South Jersey Salute!

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Thursday July 29^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties second annual Food Drive.  The “It’s a Mitzvah Food Drive” continues through Monday August 9^th benefitting the Community Food Bank, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Atlantic City and the JFS Food Pantry.  The Hebrew term “mitzvah”, loosely translated, means “to express an act of human kindness”, and we have more hungry people in South Jersey now than at anytime recently hoping you will show some kindness with a donation. Last year, the JFS collected more than 1700 pounds of food, and they’ve set a goal this year for 2000 pounds. The emphasis is on non-perishables like peanut butter, pasta, tuna fish, baby food and canned fruits and veggies. To hear about a collection spot near you or to find out more call 822-4404.

Wednesday July 28^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the docking of the A.J. Meerwald in Atlantic City.  New Jersey’s official tall ship will sail in to Gardner’s Basin tomorrow at noon and remained docked in Atlantic City until Monday morning.  The A.J. Meerwald is a Delaware Bay oyster schooner built in 1928 during the height of the oyster-fishing industry in New Jersey.  The ship has been restored and served as a sailing classroom for the Bayshore Discovery Project which offers education about New Jersey’s Delaware bayshore region.  This weekend activities include workshops, classes and public, private and family sails.  For a schedule or more information, call 856-785-2060

Tuesday July 27^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes DiMeo Farms of Hammonton.  The farm made a donation of a truck load of fresh blueberries yesterday to the Community Food Bank of South Jersey. The donation was coordinated through Farmer’s Against Hunger, a grassroots group of New Jersey farmers dedicated to making a difference with the food they grow.  Since beginning in the 1990’s, Farmer’s Against Hunger has collected and distributed more than 15 million pounds of produce to the state’s neediest-children, seniors and the working poor. In a business with a profit-margin that’s so small, that’s food the farmers never sell in order to help others.  Thanks to DiMeo farms of Hammonton and the other South Jersey farmers participating in Farmers Against Hunger.

Monday July 26^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes The Alley Cat Allies’ Boardwalk Cats project.   The volunteers from ASA care for the feral cats that live under the Atlantic City Boardwalk.  The project has cut the number of ferals in half since it began ten years ago.  The goal is to eliminate the feral population.  To accomplish that, the organization humanely traps and then neuters the animals, before returning them to the wild. The ASA volunteers also keep the cats healthy, feed them and watch out for them.  They do it all at no taxpayer expense!  As the Boardwalk Cat Project celebrates its tenth anniversary, it now serves as a model for similar programs across the country. If you have been going to the AC. Boardwalk over the last few years, you really can tell a difference in the feral cat population! By the way, you can tell if a cat is a part of the program by seeing if the tip of his left ear has been removed.  

Friday July 23^rd, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Ocean City Night in Venice Boat Parade. The spectacle of lights, the decorated boats and homes, and thousands of people make this Saturday night unlike any other in Ocean City.  The Night in Venice is the largest boat parade of its kind in the world and you can’t do it justice describing it, you have to see it.  Lately, the whole weekend has turned into a big party beginning with tonight’s seafood festival in Ocean City. The parade itself is Saturday at 7:30pm beginning by Longport Bridge and traveling along the bay through the Gardens Section and the lagoons to Tennessee Avenue. Admission is free. Scuttle buses are available and a really good idea.  Join Lite Rock beginning Saturday afternoon on Asbury Avenue.

Thursday July 22^nd, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Gilda’s Club South Jersey.  Gilda’s Club is a free cancer support community, open to anyone who been touched by cancer. It’s named for Saturday Night Live cast member Gilda Radner, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986. Gilda believed all people with cancer and their families should have a place to go for social and emotional support. That’s just what Gilda’s Club in Linwood provides. If you have any form of cancer, or are the caregiver to someone who does, take advantage of all the programs, workshops, love and support Gilda’s Club offers.  Find out more at a new members meeting this Monday @ 4:30. Call 926-2699 for details.

Wednesday July 21^st, 2010

Lite Rock salutes tomorrow night’s benefit for the family of Michael Ray. Michael “Big Daddy” Ray was a local teacher and disc jockey who died recently in a car accident.  He leaves behind pregnant wife.  Tomorrow night a fundraiser to help the family with expenses will be held at the Chelsea Hotel in Atlantic City. There’s a minimum $20 donation.  I didn’t know Michael personally, but I still feel like I know quite a bit about him.  Being a radio guy and trying to start a young family gives us a couple of things in common and I’m struck by how sad this story is.  So the many people who knew and loved him must really be mourning his loss.  Tomorrow night’s benefit is a good chance to pay tribute.  Call 892-2385 for details.

