Southern Ocean County COB Blog

Celebrate Halloween in the Long Beach Island Region with jaunts, haunts and a spirited good time

Lori Pepenella — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:17:52 -0700

Visit the LBI Region of the Jersey Shore halloween week to enjoy the flavors and fantasy of the season
Full moon, still water and historic buildings set the tone for a unique halloween mood this October. The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the Long Beach Island Region DMO have the short list for every age looking to experience this spooky season like never before. We kick it off for businesspeople to get in some bone chilling networking at The Halloween Bash on October 19 from 5:30 - 7:30pm. The Bash is sponsored by Everything Woman "and then some", a very unique boutique. In addition, Everything Woman has invited the following shops at the Manahawkin Mart to participate and give you the opportunity to visit their shops and sample their wares. Guest Hosts: include Manahawkin Mart sthops such as Home Dive, Cake That,, Southern Grace Pies, , Market Place Cheese Shoppe. Join us for Door Prizes, Lots of Good Food, & Door Prizes. RSVP's through the Chamber of Commerce will receive 10 tickets at the Door to use for a drawing for a door prize. 609 494 7211

Bring the whole family to the Tuckerton Seaport on October 21 & 22 where Pirates and sea captains long lost at sea, stroll the boardwalk for a night of screams. "Haunted Forest", hayrides, phragmites maze, food, refreshments and a non-scary pumpkin patch for the little ones. Black Pearl Haunted Boat Rides will also be available. Tickets for Boat Ride: $10.00 per person; Admission $8 non members, $5.00 members, hayrides $2.00 with paid admission, hayrides free for members.

Visit The Gables Restaurnat on October 23 at 2pm for Tea & Spirits... Ever wondered why we are here? Or what's on the other side? Would you like to contact a loved one who has passed? All of these topics to be explored at our Psychic Tea. LESLIE LYNCH IS A WELL KNOWN PSYCHIC MEDIUM in the New Jersey and New York area who's abilities span back many generations. As a psychic, Leslie can provide you with guidance in areas where you feel lost and confused or just need a little direction. As a medium, she can receive messages from your deceased loved ones in spirit. Leslie can help you connect with guidance from both energy and spirit to help heal your life, your grief, your relationships, your career, your financial issues, your body and soul. $48 per person includes coffee, tea, tea sandwiches, pastries as well as some individual readings in a group setting. Reservations necessary via phone 609-492-3553.

On October 28th, the Bay Avenue Business Association will be holding the "1stAnnual Bay Avenue Halloween Block Party". This event will be held at The Manahawkin Mart. The "block party" will feature food, concerts, hayrides, trick or treating, costume contests and more. Funds raised at this event will support the local 2011 Free Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by Tiki Taco. Also on October 28 is Murder Mystery Dinner Show at the Engleside Inn co sponsored by the Tuckerton Seaport. A delicious and entertaining "whodunit" with murder and mayhem guaranteed. 6pm to 9pm. Go to TuckertonSeaport. org for details.

Still want more? You got it, Visit the historic Surf City Hotel's "The Mansion of Health" 1st Annual Halloween Ball Benefiting the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company Saturday October 29th, 2011 8pm to 2am Costume Required and your ticket of $30.00 Includes: Buffet DJ Entertainment Psychic Reading Midnight Toast Halloween Movies in addition there will be Costume Prizes Silent Auction & Raffle Celebrate Halloween Ghostly Style...If You Dare Tickets Available for Purchase at the Surf City Hotel or call 609-494-7281 Must be 21 or older to attend

Don't forget to go to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce website visitLBIregion.com for a full list of area events, details on area ScareCrow Row entries so you don't miss one creation as well as what is coming up for the holiday season in our region. The Chamber Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm and is ready to help with details on what is happening, haunted or otherwise in the LBI Region. Contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce/LBI Region DMO at 609 494 7211 or stop in at 265 W Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, NJ.

Congrats and Thank you for 23rd Chowderfest

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:26:40 -0700

What an amazing weekend! Thank you to our restaurants, volunteers and guests who came to make the 23rd Annual Chowderfest the best one ever!! Kicking it off with a special performance from SouthSide Johnny on Saturday afternoon, and rolling right through until Sunday evening - thousands took advantage of great food, weather and friendship! That is what it is all about!

