RED BANK: PILGRIM HOLDS BIBLE CAMP
Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red Bank recently held its Vacation Bible School & Bible Fitness Boot Camp for children/youth in grades K thru 12.
RED BANK: BON JOVI SPOTLIGHTS PORTER
Jon Bon Jovi chatted with Pastor Terrence Porter of Red Bank’s Pilgrim Baptist Church for a ‘Season of Giving’ segment on the Christmas Eve edition of NBC’s Today Show last Thursday.
RED BANK: YOM KIPPUR SESSION CANCELLED
By JOHN T. WARD
Less than 48 hours after a divided Red Bank council voted to hold a public session on Yom Kippur, the meeting was cancelled late Thursday.
In addition, the three councilmen who voted to hold the meeting walked back from their positions Friday.
RED BANK: ‘SURPRISE’ RIFT OVER YOM KIPPUR
Newly sworn council members Kate Triggiano and Hazim Yassin flank Council President Erik Yngstrom at the council reorganization meeting in January. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
[UPDATE, October 4: Yom Kippur council meeting canceled for lack of quorum after mayor and council members who voted against having it say they won’t be there, he says on his Facebook page.]By a split vote, the Red Bank council decided Wednesday night to stick to its schedule and hold its next meeting on Yom Kippur.
The 3-2 outcome of a vote at the council’s workshop meeting caught Councilwoman Kate Triggiano, who had argued for a change, off guard.
“We’re going to have the meeting?” she asked. “So we’re keeping the meeting on Yom Kippur?”
RED BANK: BON JOVI WARMS UP CENTER
Jon Bon Jovi at the ribbon cutting for the Hope & Comfort Warming Center, at 166 Shrewsbury Avenue, below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
With a surprise snowstorm hinting at the need, a new ‘warming center’ for homeless men opened in Red Bank Thursday.
The warmup act for the ribbon cutting? None other than pop superstar Jon Bon Jovi.
ON THE GREEN: JEWS MOURN & STAND FIRM
Rabbi Dov Goldberg addressing the at Congregation B’Nai Israel Monday night. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Pain and insecurity were in the air as hundreds of Jews and non-Jewish supporters packed temples in Rumson and Tinton Falls Monday night to mourn the killing of 11 worshippers in a Pittsburgh synagogue two days earlier.
RED BANK: IMMIGRANTS PROCLAIM EQUALITY
The ‘Awaken Community’ march through downtown Red Bank culminated with a brief rally at Riverside Gardens Park. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Several hundred marchers took to the streets of downtown Red Bank hoping to preserve rights for immigrants that others don’t believe they are entitled to.
Chanting “Up, up with education, down, down with deportation,” waving American flags and carrying banners that read “Immigrants built this nation,” participants gathered around the Christmas tree at Riverside Gardens Park, where they heard an expression of moral support from the borough police department.
TINTON FALLS: GIVING BACK ON MITZVAH DAY
Mitzvah day participants adorned blankets for special recipients from infants to the elderly thorugh Jewish and Family Services. James Sabo of Matawan, below, was one of many volunteers who donated blood.
Press release from the Monmouth Reform Temple
Premature babies born at Riverview Medical Center will have cozy homemade knit caps to wear, thanks to a set of volunteers who knitted them during the annual Mitzvah Day held at Monmouth Reform Temple (MRT), Tinton Falls, on Sunday October 29.
Mitzvah Day is a day to “make a difference” in the community, says Rabbi Marc Kline. “The work of Mitzvah Day is not a one and done set of projects. Our congregation is committed to many projects of Tikkun Olam (healing the world) throughout the year.
RED BANK: ‘DREAMERS’ GET, AND LEND, A HAND
Itzel Perez, left, and Karina Espana were among the ‘Dreamers’ available to assist others with the DACA renewal process during a clinic at the Red Bank Primary School Monday night. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Preparing themselves for the worst, more than a dozen undocumented young immigrants turned out at the Red Bank Primary School Monday night for guidance on navigating a future made less certain in recent weeks by the Trump administration.
LINCROFT: PBC HOSTS BREAKFAST AT BCC
Sponsored by Red Bank’s Pilgrim Baptist Church and a coalition of community partners, the annual Shore Region Interfaith Prayer Breakfast is an event designed to “draw together leaders and laity for a time of inspiration, information, encouragement and understanding.”
On the morning of Wednesday, May 17, the 2017 breakfast draws together at a location that speaks to the growing and evolving nature of the event: the Warner Student Life Center on the Lincroft campus of Brookdale Community College.
LINCROFT: BCC TO HOST MULTI-FAITH PANEL
Reverend Terrence K. Porter of Red Bank’s Pilgrim Baptist Church (above), and Rabbi Marc Kline (below) of Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls are among the area clergy participating in a free public panel on the Brookdale campus.