Monday July 19^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the latest attraction at the Cape May County Zoo; two snow leopard cubs.  The zoo is understandably excited about the birth of their new additions.  The snow leopard cubs are a rarity; they were the first ever born at the Cape May Zoo and only 11 were born in captivity last year nationwide.  The two-month old male cubs have been getting more courageous lately and have been appearing in public regularly. The zoo is holding contest through August 15th for kids under 12 to name the cubs.  For details or just to see how darn cute they are go to capemayzoo.org; or just go to the zoo, open daily in Cape May Court House and free of charge.

Lite Rock salutes Matt Pierce of Stone Harbor.  Matt is a high school senior from Stone Harbor who started “Teenagers Care” to collect donations for relief efforts for the wildlife, the wetlands and the local communities affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.  The most encouraging news we’ve heard in 3 months was yesterday’s capping to stop the leaking well, even if it’s only a temporary solution.  Like the rest of us, Matt Pierce has been touched by the images of the damage he’s seen, and he decided to do something about it.  In a little over a month, his Teenager’s Care group has raised almost $10, 000 for the cleanup efforts and spread the word through social networking and collections efforts based in his Stone Harbor garage.  To find out more and help in Matt’s cause, go to teenagerscare.org.

Lite Rock salutes The Alcove. The Alcove is a bereavement center where children and their families can receive comfort and support during their healing process.  The Alcove also happens to be our neighbors here in Northfield, so I know a little something about the good work they do. This Sunday, they’re holding an all-you-can-eat ice cream festival from noon ‘til 4pm in Kennedy Park in Somer’s Point. Contests, games and Lite Rock will be there too! The Alcove Center’s “Sundaes on Sunday Festival” is $5 for adults and $3 for kids.  Call 484-1133 for more information.

Wednesday July 14^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Wildwood Doo-Wop Preservation League’s Back to the 50’s Tour.  You can take a trip back to the 1950’s and 60’s heyday of the Wildwoods famous Doo-Wop style this summer.  It’s all on display.., the “Tiki” architecture, the wacky–looking motels with the glass walls and the kidney-shaped pools, diners with Jetsons-style decorations and all those blinding neon roof signs.  Wildwood has the world’s largest collection of the doo-wop style architecture and again this summer on Tuesday and Thursday nights you can take a bus tour to see all of the landmarks and have a knowledgeable guide give you some history on this fun and very local bit of Americana. For information on Wildwoods Doo-Wop bus tours, call 800-786-4546.

Lite Rock salutes the RNS Show House at the Shore. This is the 19^th annual Showhouse benefitting the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer and Heart Fund. The house, “Windsong on Wesley”, at 1501 Wesley Avenue is the first time Ocean City Has hosted the show house.  21 spaces in the hundred year-old Dutch Colonial have been given makeovers by professional designers from around South Jersey and the Delaware Valley.  Tickets to tour the 45-hundred foot home are $25 and the house is open 10am to 5 pm daily and until 8pm Wednesday and Thursday nights. The show house is a good place to pick up decorating tips or just to daydream about where you could be living! Call 487-1190 for details.

Monday July 12^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Junior Lifeguard Program.  The Ventnor City Beach Patrol holds a beach and water skills safety course for 9 to 13 year-olds this week on the Suffolk Avenue Beach.  The course begins this morning and runs through Thursday (July 12^th-15^th) from 10:30am ‘til noon and it’s free of charge.  The junior lifeguards-in-training will learn water safety, swimming, competitive skills, first aid, lifesaving techniques and CPR. Whether these junior lifeguards ever advance to become regular lifeguards or not, that training will have a positive impact on those kids for the rest of their lives and may even save a few lives along the way. Call 823-7952 for more information.

Lite Rock salutes CONTACT Cape-Atlantic. Lite Rock will be in Avalon from 7am to 9:30am tomorrow morning for the running of 30^th annual CONTACT Cape-Atlantic 5-mile run.  CONTACT is a non-profit group of volunteers who make daily phone calls to disabled and elderly people living on their own in Cape May and Atlantic counties, to making sure their doing OK and have everything they need.  Last year they made over 67,000 of these courtesy calls to clients ranging from 29 to 102 years old.  This run is one of their primary annual fundraisers and last year 300 people participated.  The run starts at 9am; registration starts at 7am. Get more information by calling 823-1850

Thursday July 8^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Atlantic City aquarium.  The aquarium has a summer schedule that’s a perfect alternative to the beach on one of these hot, humid days.  Through Labor Day, the Atlantic City Aquarium offers a daily program that includes a live diver feeding show at 11AM, feeding of baby stingrays at noon and an exotic animal show at 2PM.  The Aquarium is a fun, educational and really convenient day for the family.  The Atlantic City aquarium, , in Atlantic city’s Gardner’s Basin, is open daily from 10am to 5pm and its only $8 for adults, $5 for kids under 12 and free for children 3 and under.  Make sure you check out Groman, the loggerhead sea turtle when you go!

