3) separate Half Page advertisements in any area publication of NJ Savvy Shopper donated by Rich & Lisa Gentile.
14- Wine & Chocolate basket donated by Shannon Kulesa.
15- Thank you to Teri & Jordan Maskowitz from Pinot’s Palette- Manalapan for donating a basket with 2 gift certificates, bottle of wine and 2 wine glasses valued at $125
16- 5 Months free of Sho Go Jitsu Ryu $555 value donated by Mark & Regina Caravaglio-Caravaglio Self Defense & Fitness Training center.
17- Thanks to Donna Silverstein from Donna’s Caketastic Creations for giving away a party of 5 with cake and wine valued at $385.

The first 200 ATTENDEES will receive the following:
1-$100 certificate towards your 2015 Tax Preparation donated by Ed Garber.
2-$25 certificate towards services provided by TOTALPARTY donated by Dori Saypol.
3-$50 certificate towards a booking with Photobooths4All donated by Pete Stoermer.
4-$10 Gift card to Brazen Bras donted by Christine & Angela Longette.
5- $20 Gift Certificate to Brio Tuscan Grille at the Freehold Raceway Mall donated by Jon-G.M. and Ashley Hampton.
6- 1 month free of AUM Indian Dance, Cardio Kickboxing class, Zumba dance, Sho Go JitsuRyu-Karate & Jiu Jitsu Classes $300 Value.

If you attended last years anniversary, you know that we had over 300 networkers attend and gave many HUGE gifts away along with a goodie bag to all attendees!!!

Our host MATT BOROWSKI of PARK/PUB 33 has always been very supportive of the group and our members opening his doors to everyone and doing business with many group members.
THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD UPSTAIRS in the Banquet room.

There will be Drink specials (Beer, Wine & Mixed Drinks) and lite snacks all night provided by our host.
VALET PARKING AVAILABLE.

Adding some fun to the event…..would like to give a special THANK YOU to Pete Stoermer from PhotoBooths4All for providing the group with his photo booth for the event!!!
Lots of fun pictures will be taken and everyone that takes one in the booth will go home with a picture.

As always, there is NO COST FOR THIS EVENT!!! Just bring your positive attitude and desire to meet new people! Feel free to bring lots of business cards or bring a resume.

THIS GROUP IS ALL ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE and BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS!!! OUR EVENTS HAVE BEEN HUGE SUCCESSES with anywhere from 200-300 PEOPLE!!!!! More importantly we have lots of people helping each other, doing business and also raising awareness and money for great local charities and organizations!!!

See you there,
JOHN & WENDY BRUZZESE

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Prizes???? Are you ready??? Here is how it will work. Every attendee will receive tickets at the door and you will get to choose what prizes you would like to win. Drop your tickets and keep your fingers crossed.
We will also be giving out a bag of goodies at the front door with specials to the first 200 people that make it to the event.
Did I say again that EVERYTHING IS FREE??? You can win any of the prizes and get a bag of special offers, items or gift certificates for JUST ATTENDING!!!
This is our way of saying THANK YOU to all those that ATTEND the events and make this group as great as it is!!!

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE:  ttps://www.facebook.com/events/742220525870793/