FEATURED PHOTO:  Left to right: Jon Stewart, Bobby Laurino, Tracey Stewart, Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn O. Love, Lunch Break Director of Operations Armida Caldwell, Lunch Break Board President John Klein and Lunch Break Development and Marketing Assistant Ellen McCarthy. | CREDIT: Hockhockson Farm Foundation

Hockhockson Farm Foundation, in collaboration with Lunch Break and Laurino Farms, announced the Caring Sharing Agriculture (CSA) program is now accepting donations to give access to fresh produce for Lunch Break families in need.

“One of the single most important things anyone can do for good health is to consume fruits and vegetables daily. We are excited to help make this possible for families who may not otherwise have access to fresh produce.” said Tracey Stewart, founder and president of Hockhockson Farm Foundation.

We know that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, free of sprays and chemicals, is good for all of us. For some, access to these healthy foods is difficult and sometimes unattainable. Cheap meats, processed foods, and sweets line the shelves of markets in impoverished areas. Chemical-laden foods are often the only choice.

Up until now, CSA has typically stood for Community Supported Agriculture. When you join a CSA, you are giving local farmers the seed money to begin their crops. In return, you receive a bounty from their harvest at an incredibly discounted price throughout the growing season. Hockhockson Farm Foundation has developed an exciting program whereby CSA stands for Caring Sharing Agriculture and gives people the opportunity to donate a share or partial share of Jersey grown fruits and vegetables from Laurino Farms to those in need through Lunch Break in Red Bank, NJ. By contributing to this program, donors will make it possible for families to gain access to the freshest of fruits and vegetables, as well as delicious recipes and tips for cooking. To donate to the Caring Sharing Agriculture program, click here (please note donations need to be placed by July 10th).

For more information, visit hockhocksonfarm.org/programs.

MOVIE LOVERS, FILMMAKERS AND ASPIRING FILMMAKERS will want to ‘save the dates’ of August 8-11, when the Monmouth Film Festival returns to the Two River Theater in Red Bank. This year’s festival will begin on August 8, with movie premieres and a special guest musical performance with stars you won’t want to miss! The performance will be followed by an opening reception included with select tickets.

More than 80 of the finest independent films from across the globe will be screened this year, with several screenings to be followed by panel discussions featuring filmmakers and actors including celebrity guests! For more information and guest announcements, visit monmouthfilmfestival.org and the @MonmouthFilmFestival on Facebook.

In just four years, the Monmouth Film Festival has become a ‘got to go’ event for New Jersey-based film artists and film lovers, with a strong educational emphasis that includes a free digital film expo with presentations from companies such as Blackmagic Design and Fujifilm; the New Jersey High School Student Film Showcase, with a panel moderated by The New York Film Academy, who will also be presenting free workshops throughout the weekend; and an industry networking and red carpet event, where attendees can meet actors, agents, artists, and the press.

Early bird VIP passes to the 2019 Monmouth Film Festival are now on pre-sale at monmouthfilmfestival.org. The VIP pass includes admission to every film to be shown during the four days of the Festival, as well as panel discussions, classes, the red-carpet networking event, and the exclusive VIP Lounge. Voted NJ’s best film festival by New Jersey Stage Magazine, the Monmouth Film Festival has already earned a reputation for presenting the work of some of the most talented filmmakers from New Jersey, the U.S., and the World. If you love watching movies, if you make films, or if you aspire to a career in the film industry, you won’t want to miss the 2019 Monmouth Film Festival.

The Red Bank Business Alliance and Red Bank RiverCenter are joining forces again to host the Red Bank Classic 5K, a community event in downtown Red Bank on June 15 that will benefit youth development programs at the Red Bank Family YMCA and the borough’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

Race organizers invite runners of all ages to come out to Red Bank for a day of fun and healthy activities, headlined by the 5K, which will begin and end on Broad Street, in the heart of downtown.

“We are thrilled to host runners from across Monmouth County and beyond for our second annual Red Bank Classic 5K,” said Angela Courtney, of the Red Bank Business Alliance, a group of business owners that brought back a road race to the borough last year after the long-running George Sheehan Classic was discontinued a few years ago.

The business community is building on the success of last year’s inaugural 5K, which expected 500 and drew over 1,000 runners and raised $20,000 to support Red Bank Parks and Recreation and the Y.

“Community spirit is what the Red Bank Classic is all about,” said Courtney, owner of Sweetest Sin Boutique. “It’s an opportunity to bring our community together and raise support for youth programs that will create a long-lasting impact on children in our town.”