To suggest someone or something for a South Jersey salute, connect with us @literock969.com

Wednesday July 7^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Stuff the Bus campaign.  I know; school just ended and it’s the hottest day of the summer.  But the United Way of Atlantic County’s summer-long drive to collect school supplies for kids in families that can’t afford them could use your help.  In its first year last summer, Stuff the Bus collected over 1500 school essentials like backpacks, notebooks, crayons, paper, scissors, pens and pencils that were delivered to children in Egg Harbor Township, Pleasantville and Hammonton.  Basis stuff that’s a must for classroom needs.  The United Way is accepting individual donations and hoping for help from local companies and organizations.  To help stuff the Bus, call 404-4483, or see details @ literock969.com

Tuesday July 6^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Deirdre Lenzsch of Somer’s Point.  Deirdre won the USA Weightlifting National School Age Championships last week in California, setting three American records for her age group.  The 13year-old Jordan Road School student set records for total weight, the snatch, and the clean and jerk, where she lifted 81 kilograms or 178 pounds.  That’s a lot of weight for a 13 year-old… girl or boy. Deirdre is now considering attending the Pan American Games and already has her sights set on competing in weightlifting in the 2016 Olympic Games.  That’s not a surprise for one of her coaches who remembers her being able to pick him up off the ground when she was just 7 years old!   

June 30^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Upper Township Hurricanes and Tornadoes Soccer program.  They take their soccer very seriously in Upper Township and the area has developed a reputation over the years for its level of play.  Now the Upper Township under 14 years of age boys and girls teams are holding their first fundraising event for their trip to Europe next July 2011 to compete in an international youth soccer tournament.  This Saturday from 9am to 1pm at Obadiah’s Restaurant on Roosevelt Boulevard in Marmora you can get your car washed or buy something at the bake sale to support their efforts.  That’ll be quite a bill to send a soccer team to Europe!  You better plan on buying two cakes at that bake sale.

Lite Rock salutes Erika Ferguson of Northfield.  The graduating Mainland High School senior received a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where she’ll be in the honors program beginning this fall. The scholarship comes as reward for Erika’s scholastic achievements as a member of the National Honor Society.  But it’s the two awards she won this year for her volunteer service which impress me the most.  They include the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes Americans who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their community and their country. She’s smart, successful and caring.  I think we’ll be hearing more about Erika Ferguson.

Friday June 25^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the return of swimming at the Cove on Lake Lenape.  Last year, budget cuts forced Hamilton Township to end public swimming at the Lake’s only swim area.  This summer the Township has compromised with the understanding that beach operations not be tax dollar funded. So, the prices have gone up a little. This summer, a season-long tag is $12 for residents and $20 for non-residents with swimming Fridays through Mondays until Labor Day.  The Cove has been a favorite summer swim spot for generations of people from around Mays Landing and it’s good to have it open again on Lake Lenape. 

Lite Rock salutes the Heritage Day Celebration in Egg Harbor Township.  The signature event of EHT’s 300^th anniversary celebration happens this Saturday from 10 ‘til 6pm, spanning Veterans Park and the Swift and Slaybough School complexes.  The folks responsible for planning Heritage Day have been preparing for this day over a year and  they promise one of the biggest ever events in the township!  From military flyovers and skydivers to displays, entertainers, and a special appearance by Dr Jonathon Pitney, the father of Atlantic County, who has to be going on 200 years old, and you’ve got yourself quite a time!  The day also includes food, crafts and lots to do with the kids and admission is free!  Look for Lite Rock this Saturday at Egg Harbor Township’s Heritage Day.

Wednesday June 23^rd, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the efforts to restore the Gateway Theatre.  When the city of Somer’s Point paid $600,000 to buy the landmark theatre and save it from destruction in 2006, the hope was to return to the days of a thriving performance schedule.  That hasn’t happened.  The century-old theatre has remained dark ever since and needs an estimated $700,000 in repairs to become functional again.  Now the non-profit group Theatre Collaborative of South Jersey has taken over operations and seem determined to return the Gateway to its former luster, hopefully beginning later this summer.  If you believe in local theatre and would like to help, donor tiles for a renovated lobby mosaic begin at just $125.  Go to gatewaybythebay.org for details

 Lite Rock salutes a South Jersey tradition: The National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood.  The 87^th annual edition of the world-famous marbles competition continues today through Thursday from 8am to 1pm at Wildwood Avenue and the Beach. The best 8 to 14 year-old marbles shooters, or mibsters as they’re called, from across the country are spending the week in the Wildwoods, competing for scholarship money and bragging rights.  More than 1200 games of marbles will be played this week and the competition is intense. (I’ll tell you what, it’s not easy, either!  Marbles is a hard game) The event is free to spectators and it’s a summertime-must see in South Jersey.