Find out about 2011 Winners here!

Jersey Shore Then and Now on Travel Channel

Lori Pepenella — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:18:10 -0700

The Travel Channel picked Labor Day Weekend to premiere their ode to the Jersey Shore; and what a great show it was. Not only did it feature top shore areas and what makes them so fascinating., but did a wonderful job showcasing the laid back feel of LBI. The Travel Channel captured Crust and Crumb's Bakery in Beach Haven making their world famous "Elephant Ears" and of visited Brighton Beach Surf Shop where LBI surfing history was shared by Mike and his dad. If you get a chance to catch it on Travel Channel or view it online

Check out what other props the Travel Channel shows the Jersey Shore at http://search.travelchannel.com/travel/jersey-shore/index.html

Catch A Rising Star - Comedy Club and Surflight offers up laughs

Lori Pepenella — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:59:32 -0700

Keep them laughting, that is the premise of the Monday Night line up. If you haven't had enough fun this summer, we have saved the best for last with one of a kind performances. Find out why the best is yet to come in this month's Wish You Were Here Visitor Newsletter - http://www.visitlbiregion.com/newsletter/index.cfm?action=FullView&NewsletterID=29

Chowder Challenge is on for 2011

Lori Pepenella — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:17:09 -0700

It's back, LBI's famous Chowder Challange. Download entry form, bring it to 2010 competing chowderfest restuarants when you make your purchase, have them sign off and submit completed form back to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce visitor center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom. All details are on the form, so dig in and start chowdering!

Get form here: http://www.visitlbiregion.com/includes/media/docs/SOCCC-ChowderChallenge-(2).pdf

LBI Recognized Top Beach in Ocean County & First Runner Up in NJ at State of the Shore Media Event

Lori Pepenella — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:06:07 -0700

Long Beach Island moves up the rank to first runner up overall in best beach at the Jersey Shore for 2011 and best beach within Ocean County in the results of the NJ Sea Grant Consortium's Top Ten Beach Contest

In late February the Long Beach Island Region Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), tourism arm of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce launched an agressive viral campaign to get loyal LBI beach goers and business community to vote for LBI as one of the top ten beaches in the state. With bragging rights at stake, links to vote were placed on the VisitLBIregion website, Online newsletters, email blasts, facebook and twitter accounts as well as promoted through membership, interviews and community events.

Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director and Chamber Executive Director Rick Reynolds were on hand at NJ SeaGrant's State of the Shore Media Event held in Sandy Hook. The announcements were made by Dr Stewart Farrell, Director of Stockton College, Coastal Research Center and Project Co Sponsor for NJ Top Ten Beaches and was presented by Grace Hanlon, Executive Director of NJ Travel and Tourism. The awards will be on displaly at the Southern Ocean County Chamber Visitor Center at 265 West Niinth Street in Ship Bottom.

A new component to the Top 10 Beaches vote, was the NJ Top 10 Beaches Photo Contest. Photos submitted of LBI were chosen amoung the winners. Mike Lipton with TIdal Pool Reflections in North Beach, Dave Welsh with Seagulls at Ship Bottom and Gail South with Holgate Sunset were selected amoung the winners. These photos of LBI will be represented in the 2012 Top Ten Beaches Calendar.

For more information about the NJ Top Ten Beaches Contest contact Kim Kosko, Director of Communications of the NJ Sea Grant Consortium or the LBI Region DMO//Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at 609 494 7211

Local businesses get racy to raise much needed donations for the Tuckerton Food Pantry Building Fund

Lori Pepenella — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:38:07 -0700

Sam Wilkinson, Business Manager of New York Life Insurance Co. in Tuckerton has always been an avid racer and looked to the sport for a unique opportunity to raise money and awareness to support the much needed Tuckerton Food Pantry Building Fund and invited local business owners and community members to join him on the track.