Press release from Brookdale Community College
On the evening of Thursday, April 20, all members of the community are invited to a special presentation by seven area religious leaders, entitled “The Golden Rule: A Multi-Faith Dialogue.”
Hosted inside the Warner Student Life Center on the Lincroft campus of Brookdale Community College, the free 7 p.m. program will center on the “Golden Rule,” which encourages individuals to treat others as they wish to be treated, and how it is articulated across various faith traditions.
RED BANK: ‘INCLUSIVE’ MEASURE SQUEAKS BY
Monica Urena speaks to the borough council Wednesday night. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
A resolution that thrust Red Bank into a national debate on illegal immigration won narrow approval by the borough council Wednesday night.
A watered-down version of it, that is.
RED BANK: IMMIGRATION STANCE REVISITED
Rabbi Marc Kline at Monday’s Human Relations Advisory Committee meeting. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
After weeks of silence, the Red Bank council is expected next month to consider a proposed resolution that has thrust the borough into a national debate on illegal immigration.
Human Relations Advisory Committee Chairman David Pascale told the group Monday night that he’ll be at the April 12 council meeting to “stand by” a statement that calls for town officials to “monitor and challenge” any costs arising from federal efforts to find and deport undocumented aliens.
The HRAC, meanwhile, rejected member Ashley Homefield’s proposal that the committee simply “make a statement on behalf of the community rather than pushing [a resolution] to vote by the council.”
RED BANK: HRC HEAD CALLS FOR RESIGNATION
Human Relations Committee Chairman David Pascale, seen above with member Kate Okeson, and his comment on a Facebook post by committee member Michael Clancy, below. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
The head of Red Bank’s Human Relations Committee has asked one of its members to resign for characterizing the testimony of Latino witnesses at a meeting last month as “sob stories.”
HRC Chairman David Pascale also questioned whether member Michael Clancy, who leads the borough Republican party, is committed to the panel’s mission of fostering a “welcoming and inclusive community” after Clancy said he thought he was joining a “nothing committee.”
TINTON FALLS: COME TOGETHER IN FAITH
Press release from Monmouth Reform Temple
We bear witness to the vandalism of Jewish Cemeteries and the bomb and terroristic threats on Jewish institutions. We bear witness to the burning of mosques and the harassment of Muslims in America.
We bear witness to the violence inflicted upon our minority populations. We bear witness to the community-destroying finger pointing that accuses innocent and guilty alike, for the pain felt because of the growing and unanswered violence that plagues our nation.
Torah mandates that we respond and bring people together in prayer and support of our common dream for peace and equality. And on Monday night, March 13, Monmouth Reform Temple invites the community to come together to pray and share grace and support as people of faith from a spectrum of religious traditions.
RED BANK: NO ACTION ON IMMIGRATION
Protesters outside borough hall on February 27. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
[See correction below]
By JOHN T. WARD
A controversial proposal to have Red Bank oppose “any forced collaboration” between its police and federal immigration authorities generated no official action by the borough council Wednesday night.
Meeting for the first time since hundreds of protesters from both sides of the national immigration debate packed an advisory committee meeting eight days earlier, the council still had nothing in hand to vote upon, Mayor Pasquale Menna told the audience at the governing body’s semimonthly meeting.
M’TOWN: NEW MUSIC MINISTER, NEW PROGRAM
Press release from Westminster Presbyterian Church
Guest performers, new voices in the choir, and an upcoming Christian Contemporary Music Coffee House are just some of the new ideas featured in an innovative music program developed by Erika Sayar, the new Minister of Music at Middletown’s Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC).
Since joining the Tindall Road congregation last July, the Wall Township resident has revitalized WPC’s Sunday Service music with several new special events and projects. A guest soloist series has showcased popular Irish tenor Sean Hennessey, the soulful sounds of DeBorah White, and WPC church member/ well-known Shore music scene performer BethAnne Clayton — while all are invited to attend a new public-welcome offering on March 31.
RED BANK: SQUARING OFF OVER IMMIGRATION
Pro-immigrant protesters, above, outnumbered opponents outside borough hall both before and after Monday’s meeting. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
With rallies before and afterward heavily favoring the rights of undocumented residents, Red Bank’s Human Relations Committee voted Monday to oppose “any forced collaboration” between borough police and federal authorities when it comes to enforcing immigration law.
Short of declaring Red Bank a “sanctuary city,” the committee passed, by a 5-2 vote, a resolution that instead calls for town officials to “monitor and challenge” any costs arising from federal efforts to find and deport undocumented aliens.
RED BANK: SANCTUARY CITY STATUS ON TABLE
A sign installed by the Human Relations Committee in Veteran’s Park at Riverside Avenue and West Front Street in 2011. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Even as President Donald Trump threatens to cut federal funding to so-called “sanctuary cities” across America, Red Bank may adopt the designation, redbankgreen has learned.