Monday June 21^st, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Ashleigh Udalovas of Millville, the new Miss New Jersey.  Ashleigh won the crown Saturday night after receiving first runner-up last year. The 22 year–old Rowan University student used literacy as her platform, with the slogan “read to succeed”. But literacy is more than just a platform, it a cause Ashleigh really believes in.   She founded the Cumberland County chapter of First Book, which gives books to disadvantaged children.   Other South Jersey contestants represented very well this year with Miss Atlantic County, Miss Cape May County and Miss Coastal Shore, who is from Buena Vista, all finishing as finalists.  Now if we could just get the Miss America Pageant back to Atlantic City where it belongs, we’d really have something to smile about.

Thursday June 17^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the C.R.D.A’s decision to approve $ 5 million to expand open space around the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City.  The plan would pay for moving the jitney headquarters now located next door and opening up a park between the Lighthouse and the Revel Casino project. For decades, the complaint in Atlantic City has been the sorry condition of many of neighborhoods just outside the casino properties.  Millions has already been spent renovating the Absecon Lighthouse and making it a legitimate tourist attraction. This additional money can be a natural extension of that good work, showcasing a waterfront location for an appealing non-gaming city attraction like a park, within walking distance of the casinos.  It sounds good in theory anyway.  We shall see what happens.

Wednesday June 16^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Egg Harbor Township High School Girls varsity-four crew team.  The girls are already the South Jersey champs and they’ve proved to be among the best teams in the country by winning the Nationals Crew Championships in late May.  Now the EHT girls are in England, where, beginning Saturday, they’ll compete against some of the world’s best in the Women’s Henley Regatta.  The Henley features teams from France, England and the U.S., and is considered the world’s most prestigious team crew event. Congratulations and good luck to the Egg Harbor Township girls, all but one of whom is a senior; what a way to wrap up your high school years!

Tuesday June 15^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the diaper. Imagine raising a child today without diapers.  Many people do. Diapers are expensive and lots of local families and single parents who are down on their luck are in need of diapers for their children.  This Saturday from 10am ‘til 2pm, the Atlantic County Residents Outreach Association is holding a diaper drive for babies to age 1. You can drop off your donated diapers at the All Wars Memorial Building, at 1510 Adriatic Avenue in Atlantic City.  Give a baby a break...and a diaper, this Saturday. 

Monday June 14^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the return of the ShopRite LPGA Classic at the Seaview in Galloway beginning today!  The LPGA golfers had been visiting South Jersey since 1986 until scheduling conflicts forced its cancellation three years ago.  This year, it’s back, bringing the excitement and attention of having the best women golfers in the world competing locally and the expected 60,000 spectators who will travel here to watch them.  The tournament is also expected to be a $15 million shot in the arm to the local economy; filling hotels, casinos, restaurants and shops before the school summer vacation tourist influx.  Over the years, the tournament has also raised more than $20 million for local charities. All of which makes me wonder how we ever let it get away in the first place.  Welcome back to South Jersey to the LPGA Classic, teeing off today in Galloway.

Friday June 11^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the boom of new businesses in Stone Harbor.  As you may have read in the news yesterday, 15 new businesses have opened this summer in Stone Harbor, the most in any one season in the past ten years.  Almost all the store fronts along trendy 96^th street will be occupied this summer...let’s face it, by merchants smart enough to know that’s where all the rich folks from Philadelphia will be spending their summer.  But the town also deserves credit for actively recruiting businesses to add a Stone Harbor location.  Other local towns could learn something form Stone Harbor’s example. In the end, new business is good for all in the South Jersey economy, so welcome to the new those new stores and try to get out and support them this weekend!

Thursday June 10^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Donny Fund Day. The Donny Fund is a local fundraising group named for Donny Sykes, who spent most of his life paralyzed and dedicated himself to helping disabled children play sports.  He died in 1991. This Sunday is the annual Donny Fund Day, held at the Yacht Club of Pleasantville and open to all to compete in rowing, paddling, running, walking and swimming.  All proceeds are used for local children for transportation, clothing, home care and medicine.  It’s not too late to be part of the fun for a good cause this Sunday.  Call 641-8666 for information.

Wednesday June 9^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Matt Szczur of the Erma section of Lower Township.  Matt was selected by the Chicago Cubs yesterday in the 5^th round of the Major League Baseball draft.  Matt, who was a star a few years ago for Lower Cape May Regional High School is a junior at Villanova, where he plays baseball and football. The athletic ability is unquestioned, but the thing I found most admirable about Matt is his generous spirit. Great story: last November, when he learned his bone marrow was an exact match for a one year-old girl with leukemia, he put aside his promising future in school and in sports and took a hiatus to donate bone marrow to the sick little girl.  That’s when he really showed he was a star. Good luck with the Cubs, Matt!

Tuesday June 8^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes CASA.  I’ve talked to you at CASA before, but your latest opportunity to find out more about this fine organization is this Thursday morning at a one-hour community breakfast being held at Steve and Cookies Restaurant in Margate, and I wanted to make sure you knew about it.  CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cape May and Atlantic Counties are trained volunteers who speak out on behalf of abused and neglected children in the foster care system and are dedicated to getting these kids placed in good, permanent home as quickly as possible. CASA does great work and they could use your help.  Find out more by calling 601-7800.