New this year, individual runners and teams will have the opportunity to generate additional support for Parks and Recreation and the Y by creating their own fundraising campaigns. Race participants are welcome to form teams with a minimum of four runners.

“The Community YMCA is so grateful to once again be a benefactor of the Red Bank Classic 5K,” said YMCA President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. “As a nonprofit charity dedicated to strengthening our community, we appreciate the support to help ensure that children and people of all ages can access the Y’s life-changing programs.”

Charlie Hoffmann, director of Red Bank Parks and Recreation, said the department appreciates the support from the community event. “The support we receive will help   children in need thrive in our fun and safe programs during the summer and throughout the year,” Hoffmann said.

In addition to the 5K race, there will be a fun run for children ages 12 and under. The Kids Broad Street Dash will begin after the 5K and will feature three races: 200 yards, 100 yards and 50 yards. Children will run in heats on Broad Street finishing at the same spot as participants in the 5K.

Race organizers hope to encourage more kids to participate in the fun run and 5K. Special discounts are available through May 18 to children and teens at local schools and to nonprofits that support youth.

Other activities include a pre-race warm-up on Broad Street led by Soul Strong and post-race activities, including a Fitness Fest in Marine Park and an after-party at Red Rock Tap + Grill with a live band. Local eateries are also providing food to the runners after the race.

Following the race, all are welcome to participate in free, family-friendly activities at Marine Park featuring Stand Up Paddle Boards and SUP Yoga with Flow Paddle Yoga, massage tables and stretching station by A Kneaded Vacation, and children’s activities coordinated by the Y.

“We appreciate the great support from our business community and we are excited that the race will bring people into Red Bank to enjoy its beautiful waterfront, wonderful eateries, unique shopping and vibrant downtown events that make it such a special place to live, work, play and visit,” said James Scavone, executive director of RiverCenter, which manages the borough of Red Bank’s Special Improvement District.

Gold sponsors of the 5K are: Two River Community Bank, Chill Rx Cryotherapy and Red Rock Tap + Grill. In addition, over 15 local businesses are supporting the race and sponsorships are still available at all levels.

The Red Bank Classic 5K course is certified and sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USATF). It’s also a USATF 2019 Grand Prix Event. The 5K will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Broad Street at the corner of Monmouth Street.

Awards will be presented to the top three overall 5K finishers and to the top three finishers in each age group, including 14 and under and in 5-year groups starting at ages 15-19. An award will also be presented to the top team and top four finishers on each team. Running teams will be scored based on the average of their top four runners.

Race registration is open at www.redbankclassic.com. Fees are $30 for the 5K and $15 for the Kids Broad Street Dash and include a t-shirt and a swag bag to the first 1,000 participants. Registration is also available the day of the event. Race packets may be picked up on Friday, June 14, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Red Rock Tap + Grill located at 14 Wharf Ave.

For more information on the race, sponsorships or volunteering, visit here or e-mail info@redbankclassic.com.

FEATURED PHOTO: Joan and Robert (Bob) Rechnitz

Their philanthropy has been fulfilling a shared commitment to improve people’s lives and make the world a better place in a variety of ways. For years they have supported art and culture, generously giving to environmental causes, healthcare, social services, and Jewish and humanitarian missions. They have a particular focus on theater and arts, education, and are the founders of the Two River Theater in Red Bank, TRT, now under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst. Twenty-five years ago, Bob and Joan established TRT in Monmouth County, but it was not until 2005 that the state-of-the-art, two-theater complex found its permanent home in Red Bank.  TRT is home to world premieres, classics, musicals, and productions for families. In fact, two productions commissioned by TRT are now running in New York City: the new Broadway hit, Be More Chill and the off-Broadway play, Hurricane Diane.  In keeping with its focus on community spirit, TRT also produces more than forty free events a year, geared to the diverse surrounding community. After 25 years, it just keeps getting better and this summer TRT will begin a new phase with the planned opening of its Center for New Work, Education and Design.

Joan and Bob will be honored at the TRT 25th Anniversary Gala next month, with avid supporters Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi chairing the event. CM had the pleasure of finding out just what the world of theater and TRT means to them.

JBJ Soul Kitchen invites members of the public to participate in its upcoming Empty Bowls Event, on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from noon to 7:00 p.m. at 207 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Participants will assist in offering hundreds of handmade bowls in return for donations to help feed people.

During the rain or shine event, participants will have the opportunity to choose any or as many bowls as they like in exchange for a $20 donation per item.  The restaurant will be serving dinner as usual from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments and snacks will be served from noon to 3:00 p.m. The donations provide a meal for someone in the community through JBJ Soul Kitchen. A portion of proceeds will also be allocated to supporting the Art Alliance of Monmouth County.

