NJ Discover at 2^nd Annual Dog Day Afternoon. Marlboro NJ   by Calvin Schwartz

Saturday early afternoon was cool and overcast with rain threatening. Back in October, The 2nd Annual Dog Day Afternoon
was scheduled but a rainout and winter shifted the date. Canine and people support today was impressive; the event was held at Marlboro Township Recreation Center Dog Park and all for a wonderful cause: in honor of the late Mark Eric Levine who always wanted a dog. Donations received benefits the Ashley Lauren Foundation; ‘Hope and Help for Children with Cancer.’ For more information: http://ashleylaurenfoundation.org/events

Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik officially welcomed the assembled and then segues to the first event of the day, a dog trick contest. Several human booths were operated by animal related vendors. A representative of ‘Rose’s Fund’ illuminated us. “No one should ever have to choose between medical care and euthanizing their pet.” Rose’s Fund was created so this painful decision never has to be made. The fund reaches out to families of pets with medical problems that they can’t afford to pay for and provides funding. In their four years, they’ve helped 200 families.  Please check their website: www.rosesfund.org

We were able to get several photo-ops with the canine contingents who were mostly in motion or hanging out the water bar. It was a major fun event and no rain.

Calvin Schwartz  5-5-12

The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) held its first festival of the year on April 1, 2012 at Branches in West Long Branch, NJ. A total of 23 GSWGA wineries showcased their product at the Spring Fever Food & Wine Festival, the only indoor festival of the year. The event drew over 1500 attendees.

In Belmar and Lake Como, the NJ Discover team was on the scene to celebrate the St Patrick’s Day Parade on a brisk Sunday in March.  The parade was led by the Pipers from Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore. Bag pipes, green dogs, beautiful Irish colleens and dashing Irish lads marched down Main Street through the cheering crowds of thousands! This was truly a day to celebrate – Irish style!

All of New Jersey celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Belmar and Lake Como over the weekend! The wearing of the green and luck of the Irish was everywhere to be seen! Erin Go Bragh!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/QjVaC-WwvZU

Candle Light Vigil for the Long Branch victims.

Mayor Adam Schneider and community volunteer Krysta-Lynn Landolfi are interviewed by NJ Discover Reporter Tara-Jean Vitale during the Candle Light Vigil for the victims of the February 13th West End Fire in Long Branch.