Monday June 7^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Rose Carmona, named the New Jersey Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.  Rose, who is a senior at Atlantic City High School, was chosen from a field of 20 finalists from around the state.  The judges were impressed with a speech and essays by Rose detailing the importance the Boys & Girls Club had in her overcoming family challenges to succeed in school and life.  Rose will use the $22,000 in scholarship winnings when she begins college at Rowan University in the fall.  Before that, Rose competes this summer at the Northeast regional level of the Boys and Girls Club for a chance to advance to the national Youth of the Year finals in Washington, D.C. Good luck Rose!

Lite Rock salutes Egg Harbor Township’s Robyn Rosenthal.  Robin is Atlantic County’s representative in tonight’s “Shout Down Drugs” Prevention Concert being held at the Performing Arts Center in Newark.  36 high school students from around New Jersey will compete for a $5000 scholarship and $10,000 in prizes by singing original songs with an anti-drug message. The winner also gets to perform his or her song at state–wide drug prevention events.  To hear Robyn’s song “Honey”, click on the community calendar page at literock969.com.

Good luck tonight Robyn, bring home the grand prize!

Lite Rock salutes water safety for kids.  May is Water Safety Month, and, as warmer swimming weather approaches, now is a great time to teach your kids the basics that could save their lives.  One good local program is the Infant Swimming Resource at AtlantiCare.  ISR’s Self-Rescue swimming lessons are designed for children 6 months to 6 year-old and offer a comprehensive 6- week program with each lesson customized for the child. Find out more @infantswim.com.  Swimming and having fun in the water is such a big part of a kid’s life in South Jersey.  Make sure they can do it safely.

Lite Rock salutes the South Jersey Field of Dreams. I was out last weekend to help with the opening day at The Field of Dreams in Absecon and I was so impressed with the advances that have been made at this beautiful facility. This is the seventh season at this baseball field specially designed for mentally and physically disabled kids and adults to enjoy the great American pastime.  Through hard work from a dedicated team of volunteers and generous support from community over the years, The Field of Dreams has added a brick walkway and a clubhouse complete with league merchandise. The park is crowded with fans and family, keeping the staff at the snack bar busy. The league now boasts more than 200 players, who are thrilled at finally getting to see what its like to play a little baseball. The team of volunteers now tops 600 people! It is wonderful idea that has become a fully realized success story.  It’s our great pleasure to support the South Jersey Field of Dreams with the Lite Rock Second Chance Prom, Friday May 21^st at the Renault Winery.  Tickets are $96.90 a couple and are available @literock969.com 

Lite Rock salutes this morning’s Blow Bubbles for Autism event.  The FACES organization (Families for Autistic Education & Support) is trying to set a Guinness Book Record this morning for most bubbles blown simultaneously at locations around South Jersey and the United States for one minute today at 10AM. Lite Rock will be live at the bubble blowing location at the ARC of Atlantic County/AtlantiCare at 6550 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township. One in 94 children in New Jersey has autism, that’s one of the highest rates in the country.  Volunteers are still welcome to raise awareness and blow millions of bubbles of support and hope for families affected by autism.  Come join us this morning in Egg Harbor Township or listen live and cheer us on.

Lite Rock salutes Midge Grunstra, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce 2010 Business Woman of the Year.  Midge is the director of sales at Goldcoast Sotheby Realty and the president of the Ocean City Board of Realtors.  She was honored for her hard work and dedication to efforts such as being education chairwoman of the New Jersey Board of Realtors for the past five years, heading the realtor committee to raise funds for Shore Memorial Hospital and for being on the board of directors of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.  Midge is a busy lady and an important one in the community.  Congratulations on the award!

Lite Rock salutes Morey’s Pier in Wildwood.  The multi-million dollar boardwalk amusement pier was a fan favorite for the reader’s poll of New Jersey Monthly Magazine Morey’s won awards for Best Kids’ Destination, Best amusement Ride and Best French Fries.  Morey’s 3 amusement piers, 2 water parks and more than 100 rides and games make it hard to beat as a family attraction.  With 105 foot drop, the magazine calls Morey’s Piers’ Great White “one of the all-time best wooden roller coasters around”. And their Curley’s Fries; thick cut, always fresh, deep-fried in peanut oil and fried again and salted just before being served are unbelievable.  Congratulations to Morey’s Pier on the Wildwood Boardwalk for getting state-wide recognition for what we already knew!

Lite Rock salutes Lauren Linn of Linwood.  The original short musical she wrote called “A Day in the Life” is being performed this weekend at Stockton College.  What makes this really interesting to me is that Lauren is an eighth-grader at the Bell Haven Middle School.  She also wrote all the original music and she’ll co-direct the production with a school friend.  Lauren, at age 12 or 13, is succeeding in bringing her own play to the stage.  She may not realize yet how many frustrated playwrights three or four times her age have never accomplished that feat.  Showtimes are 7PM Friday and 2PM Saturday.  Call 927-8178 for information.