The event titled The Race for Hunger Grand Prix took place at the NJ Motorsports Park located in Millville on October 20, 2010. A motor coach brought the racers to the park for three sessions of approx 20-25 laps per session in F1 Karts. The winning teams for the final race were 1st Place - Team Bay Village, whose drivers were John Bell Maschal, Dr. Jeff Hager, Mayor Joe Mancini and Dr. Joe Lattanzi, 2nd Place - Team MidLife Motorsports, with Sam Wilkinson, Bill Sherry, Vince Herbert and Brandon Wilkinson, and 3rd Place - Team Viking Manufacturing with Gary Johnson, Jr, Scott Lyon, Darren Williams and John Spatola. The racers were provided a barbeque lunch, offered chances in a 3 in 1 raffle and even a drawing for the Ultimate Man Prize which included engine winterization, fishing rods, and a tackle box among other items.

The money raised, $8840.30 will be going to the Tuckerton Food Pantry Building Fund which will be constructed next to the Tuckerton Methodist Church on Rt 539. If any member of the community is interested in contributing to the fund please contact Barbara Wilkinson at New York Life Insurance 609 296-6701

Don't Miss Chowderfest's free Merchant Mart, best shopping at the Jersey Shore this fall

Lori Pepenella — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:28:05 -0700

Shoppers can stroll through over a hundred booths bursting with fall bargains on October 2 while enjoying live music, local food specialties and meet Deadliest Catch Deckhand during this Award Winning Weekend

The most anticpated weekend of the year for thousands begins with Chowderfest Weekend's kick off Merchant Mart. This event has grown to become the shopping day of the season. Merchant Mart provides an outdoor shopper's paradise, rain or shine under the big top at Taylor Avenue Ball Field, in Beach Haven on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 10am to 4pm.

This free event features savings for everyone featuring home improvements, holiday gifts, fashion, beauty supplies, jewelry, home décor, children's items, surfing gear, and boating supplies. In addition to great shopping, there is live music, costumed characters and activities from local environmental, art and other community organizations, such as the LIghthouse International Film Festival which will be promoting the New Jersey Premiere of the award winning independent film Gasland, which will be screenng at the Beach Haven Elementary School that Saturday evening. Also appearing at Merchant Mart will be Russell Newberry, from Discovery Channel's The Deadliest Catch who will be on hand during Merchant Mart for autographs, photographs and promoting his line of clothing, crab products and own label wines.

Shoppers and their companions find it easy to spend the day nestled in the heart of Beach Haven! Merchant Mart is a few steps from the bay, Schooner's Wharf and Bay Village. The food tent offers traditional festival fare along with LBI specialties such as clams on the half shell, home baked pastries and the internationally acclaimed "Elephant Ears". Enjoy live music and entertainment from Hawkins Road, a talented group who plays the greatest spots in Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore's best festivals.

Of course, coming for Merchant Mart is only half the fun of Chowderfest Weekend. On Sunday, October 3 at the same location is the Chowder Cook Off Classic. Celebrating its 21rst year, the cook off provides unlimited chowder tasting from the area's top restaurants. All ticket holders become the judge and vote for their favorite red and white chowder. The event is held rain or shine beginning at 11am to 4pm. Tickets are on sale now for $20 per adult $10 for children 12 and under and $50 for VIP which includes 10am admission and commemorative Taster T Shirt. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chowderfest.com or at the chamber office 265 West Ninth Street Ship Bottom, by visiting the Chamber Booth during Merchant Mart to purchase tickets and advance purchase this year's Chowderwear and will also be on sale at the gate on October 3.

The vendors at Merchant Mart are members of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, for details on how to become a merchant at this year's event; contact Kelly Randazzo at 609 494 7211 x103.

A Study in Scarecrow, an friendly intro to celebrating fall in the LBI Region

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:16:52 -0700

Giving residents and visitors another reason to explore the Jersey Shore , Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce's Decorated Scarecrow Contest begins October 2 and runs throughout the month.

For the past two years the thousands of visitors came to LBI for the "official end of summer ritual" that is Chowderfest Weekend were greeted by their were greeted by dozens of friendly straw ambassadors posted in front of stores, in shop windows or in group displays created by chamber member businesses and non profit organizations. What caused this many scarecrows to pop up not only on Long Beach Island, but in Waretown, Barnegat, Stafford, Tuckerton and in Little Egg as well? The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce created the free contest to remind everyone that fall events, activities and shopping are still in full swing at the Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore.

