65°F clear sky

RED BANK: BASIE BOOSTS PARKER CENTER

The Parker facility on Shrewsbury Avenue is in the midst of an expansion. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

red bank, nj, done good,Red Bank’s Parker Family Health Center is the latest beneficiary of the Count Basie Center for the Arts‘ “Giving Year” program, which donates $1 from every event ticket sold during a specified month to a different charitable organization.

The designation will put up to $15,000 into the health center’s coffers, according to a Basie announcement last week.

More →

RED BANK: LIBRARY TO GET $15K FROM BASIE

The funding will be used to boost the library’s Hispanic community outreach efforts. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

red bank, nj, done good,One Red Bank nonprofit will help another next week when the Red Bank Public Library receives a check for up to $15,000 from the Count Basie Center for the Arts.

The West Front Street library’s support foundation is the latest beneficiary of the Basie’s “Giving Year” program, which donates $1 from every event ticket sold during a specified month to a different charitable organization.

The funding will be used to boost Hispanic community outreach efforts, the two organizations said Thursday.

More →

RED BANK: 800 ENJOY LUNCH BREAK PICNIC

Gwen Love, center, with the Defined Logic team the Lunch Break picnic. Below, nearly 600 children received backpacks and school supplies. (Photos by Millie Jeter/Lunch Break. Click to enlarge.)

Press release from Lunch Break

More than 800 people came to enjoy a perfect summer day, delicious food, fun and games, receive much-needed school supplies and cheered for the winning softball team at the Lunch Break Annual Community Picnic, Softball Classic Tournament & Backpack Giveaway on August 19 at Count Basie Field.

Joining Lunch Break for the Community Picnic were our cancer survivor warriors Millie Jeter and Judith Pandi, who ushered in the softball tournament by throwing the ceremonial first pitch in honor of their heroic achievements. More →

RED BANK: LUNCH BREAK TO BUY CHURCH

The purchase includes the Mt. Zion House of Prayer and its parking lot on Tilton Avenue. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

hot topic red bank nj

By JOHN T. WARD

Red Bank-based Lunch Break, already in the midst of a massive facilities expansion, may build a residential project on the site of a West Side church.

The social services organization is looking into using the Mt. Zion House of Prayer‘s property to provide housing for the homeless, Gwen Love, Lunch Break’s executive director, told redbankgreen last week.

Completion of the deal would also mean the end of more than a century of worship on the site.

More →

SHREWSBURY: YMCA NAMES BOARD MEMBERS

Diana Walters, left, and Heather Merrigan were among new appointees to the Y board of directors. (YMCA of Greater Monmouth County)

Press release from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County

The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael A. Wright as its new board chairperson, and the addition of eight distinguished board members, including Heather Merrigan of Middletown and Diana Walters from Rumson.

More →

RED BANK: FREE PANTRY GETS SOME LOVE

Ethel Brandon, Michal DiMiceli, Roseann Kamin, Erin Howard, Liz DeBeer and Laura Jannone with their delivery.

A group of Red Bank and Fair Haven women made a food donation to the Food Pantry & Family Services Center in Red Bank on Valentine’s Day.

More →

RED BANK: BASIE KICKS OFF ‘GIVING YEAR’

Each month, a different charitable organization will benefit from the Basie’s ticket sales under the yearlong program. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank has named Long Branch-based Shore House as the beneficiary of its first “Giving Year” giveaway.

The idea: to donate $1 from every event ticket sold during a specified month to a different charitable organization.

More →

RED BANK: CHURCH HOSTS TOY GIVEAWAY

Toys and gifts for all ages were available at the event. (Photos by Millie Jeter/Lunch Break. Click to enlarge.)

Press release from Lunch Break

It was beginning to look a lot like the North Pole as dozens of elves turned Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church in Red Bank into Santa’s workshop on December 10.

The halls were filled with toys, stuffed animals, musical instruments and holiday presents, welcoming hundreds of financially insecure families as they browsed for gifts for their children during the Lunch Break annual Holiday Toy & Gift Card Giveaway.

More →

RED BANK: GIVING TUESDAY 2022

This year’s Giving Tuesday is November 29, marking the 10th year of the annual push to “inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.”

Here are some Red Bank area organizations seeking help – and one that plans to give a boost to others.

More →

SHREWSBURY: YMCA HOSTS ESSAY CONTEST

Press release from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County

Red Bank Regional High School students and their peers across Monmouth County are invited to participate in YMCA of Greater Monmouth County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King essay contest.

More →

RED BANK: ADOPT-A-FAMILY DRIVE BEGINS

 

Press release from Lunch Break

With the advent of fall nearly upon us, thoughts may turn to pumpkin-picking and the upcoming holiday season. It’s also the time of year when Red Bank-based Lunch Break relies on the generosity of compassionate community members on behalf of the food- and financially insecure – those who may never have the luxury of treating their families to the traditions of the autumn season or celebrate a Thanksgiving meal with turkey and trimmings.