Lite Rock salutes Erik Meyer of Cape May Court House.  The Middle Township man has been on a crusade to eliminate the traffic signals on the Garden State Parkway ever since his 17 year-old son Chris died in an accident at the exit 10 interchange in 2004.  Exits 9, 10 & 11 in Cape May County are the only three traffic lights on the 172 miles of the Parkway.  The interchanges have been the cause of many accidents over the years.  Plans to build overpasses have talked about for decades; there is one pending now.  Eric Meyer thinks he owes it to his son’s memory to make sure it really happens one day.

Lite Rock salutes the Atlantic City Historical Museum.  The Museum chronicles much that Atlantic City is famous for; with exhibits on the Steel Pier and its legendary entertainers, the diving horse,  rolling chairs, Club Harlem  and all the storied clubs and hotels that helped make Atlantic City a showplace. After some storm damage this winter, the museum is now open again 7 days a week at the Garden Pier on the north end of the Boardwalk. The latest exhibit at the museum is “Shore Deco-Atlantic City Design between 1919 & 1939”.  The Atlantic City Historical Museum offers a nice look back in time if you lived some of that history and a great learning experience if you didn’t.  Call 347-5839 for information.

Lite rock salutes Glenda Aviles.  Glenda, who for the last 16 years has been the manager of the Hammonton McDonalds, has just received the Ray Kroc Award as one of the countries top-performing McDonalds Restaurant managers.  McDonalds was also impressed by how Glenda spends her spare time and so are we. She collects clothing in South Jersey and then travels to Puerto Rico and distributes the clothes to people in need. Congratulations on the award Glenda and keep up the good work.

Lite Rock salutes New Jersey’s new crosswalk law.  Beginning in April, the state law will require drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians rather than the current law which vaguely instructs drivers to “yield” to pedestrians.  The change in the law was prompted by the death of 21 year-old Casey Feldman, who was hit and killed while crossing a street in Ocean City last summer.  Anyone who lives or walks in a South Jersey shore community can tell you close-call stories of motorists not yielding for them.  This new law’s a great idea, but take my advice; don’t just assume the driver’s going to stop the next time you’re  in that crosswalk.

Lite Rock salutes the 134 Reservists from the 328^th Engineer Company based in Northfield who begin their deployment to Iraq this morning.  The Company leaves for training in Wisconsin followed by a more than year-long assignment spent building and repairing roads in Iraq.  These soldiers leave much of what they love behind as they set off today, including their family and friends.  We appreciate that service and wish them a safe return.  Lite Rock salutes the Army Reservists based in Northfield leaving today for deployment in Iraq.

Monday March 22^nd, 2010

Lite Rock salutes and congratulates Jimmy Connelly of Galloway.  Jimmy is a defenseman and assistant captain of the United States Sled Hockey Team which won a gold medal Saturday at the Paralympic Games.  USA beat Japan 2-0 in the championship round of the games which began in Vancouver after the Winter Games.  Jimmy is a 20 year-old Stockton College student who was born with the birth defect Spina Bifida.  He was an important part of the winning team which didn’t allow a goal in any of the five games they played in Vancouver.  Congratulations to Jimmy and his teammates on their inspirational victory.

Lite Rock salutes Dave’s Day.  This Saturday the 2^nd annual day of basketball & fun for kids will be held at the Northfield Community School.  The Fundraiser is named for Dave Lewis, the longtime Northfield resident who was a teacher and basketball coach at Oakcrest High School until he died of cancer  back in 2008 at just 58 years old.  This year Dave’s Day benefits an anti-bullying program at Northfield Community School and the youth homeless shelter, The Covenant House in Atlantic City.  Your child’s $20 towards the cause includes basketball, a t-shirt, snacks, a movie and more.  To find out more about a good day of fun remembering a good man, go to coachlewis.org.

Lite Rock salutes the sweet sounds of jazz this weekend in Somer’s Point.  The 12^th annual Cape Bank Jazz at the Point will feature jazz musicians from all genres and all parts of the world.  The festival drew 750 people from all over the east coast here to South Jersey last year and has gained recognition as one of nation’s best jazz weekends.  Performances begin tonight and run through Sunday at various locations in Somer’s Point.  The festival offers scuttle bus service between venues and an all-weekend pass for only $60. Big band, contemporary, Latin and swing, whatever you’re in the mood for; the best jazz in the country this weekend will be in Somer’s Point! Go to spjazz.org for details

To suggest someone or something for a South Jersey salute, log on to literock969.com

Wednesday March 10^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Project Prom 2010 prom dress collection.  It’s prom season, and again this year Project Prom is collecting gently used prom dresses to distribute to girls who can’t afford a new dress.  When I’ve helped get the word out about this giveaway over the last several years it’s been to let the girls know the dresses were available.  This year the message is different. Because of hard financial times and bad weather, dress donations are way down.  Gerad’s Florist in Pleasantville, who spearheads the giveaway, is hoping to collect another 150 dresses by March 15^th.  If you have a prom dress someone wore once tucked away in a closet, now’s the time to give that dress a second chance to dance.  Call 646-4150 for more information.