2010 marks the third year the Southern Ocean County Chamber is running this contests which grew considerably in 2009. "The first year we had 25 entries with about 57 scarecrows" states Lori Pepenella Destination Marketing Director "Last year we had 61 entries with well over 100 scarecrows,creating the largest scarecrow contest on the Jersey Shore." The Chamber notes that participating in the Decorated Scarecrow Contest is probably the most unique form of promotion that can be done for a business or group, especially this year with the online voting component that put members in front of thousands potential customers.

This year, scarecrow entries have already started coming into the Chamber. "We are anticipating another great turn out this year," says Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director. "Everyone loved these scarecrows last fall, the creativity is something that makes our area stand out ." Businesses and groups are invited to create a scarecrow that best interprets their business. The Chamber will list each scarecrow location on its Scarecrow Row Flyer which is distributed during Chowderfest Weekend, as well as online and at the visitor center for the rest of the month. Anyone choosing to take part in picking this year's winner will be asked to register their vote at www.visitLBIregion.com. Scarecrow entrants are encouraged to further promote their business and their scarecrow by reaching out their email list or adding the link to other customer communications. The scarecrows will not only be displayed beginning October 2, but a digital photo they send to the chamber will be uploaded and the Scarecrow Row Gallery will go live online. Voting will take place online at www.visitLBIregion.com from October 2 to October 17 with a popular vote winner in the business and non profit category.

Last year the public embraced the contest, calling into the chamber office if internet was not available to them. Over 840 votes were tallied; the top scarecrow display to take the Business Category is Sea Crest Village in Little Egg Harbor. With the most individual votes, came in on top with their multi scarecrow display of joy riders depicting happy residents in the nursing facility. Last year, they took first place honors with their Nurse and well chair patient scarecrows. The top Non Profit Organization is the Pine Shores Art Association in Manahawkin with their life like Norma Rockwell. The scarecrow was modeled after the famous Norman Rockwell Self Portrait complete with her own easel, mirror and sketches. All of last year's entries can be viewed online at http://www.visitlbiregion.com/phototour.cfm. For more information about the contest, Chowderfest or the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, please contact them at 609 494 7211, 265 West Ninth St, Ship Bottom NJ.

Join the Chamber for Breakfast, networking, speaker and flag presentation

Lori Pepenella — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:08:11 -0700

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has moved the clock ahead for their August 10 Membership meeting, which will take place at the Holiday Inn Manahawkin beginning at 730 am with networking and breakfast buffet beginning at 8am. Traditionally the meeting is held every month at noon, but with busy summer business schedules; the organization is hoping to add some energy to the start of each attendee's day. In addition to networking and chamber updates, speaker Joe Somers of Merrill Lynch will discuss current market conditions, and the meeting will be honored by US Army Major and Chaplain Tyson Wood.

CH (MAJ) Wood is recently back from his second deployment in Iraq where he served as Brigade Chaplain for the 1st Aviation Cavalry Brigade assigned to Multi-National Division-Baghdad (later renamed United States Division-Center). He will present a flag that was flown over Iraq in a Black Hawk Helicopter assigned to the 1st Calvary Division's Aviation Brigade to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. CH (MAJ) Wood states " My reason for presenting a flag to the Chamber stems from seeing an LBI flag that was flown in Vietnam hanging in the Chamber for many years. That flag hung even when it was not popular to support our nation's efforts in the Vietnam War. LBI is a wonderful place to call home or to vacation and the person responsible for hanging the LBI flag in the chamber back then knew the cost of enjoying this great place. I think of LBI as my home and every time I deploy to defend our great nation I think of LBI. That LBI flag always gave me a sense of pride seeing it in the Chamber office. I thought that if I should ever have to go to war to defend our country, and my home, I would present the Chamber with a similar flag. I hope it inspires others to love and serve their country too." CH (MAJ) Wood and his wife, Jennifer, were raised in Southern Ocean County and are graduates of Southern Regional High School. The Woods and their three children are currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

The cost to attend the breakfast meeting is $20 per person, to reserve our spot at the August Membership Meeting, please call the chamber at 609 494 7211, stop in at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom or register online at visitLBIregion.com.