More →

RED BANK: LUNCH BREAK PICNIC DRAWS 500

Jon Stewart, in blue shirt, at the Lunch Break picnic in Red Bank Saturday. (Photos by Millie Jeter/Lunch Break. Click to enlarge.)

Press release from Lunch Break

More than 500 people came to cheer for the winning softball team at the Lunch Break Annual Community Picnic Softball Classic Tournament & Backpack Giveaway at Count Basie Field in Red Bank Saturday.

Joining Lunch Break for the softball classic was producer, screenwriter and supporter Jon Stewart. Stewart ushered in the beginning of the tournament series by throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

More →

SHREWSBURY: YMCA NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

New YMCA board members (left to right): top row, Annamarie Cutroneo, Natasha Davis; middle row, Loryn Lawson, Molly Kroon, Jennifer Phillips Smith; bottom row, Susan Harbison and Pamela Scott-Johnson. 

Seven local community-minded professionals from have joined the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County’s board of directors.

More →

RED BANK: GOPAL ASSOCIATION OPENS PANTRY

Vin Gopal cuts the ribbon at the center, located at 224 Shrewsbury Avenue, on June 30. (Click to enlarge.)

Press release from the Vin Gopal Association Civic Association

The Vin Gopal Civic Association (VGCA) has officially opened their brand new Food Pantry & Family Services Center in Red Bank.

More →

RED BANK: YMCA FORMS ADVISORY GROUP

YMCA COO Jennifer Dunn (center) with Red Bank Family Y Advisory Council members (from left) Suzy Dyer, Chris Curcia, Pat Richter and Luigi Laugelli. (YMCA)

The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has established a new committee of volunteers to help ensure that all area residents can learn, grow, and thrive at the Red Bank Family YMCA, regardless of their ability to pay.

More →

SHREWSBURY: VNA HONORS YMCA

VNA President and CEO Dr. Steven Landers presents the Community Partner Award to the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. (Photo by Teicia Gaupp)

[Press release from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County]

The Visiting Nurse Association Health Group recently presented its annual Community Partner Award to the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County in recognition of support for critical COVID-19 health services.

RED BANK: ROTARY SETS UP OPEN ‘PANTRIES’

The free, 24/7 pantries have been installed at the YMCA, above, and Lunch Break, below.

Press release from the Rotary Club of Red Bank

The Red Bank Rotary has created three “Mother’s Pantries” as freestanding pantries to distribute diapers, baby wipes and feminine hygiene products to those in need.

In partnership with Lunch Break, the Salvation Army and the Red Bank Family YMCA, these pantries will provide a limited free supply of items often needed by families. The colorfully painted, unlocked pantries are accessible 24/7 for anyone in need to use.

More →

SHREWSBURY: Y CITED FOR COVID RESPONSE

YMCA Togetherhood volunteers and staff lend a hand for community initiatives during the pandemic. (Joshua Reed)

Press release from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County

The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) has named the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (the Y) as one of 20 recipients of its annual Awards for Excellence.

More →

RED BANK: LUNCH BREAK EXPANSION OK’D

Lunch Break’s proposed addition, as seen looking west along Drs. James Parker Boulevard. Below, executive director Gwen Love testifying. (Rendering by Kellenyi Johnson Wagner. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Despite some misgivings about its impact on a problematic corner, Lunch Break won approval for a $12 million expansion from the Red Bank zoning board last week.

Board members cited the food-security charity’s “inherently beneficial use” in granting unanimous approval.

More →

RED BANK: LUNCH BREAK PLAN ON DECK

Lunch Break’s proposed addition, as seen from Drs. James Parker Boulevard. (Rendering by Kellenyi Johnson Wagner. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Plans for a $12 million expansion of Lunch Break, the food security and social services nonprofit, are scheduled for review by the Red Bank zoning board Thursday.

More →

RED BANK: THOUSANDS PACK OYSTERFEST

Sunny and cool weather provided ideal conditions for the return of the Red Bank RiverCenter-hosted Guinness Oyster Festival Sunday.

After a missed year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s 11th edition saw fewer local restaurants owing to staffing shortages. But thousands of attendees packed the White Street parking lot, waited patiently in lines for food and drinks, and partied with friends in front of two stages as in the past.

Were you there? Look for yourself and your friends in redbankgreen‘s beaucoup photos below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

More →

RED BANK: WARMING CENTER SET FOR WINTER

Men’s Fellowship members of two Red Bank churches – Pilgrim Baptist and Tower Hill Presbyterian – teamed up to prepare the Red Bank Warming Center for the coming winter Saturday.

The event brought together the two houses of worship to make repairs and beautify the Shrewsbury Avenue center, which provides temporary shelter to homeless men when severe weather conditions exist, said Pilgrim’s Pastor Terrence Porter.

The men also spent time together during a BBQ lunch sharing life and faith experiences that helped to foster greater understanding.   

For more information about the Red Bank Warming Center, or to make a financial donation to help support it, visit the Pilgrim Baptist website or call 732-747-2343.

 (Photos courtesy of Pilgrim Baptist. Click to enlarge.)