Tuesday March 9^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the 2010 Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce Business Man and Woman of the Year.  The Chamber picked Maureen Siman, the vice-president of marketing for the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors authority as the Business Woman of the year for her dedication to promoting the city and for the variety of volunteer projects for which she’s involved.  The Business Man of the Year is being given posthumously to Ray kot, the longtime Taj Mahal employee killed on the job in 2009.  That’s a really nice gesture.  The Chamber of Commerce Business Man and Woman of the Year banquet is April 28^th at the Taj Mahal.

Wednesday March 3^rd, 2010

Lite Rock salutes cleaning up our beaches.  The first of this season’s organized beach cleanups happens this Saturday from 10AM ‘til noon beginning at the fishing pier in Ventnor.  It’s put on by the South Jersey Surfrider Foundation, who will supply biodegradable bags and gloves for toting away a hard winter’s worth of trash and debris. If you have been anxiously anticipating summer on a nice, clean beach, here’s your chance to help make it so. All volunteers are welcome.  If you’ve never been a part of a beach cleanup, you’ll leave feeling there shocked at how much trash you’ve seen and good about yourself for helping to get it off our beaches. Call 609-214-9379 for details.

Lite Rock salutes the Absecon Lighthouse’s “Climb for our Cause”.  The Famous Atlantic City landmark is holding a month-long drive to get locals to visit the lighthouse again, or for the first time.  New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse suffered through a tough winter like the rest of us and it affected their attendance.  Add cuts in grant money and contributions and the lighthouse is asking for a little help.  For the price of your $7 admission; you can climb the 228 steps in the lighthouse on Rhode Island Avenue and witness a piece of Atlantic City’s history, see the great view, and make a small difference to the financial bottom line.  Call The Absecon Lighthouse for hours and information.

Monday March 1^st, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Kids for South Jersey Cancer Fund.  The group of Atlantic City High School students is using a variety of fundraisers to help the non profit group South Jersey Cancer Fund, which helps cancer patients with costs not covered by insurance.  The organization has given out so much aid lately; they’ve experienced deficits the past 5 years and had to freeze services last month to due a lack of money. Enter the group of teens from Brigantine: forming The Kids for South Jersey Cancer and raising over $6000 so far by holding cake sales, car washes and teacher dress-down fundraiser days.  If you would like to help out with this really cool effort by the kids from Brigantine or read more about fund’s good work, go to their webpage at southjerseycancerfund.org.

Lite Rock salutes Chris Hiltner of Northfield.  The 27 year-old, who was born with kidney failure, has just undergone his third kidney transplant.  People like Chris develop a special kind of courage and fighting spirit early in their lives that the rest of us will never really know.  They understand far too early how fragile life is and how much can be required to stay alive.  All those operations, the dialysis, the doctors and the medicine have always been just a way of life to Chris. I’d like to hope I’ll remember the obstacles he’s overcome the next time I think I’m having a bad day.  This Saturday from 2 to 6PM, a fundraiser to help with expenses not covered by insurance will be held for Chris Hiltner at Maynard’s Café in Margate.

Lite Rock salutes the second and third graders at the John C. Milanesi Elementary School.  The students of teacher Lisa DeMarco have just finished a month-long fundraiser benefitting the relief efforts in Haiti.  Her students sold bracelets they made by hand in their free time at school for a dollar a piece, with all the money going to the Red Cross.  The bracelets are braided and have a small heart in the center on each, showing the students feelings for the people impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.  It’s a great effort and a good lesson for those kids from Buena. Good job to all involved!

Friday February 19^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Patricia Royal of Northfield.  The retired teacher will be one of this year’s inductees into the Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony next month at Trump Marina.  During her years in the classroom, Patricia was recognized as the Pleasantville School District Teacher of the Year, the Atlantic County Teacher of the Year, the Governor’s Teacher Recognition winner and the Atlantic County Women in Leadership Award winner.  Now she’s earned a spot in the Women’s Hall of Fame for a remarkable career of teaching and helping kids. Congratulations to Pat Royal of Northfield.

Lite Rock salutes South Jersey Olympian Jim Connelley.  Jim‘s a two-time parolympian on the U.S. Sled Hockey Team.  The Paralympics follow the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.  Connelley is a 2008 graduate of Absegami High School and a freshman at Stockton College, and he was born with the nerve tissue disease spina bifida.  Jim is known for his physical play on the sled hockey team and he’s a firm believer in the adage that to be disabled doesn’t mean to do nothing.  You’ve been hearing a lot of inspirational Olympic stories on TV lately; well here’s a local guy who really is inspirational and I wish him luck at the Paralympic Games.