Still topping the charts, Chowderfest celebrates 22nd year with a blast from the past on October 3

Lori Pepenella — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:57:34 -0700

The stage is set for October 2-3 as Chowderfest Weekend goes retro with Americlam Bandstand.

Serving up the hits for the past 22 years, Chowderfest Weekend brings back memories of good food, fun and friends. Everyone is part of the show as each ticket holder gets to judge which restaurant will be number #1 as the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce 2010 Chowderfest Committee prepares for the biggest show of the year which will be taking place on October 2 & 3 and include favorite restaurants including The Sandpiper, Panzone's, Chicken and the Egg, California Grill, Green House, Mud City, Howard's, Country Kettle, Stefanos, Bistro 14, Sweet Jenny's, Black Whale, Buck Tavern, Sea Oaks, Joey's and TGIFridays.

Chowderfest Weekend is held at Taylor Avenue Ball Field in Beach Haven, Rain or shine. Saturday October 2 is Merchant mart, a free open air market, filled with hundreds of bargains, and live entertainment. Sunday, October 3 is the Chowder Cook Off Classic, featuring unlimited red and white chowder tasting, live music from Hawkins Road, costumed characters and plenty of surprises. Chowderfest Tickets are $20 per adult, $10 per child 12 and under. Tickets are on sale for $50, include early entrance and Official T Shirt. All are available at www.visitLBIregion.com by calling 609 494 7211 or visiting the Southern Ocean County Chamber Office 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08005.

The World Famous Chowderfest Weekend is the Jersey Shore's premiere event, drawing thousands from around the country and the globe to take part in this end of summer tradition. Winner of the 2008 NJ Governor Award for Tourism Excellence, this two day festival has something for everyone to enjoy. Can't wait for October, get your chowder on early with the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce's third annual Chowder Challenge featuring last year's Chowderfest Participants. The winning challenger who visits and purchases from each of the 2009 restaurants that include Stefano's and California Grill, defending Grand Champions and top contenders Sweet Jenny's, Country Kettle, Chicken or the Egg, Antoinetta's, 217 East Main, Sea Oaks, Dock Road Crab Shack, Black Whale, Howard's, Green House Café, TGI Friday's, Panzone's, Mud City Crab House, Bistro 14 and Joey's Pizza, will receive a chance to win an Apple i PAD. For information on the Chowder Challenge contact the chamber directly.

Social Networking Unplugged

Lori Pepenella — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:22:17 -0700

Enjoy the summer and get away from the computer for awhile. Get together with friends and family to some of the free events happening on all summer long!

Tuesday Night in July and August at Long Beach Township Municipal Complex 68th St Brant Beach,
Wednesday Night, Concerts on the Green at Veterans Bicentennial Park in Beach Haven from June through September at 7:30pm or July 14 through August 18 7pm Concerts at Sunset Park on West Salem Ave in Harvey Cedars
Thursday Night Concerts by the Bay 10th Street at Water Front Park in Ship Bottom beginning at 7pm running July 15 through August 19, or Barnegat Light Bayside Concerts West 10th St at the Bay at 7:30pm Friday Night from July through September 6pm at Tuckerton Seaport,
Saturday Night in July and August at Barnegat Township Municipal Dock at 7pm

Take in free shows at Fantasy Island Amusement Park all summer long, with no admission and no fees for parking, this Victorian style amusement park will feature three show times at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 pm running Monday through Friday and has a summer schedule that will include Believe in Magic Show, Celebrate Carousel Wonders, Christmas in July, World of Magic, Surf music by The Following and Reptile World.

