Another great weekend, followed by another great weekend!
Last week’s Asbury Park 5K was the best. We had over 1,500 runners. The weather was perfect for the race. My participation was disappointing to say the least. Although my performance in the first half of the race was surprising, my sprained finger finally did me in, so I did not finish. City Attorney Fred Raffetto turned in a great time and fellow Asbury Park Rotarians Roger Stein, Traudy Grande and her husband John also turned in very good performances. I will be back!
And special thanks to Phil Hinck who heads up the Jersey Shore Running Club. Phil has operated and marketed the AP 5K for the city for the past six years. Phil is this week’s AP Ambassador. He always goes above and beyond.
The Bike Church and the Jersey Shore Running Club teamed up this spring and started a 12 week youth running program. Some of the kids ran in the AP 5K this past weekend. They are applying for a grant from Nike to expand this program and provide the kids with proper running shoes. They need our help. A factor in getting the grant is getting votes for their submission. Vote for them at: http://www.nikebackyourblock.com/ApplicantProfile.aspx?ApplicantId=65886a09-2264-435f-9327-fa2867a6b5cd Just Do It!
September’s First Saturday’s theme is Labor of Love. It is the month that we use our monthly event to raise money for one of our wonderful community organizations. Look for the bright green labor of Love donation cards in AP’s shops and restaurants. This year’s effort will benefit The Bike Church. Stay tuned.
I got a tip that Tuesday morning’s edition of USA Today would include an article on Asbury Park and how it is handling the recession. It was written by Rick Hampson who wrote an article on AP about three years ago. Many people in the city spent significant time with this individual sharing all the positive things that are happening in the city and how we are all slugging it out in this bad economy. The article was one big disappointment. It was just a rehash of a lot of old negative boring stories about the city with overused references to Bruce’s The Rising. The writer seemed to take pleasure in misquoting many including me. This sophomoric effort at journalism missed the mark. It was like the guy never came to the city. I actually got some emails and calls from other Gannett writers who thought they needed to apologize for this poor piece of reporting. The real story: This little city who keeps taking cheapshots from those who don’t get it, is just buckling down and making it happen. Asbury Park is full of caring individuals who are dedicated to reviving this great city. The thousands of visitors who are rediscovering Asbury Park are a testament that we are on the right track. That’s the real story and it is HUGE!
The Clearwater Festival comes to Asbury Park’s Sunset Park this Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM. This year there will be no admission charge. The theme is Clean Ocean Zone: Fight to Keep it Clear Water. Bluesman Guy Davis headlines the musical line up. Other entertainers include: Christine Martucci, Quincy Mumford Band, Mimi Cross, Rob Dye and Melissa Chill Band, Ken Shane (our favorite), Dawne Allynne and Lauren Pennington. The children’s Area includes arts and crafts, face painting, and the very popular butterfly tent. The festival will also feature food, green vendors, and crafters.
Sunday, August 16th, brings the “Born to Tri” Triathlon to Asbury Park. The Jersey shore Triathlon Club has put together a very challenging event: 1/3 mile ocean swim, bike 13.5 miles, and 3.1 miles run. It has attracted many of the top athletes in the area. Come out and support this new addition to Asbury Park. Go to www.jerseyshoretriathlonclub.com for more info.
Revision Theatre’s The Full Monty opened last night in the historic Carousel Building . This is not to be missed. To order tickets or get additional details go to www.revisiontheatre.org or call 732.455.3059. HUGE!
Also this weekend:
Thursday, August 13th: The Creamsickles at The Saint – 8 PM
Two Cow Garage at Asbury Lanes – 8 PM
Ann Hampton Callaway at McLoone’s Supper Club
Friday, August 14th: Mayor’s Chill-Out Jazz Series at the Transportation Center, this week features Madam Pat Tandy at 6 PM
Hammer of Gods: the Led Zepplin Experience at Paramount Theatre -
7:30 PM
Saturday, August 15th: Main Street Farmers Market 8 AM to 1 PM
Sunday, August 16th: the Mighty Mighty Bosstones at the Stone Pony
“Food Inc.” at The Showroom at 5 PM.
And don’t forget beach fireworks every Wednesday courtesy of Madison Marquette. Spectacular!
Save the dates: the Asbury Park Historical Society is hosting two events to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the beaching of the Morro Castle on the Asbury Park beach. On Saturday, September 12th the AP Historical Society in conjunction with Diane Raver and the Garden State Film Festival will screen a very cool Morro Castle documentary that details the maritime disaster and has some great shots of AP. The following night, the Society will host Remember the Morro Castle Dinner & Dance at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club. For more information call 732.869.HIST.
Sorry, to take up your time while I railed on USA Today’s Hampson. You all know how passionate I am about Asbury Park and when some takes shots at us, I take it personally.
Wishes for one wonderful weekend in one the best city on the Jersey Shore,
Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times
If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.
Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events, and the city’s employment initiative; “Asbury Works.” |