In response to requests by residents, the borough’s Human Relations Committee is expected to discuss the issue later this month, said Chairman David Pascale.
TINTON FALLS: INTRO TO JUDAISM STARTS 11/2
Beginning this Wednesday, November 2, Monmouth Reform Temple will be offering an 8 week “Introduction to Judaism” course at the temple, located at 332 Hance Avenue in Tinton Falls.
Conducted by Rabbi Marc Kline of MRT (pictured), the course continues weekly (with no class scheduled on November 23) through December 21. Classes will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will be offered free of charge to all members of the community.
LINCROFT: BROTHERHOOD FOR BREAKFAST
On May 18, Brookdale Community College was the setting as Red Bank’s Pilgrim Baptist Church and its community partners hosted the Inaugural Shore Region Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, celebrating the rich ethnic, cultural and religious community of the shore region. The event featured music, inspirational messages and prayers from corporate and community leaders, and presented the Community Trailblazer Award to Garden State MOSAIC for its work promoting religious understanding among youth through cross-cultural groups. For further information about the breakfast or the Community Wellness Initiatives of Pilgrim Baptist Church, call (732)757-2257.
RUMSON: GOD + SCIENCE, PERFECT TOGETHER
Press release from Monmouth Community Climate Coalition
The public is invited to First Presbyterian Church of Rumson on the evening of Monday, June 6, when guest speaker and “Pro-Future Evangelist” Michael Dowd delivers a talk entitled Standing for the Future: Inspiring Science, Evolving Faith, Realistic Hope.
Scheduled for 7 p.m. and presented by The Monmouth Community Climate Coalition, the program, geared for adults and teens, asks the question “How do we stay inspired in the face of changing climate?” — and focuses on points of agreement held by religious and non-religious people across the globe, suggesting how we can transform “The Great Reckoning” into “The Great Homecoming.”
RBR STUDENTS PROTEST RESPONSE TO PRAYER
According to one account, hall monitor Joel Gray, below, was placed on administrative leave after engaging Jazmin Graham, center above, in prayer. She said she had sought Gray’s counsel. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
For the second school day in a row, Red Bank Regional students staged a demonstration Monday afternoon to protest the school’s purported suspension of an aide for engaging students in prayer.
To date, there’s been no official confirmation of any type of action against 32-year-old hall monitor Joel Gray. Tom Pagano, the interim superintendent at the Little Silver school, declined to discuss Gray’s status with redbankgreen late Friday, citing the privacy of personnel matters. Gray himself has not returned phone messages.
But as they had on Friday, more than a dozen students, placards in hand, stood at the corner of Harding Road and Ridge Road Monday shortly after dismissal, chanting their support for a school employee they say has been mistreated by the administration. More →
PILGRIM BAPTIST, REFORM TEMPLE HONOR MLK
A free screening of a documentary on Rabbi Joachim Prinz (left, with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) is among the events scheduled during a weekend-long MLK Day observance, presented jointly by Monmouth Reform Temple (Tinton Falls) and Pilgrim Baptist Church (Red Bank).
Press release from Monmouth Reform Temple
Continuing a recently established tradition, Monmouth Reform Temple of Tinton Falls and Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red Bank join forces for a weekend-long slate of activities honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The observance begins on Friday night, January 15 with MRT Shabbat services at 7 pm, featuring special guest Dr. Everett McCorvey, chair of the Opera Department at the University of Kentucky and Director of the National Chorale. Dr. McCorvey grew up in segregated Montgomery, AL alongside Dr. King’s children, and has risen to national prominence as a soloist, conductor, and educator.
The weekend will culminate with a noon MLK service at Pilgrim Baptist Church led by Pastor Terrence Porter on Monday, January 17 at noon. Rabbi Mark Kline and Cantor Gabrielle Clissold of MRT will participate in the service, along with a joint performance by the PBC and MRT choirs. All events are free and open to the public.
RUMSON: FISHMAN TALKS TURKEY, AT CBI
The nation of Turkey has featured prominently in recent news (as recently as yesterday, when US media editorialized that this past weekend’s election solidified the authoritarian ambitions of President Recep Erdogan, and that the regime’s tactics of intimidation and suppression cast a blow against democracy in the ally country). Stories of ethnic strife and government turmoil contrast with the country’s struggle to absorb an unprecedented influx of Syrian refugees. How has Turkey’s Jewish minority fared during this dramatic period of upheaval in theMiddle East?
On Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 11:15 am at Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI) in Rumson, Professor Louis Fishman, an Assistant Professor of History at Brooklyn College, visits Congregation B’nai Israel to present a program about current events in Turkey. His topic is Turkish Jews: Between citizens and the “other.” The lecture is open to the public, and all are invited to attend the 11:15 am event.