Alliance for a Living Ocean

27th & Central Ship Bottom

609 494 7800 http://www.livingocean.org/

Join Aloyisus the Dolphin in an interac;ve shore?themed puppet show designed for ages 6 and younger, but fun for all ages! TIME: 10 am DATES: July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 LOCATION: ALO Headquarters27th St. & Central Ave., Ship Bohom VOLUNTARY DONATION

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Barnegat Light

Every Thurs at 10:00 am at Barnegat Lighthouse Visitors Center, join the Friends of Barnegat Light State Park for free demo on history and re-lighting of Barnegat Lighthouse

Viking VIllage18th Street
Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
Phone: 609-494-0113
www.vikingvillage.net

Award winning Behind the Scene Dock Tours every Friday from July-Labor Day beginning at10am; reservations can be made by calling Southern Ocean County Chamber 609 494 7211 Stop in at the famous Viking Village Art & Crafts shows - Aug 1, and Sep 5 - 10am-4'30pm & Antique shows Aug 8 and Sep 19 - 9am-5pm

Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences 120 Long Beach Boulevard
Loveladies, NJ 08008
Phone: 609-494-1241
http://www.lbifoundation.org

Offering: FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE WALKS Fridays, June 25th - July 9th & July 30th - August 27th (no tours July 16th and 23rd) 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. GALLERY EXHIBITIONS National Juried Competition: Digital Works June 24th - July 20th Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Opening Reception: Sunday, June 27th, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Where Oceans Converge July 28th - August 17th Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Opening Reception: Sunday, August 1st, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Member, Student, Faculty Exhibition August 19th - September 6th Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Opening Reception: Friday, August 20th, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 84th Annual International Competition: Photography September 10th - November 1st Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center

431 Rt 9 Lanoka Harbor (609)693-5558 http://www.murraygrove.org/

Grove Gatherings to be held here on the 2nd Wednesday evening of each month. Modeled after English Folk Club style coffeehouses, folks relax in Murray Grove's cozy living room style environment, while performing artists have an attentive and appreciative audience. Most people come early, at 6:00 pm, for an informal potluck supper (BYOB), and socialize while winding down from the stress of the day. Well known artists present their talents from 7:00 pm until about 9:00 pm. $10 donation requested

Save the Dates for Southern Ocean Chamber's Young Professional summer networking

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:56:36 -0700

Successful new group created by Chamber's Business Events Committee extends invitation for business people to come out and mingle on July 12 at TGI Fridays and August 12 at Lakewood BlueClaws

With its eye on business leaders of tomorrow, the Business Events Committee chaired by Chris Schwab of The Van Dyk Group has dedicated itself to creating a forum for emerging leadership in the region. "The Chamber's goal is to involve the next generation of professionals and business owners in the development of new ideas that will help grow business in our area ", states Schwab, Southern Ocean County Chamber Vice President, regarding the Young Professional Networking Group, which held it's first informal networking event at Daddy O this past May.

The committee has appointed Casey Coppinger, Regional Sales Manager of the champion Lakewood BlueClaws to head up this new initiative. She has been working with the chamber to coordinate efforts to help launch the group. "The first event was very exciting bringing dozens of young professionals together for some casual networking and fun to kick off the season," explained Coppinger.

The Young Professional Group consists of business leaders and professionals typically from the age of 21-40, and meets in a social setting. The next event is set for Monday, July 12 at 5:30pm at TGIFriday's on Rt 72 in Manahawkin. There will be a private area for the group, some light refreshments and cash bar available. There is no fee to attend and is open to everyone. For those interested in cross networking on an even wider scope, join Young Professional groups from other area chambers, and head up to the Lakewood BlueClaws for their August 12 Young Professional Speed Networking event. The cost is $15 for a ticket to the game, speed networking and tailgating picnic in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center. It also happens to be Thirsty Thursday with $1 beer specials happening at the stadium. RSVP by contacting Casey at 732-901-7000 x168 or the Southern Ocean County Chamber by emailing lpepenella@sochamber.com

For more information on the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, visit their award winning website at VisitLBIRegion.com, connect on Facebook or Twitter @LBIRegion , stop into their Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom, or call 609 494 7211.

Barnegat Farmer's Market

Lori Pepenella — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:12:56 -0700

Back by popular demand, once again Farmer's from around New Jersey will provide their produce, baked goods, flowers and much more every Thursday starting June 24^th 12pm to 5pm. Gazebo Park municipal lot will be filled with more vendors this year along with some musical entertainment as in the past.