Initiated by Colts Neck resident and Art Alliance  board member Mil Wexler-Kobrinski, the event has proven popular and successful over the past few years. The year-round effort to make bowls requires many hands. Students at Teen Arts workshops each spring are among the most prolific contributors. This year, amateur and professional artists, many volunteers, and young people from schools and arts programs in both Monmouth and Ocean Counties are joining in.

Gina Navon, a volunteer coordinator for the Art Alliance, says, “We are all humbled by our good fortune, and present this reminder to the world that there are still many among us who struggle for this simple basic human need: food.”

Wexler-Kobrinski, is a ceramic artist and painter. Her MFA thesis project focused on Empty Bowls, a project of Imagine/RENDER, a 501(c)(3) organization that fosters an international grassroots effort to raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger. The mission is to create positive and lasting change through the arts, education, and projects that build community.

Soul Kitchen was founded by Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi. The JBJ Soul Kitchen, a program of the JBJ Soul Foundation, is a community restaurant featuring fresh, healthy ingredients. Soul Kitchen serves meals to in-need customers through volunteer work and to paying customers through donation.

The Art Alliance of Monmouth County is a non-profit, member-owned and operated gallery and studio in Red Bank, whose mission is to promote the advancement of the visual arts and provide exhibition, studio and classroom space. Monmouth Arts is the official county arts agency of Monmouth County whose mission is to enrich the community by inspiring and fostering the arts. The annual Monmouth Teen Arts Festival invites all teens ages 13-19 in the county to experience professional critiques in their artistic disciplines, fun and interactive workshops (including the most popular workshop, Empty Bowls with Mil), peer performances, and exhibitions.

Ringing in its 64th year, the annual Red Bank Summer Sidewalk Sale will once again set up streetside in the town’s vibrant downtown district. A staple of the summer season, the event invites the savviest of shoppers to enjoy the season’s best deals and most fashionable finds from Red Bank’s beloved retail businesses.

Beginning today, July 27 and continuing through Sunday, July 29, the Sidewalk Sale will feature an impressive array of local retailers and purveyors, including handcrafted gourmet stores, small boutiques and antique shops to big-name retailers. From dazzling gems at Jace Jewelers to locally made products at All Things Local, attendees can find hidden treasures for remarkable prices throughout Red Bank’s charming downtown. A slate of street artists and musicians will bring their talents to the event, too. It all adds up to the perfect backdrop for a leisurely summer stroll. A full schedule of evening festivities and performances during the Sidewalk Sale is currently available on the Red Bank RiverCenter website.

The individual businesses participating in the Sidewalk Sale may have varying store hours throughout the weekend and shoppers are encouraged to check the hours of operation for their retailers of choice. A sample list of participating businesses in the 2018 Red Bank Sidewalk Sale include: All Things Local, C.T. Peters, Inc. Appraisers, Cabana 19, Carla Gizzi, Chelsea Yarns, Chetkin Custom Framing, Deans Flowers, DoubleTake, Jace Jewelers, KG Group of NJ / Castello, Madison, Monmouth Street Emporium, Mustillo’s Town & Country and Bridals, Nemo Tile Co., Oneblowdrybar INC, Pinot’s Palette, Quicksilver Handcrafted Jewelry, Red Bank Artisan Collective, Riverbank Antiques, Seldin Trinkets and Jewelry, Sorella Bella Boutique, Sweetest Sin Boutique, The Kid’s Shoppe and THEO.

“The best deals of the year can be found at our annual Sidewalk Sale, which explains why shoppers keep coming back for more after 64 years,” said James Scavone, executive director of Red Bank RiverCenter. “Red Bank businesses provide customers with excellent products, clothing, services and more throughout the entire year. But, during the annual Sidewalk Sale, visitors can delight in the beautiful summer weather and explore each store’s one-of-a-kind offers.”

For more information about the 64th Sidewalk Sale, please visit here. To learn more about Red Bank RiverCenter, please visit here.

About Red Bank RiverCenter

Red Bank RiverCenter is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1991 by an alliance of local businesses, property owners, residents, and other stakeholders to enhance and promote Red Bank’s downtown district as a mid-Atlantic destination for dining, shopping, and culture. Red Bank RiverCenter helms the city’s Special Improvement District to promote Red Bank businesses through special promotions. RiverCenter also supports the business community through recruiting new businesses to fill commercial vacancies and helps them navigate the various start-up procedures in town. For more information, please visit: http://www.redbank.org/rivercenter/