Returning this year will be Krowicki's from New Egypt bringing their variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers, along with Brookville Farms, Sara and Earl Stillwell who also specialize in hanging baskets and floral décor to round out their array of produce. Eckert's Farm who specialize in home grown New Jersey corn and the Lithuanian Bakery who brought a variety of breads, cakes and pastries will again be returning this season. Also expected to return will be High Mountain Foods with their frozen gourmet cheese, pasta, fish and meats and Lori of Babies & Bows who offers a large variety of handmade doll clothes.

The area will be expanded this year with new vendors which include Foulks Farm from Shamong, Original Delancey Street Peanut Co. and Sweet Roses Twisted Lemonade to add more variety for you to enjoy. For more information you can contact the Township Recreation Department at 609-698-0080 x130 or call Ginny from the Barnegat Chamber of Commerce at 609-698-1618.

The best things in life are free; take in summer moments at no charge

Lori Pepenella — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:52:48 -0700

Making more of your free time this summer, add some no cost events to your summer plans when visiting the Long Beach Island of the Jersey Shore

There are many wonderful events and activities to take part in, in addition to world class performances, programs, watersports, restaurants, art galleries, festivals and shopping, but everyone can take in some of the fun, sun and culture in the LBI region without having to open a wallet.

Whether waterfront or on the green, free concerts are taking place almost every night of the week. Live Bands will be performing Tuesday Night in July and August at Long Beach Township Municipal Complex 68th St Brant Beach, Wednesday Night, Concerts on the Green at Veterans Bicentennial Park in Beach Haven from June through September at 7:30pm or July 14 through August 18 7pm Concerts at Sunset Park on West Salem Ave in Harvey Cedars Thursday Night Concerts by the Bay 10th Street at Water Front Park in Ship Bottom beginning at 7pm running July 15 through August 19, or Barnegat Light Bayside Concerts West 10th St at the Bay at 7:30pm Friday Night from July through September 6pm at Tuckerton Seaport, and every Saturday Night in July and August at Barnegat Township Municipal Dock at 7pm

Take in free shows at Fantasy Island Amusement Park all summer long, with no admission and no fees for parking, this Victorian style amusement park will feature three show times at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 pm running Monday through Friday and has a summer schedule that will include Believe in Magic Show, Celebrate Carousel Wonders, Christmas in July, World of Magic, Surf music by The Following and Reptile World.

Saving the green means more than money when you learn from these environmental programs, drop in on July 8 Barnegat Bay Day at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Science is Lovelades, See the majestic AJ Meerwald, NJ's Official Tall ship while it is docked at Centre Street in Beach Haven July 24-27 or take up a journey on the Reclam the Bay Claim trail or flock to the local birding scene with the new Southern Ocean Birding map ( or Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences Science Saturday Program, Family Friendly Nature Walks and special summer exhibits (Birding and clamp trail maps, as well as LBIF Summer Program guides are available at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom)

Catch other events that celebrate summer including, outdoor movies such as Long Beach Township's August 3 Film Night, August 6-7 LBI Life Guard Races N 5th Street Beach in Surf City, August 14 Blue Claw Crab Races with race starting at 11 at Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars

Elevate your free time with some discussion and a peek into New Jersey's past, take in Slide Shows and Talks at 80th Street Fire House in Harvey Cedars at 7pm in July, the New Jersey Museum of Maritime History in Beach Haven is open daily for tours and comprehensive exhibits on the area's coastal heritage, Friday mornings, reserve your space for the free, award winning Behind the Scene Dock Tours at Viking Village in Barnegat Light, See the most extensive gardens that are miles out to see in the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens and or the original lens to the Barnegat Lighthouse at Barnegat Light School House Museum both at 5th St and Central Ave in Barnegat Light or the Beach Haven Musuem on Englside Avenue in Beach Haven. Stop in at the world famous Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center and walk the 1/4 mile jetty from the bay to the ocean.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce invites visitors and residents to patronize local businesses, but also enjoy the many events and activities that have been scheduled by local organizations and municipalities to help enhance your stay and make your summer budget friendly. The chamber operates a visitor center year round Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm and Summer Saturdays until 2pm at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom 609 494 7211 or go online to visitLBIregion.com.