Lite Rock salutes St Augustine Prep Basketball coach Paul Rodio.  The coach picked up his 700^th career win when the Hermits beat Shawnee Saturday night in the Olympic-Cape Challenge Tournament.  Coach Rodio, whom is 57, is now 700 wins and 203 loses in 33 seasons with St Augustine’s.  Making the victory all the more sweet, the coach got the landmark win on his home court, in a gymnasium named for him, with his son Steve who plays guard for the Hermits on the floor.  Coach Rodio, who has led the Hermits to three state championships, becomes only the second coach in South Jersey High School history to win 700 games.  Congratulations Coach!

Tuesday February 9^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes South Jersey’s Boy Scouts.  The Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 100^th anniversary this week.  The local South Jersey council of the scouts, which has 6000 members, is changing and adapting to stay relevant to today’s boys.  While today’s scouts collect merit badges for things of interest to today’s kids including web design, robotics and contributing to greener planet, much the scouts learn has remained the same from generations past, including learning to camp , problem-solving and the ethics of the Boy Scout Oath. Atlantic and Cape May Counties both have active Boy Scout troops, including Troop 79 in Seaville, the largest in the 6 county-area.  Happy 100^th birthday to the Boy Scouts of America!

Lite Rock salutes the weekend’s snow patrol.  A big thank you goes out to all those who helped clear the snow and tried to get our power back on. Those plow guys and power crews had a tough assignment with some very long hours this weekend and they did a fantastic job under very difficult conditions and we owe them our gratitude.  A tip of the hat also to all the good neighbors around South Jersey; who shoveled the walk for an elderly neighbor or helped dig out a neighbor’s car. Emergency situations like this always seem to bring out the best in people and that helpful spirit was on display in every South Jersey neighborhood over the weekend.

Wednesday February 3^rd, 2010

Lite Rock salutes the Camp for a Cause Benefit.  This Saturday, the staff from Camp Blue Star will volunteer their time in a one-day summer camp in the winter to benefit Haitian relief.  For $25, students from kindergarten thru 8^th grade can spend the day at the Hess School in Mays Landing; swimming, playing soccer, dodge ball and video games.  The camp runs from 9AM to 3PM, its first come, first served, and all the proceeds benefit Haiti.  Find out more or reserve your child’s space by calling 476-6311.

Tuesday February 2^nd, 2010

Lite Rock salutes a piece of Atlantic City’s history.  Club Harlem, the famed Atlantic City jazz club is gone now; it closed in the 80’s and was torn down in 1992.  But the club’s memory lives on in a photo exhibit on display this month at the Atlantic City Library on Atlantic and Tennessee Avenues.  The exhibit, running during Black History Month, features over 100 photographs of the club and many of the performers who made it legendary.  Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis, Jr. and the recently departed Teddy Pendergrass were among the greats Club Harlem welcomed in its day. 

Lite Rock salutes the memory of Atlantic City’s Club Harlem.

Monday February 1^st, 2010

Lite Rock salutes job training for the unemployed.  A free, five-week workshop aimed at helping the unemployed begins this Wednesday at the Byrd Training Center in Pleasantville, a state-approved private vocational school. The topics to be covered include resumes, job-search letters, interviewing skills and using the internet to find a job.  The job market in South Jersey is the most competitive it’s been in years; why not take advantage of all the help that’s being offered?

For more information, call 484-9356.

Lite Rock salutes the Crew Team from Mainland High School.  Saturday afternoon from noon ‘til 4PM, Mainland is hosting its 5^th annual Row for Humanity, benefitting Habitat for Humanity.  Rowers on ergo meters, those indoor rowing machines, will work up a sweat competing for the best times to raise money, and to get in shape for crew season.  Ten minutes on one of those rowing machines seems like a marathon to me so, good luck with four hours guys!  Everyone is welcome to cheer the rowers on Saturday afternoon.

Tuesday January 26^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes loving an animal.  If you listen to this show regularly, you know I’m a big animal lover and big advocate of pet adoption.  Each week we focus on getting one animal from the Human Society of Ocean City adopted.  The Lite Rock Pet of the Week has over 250 success stories of great adoptions.  Well right now, they are full to capacity with dogs and cats.  I’m sure; at least part of the reason is a bad economy. It’s understandable. Don’t worry. The pets will be OK; The Humane Society of Ocean City is a no-kill shelter.  Buts these are great animals who need good homes and they need them now.  If you’re a loving pet owner, please consider adopting now. You can link to The Humane Society of Ocean City’s website, by logging on to literock969.com

Monday January 25^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes “sharing the love”! The Interact Club’s annual Share the Love Community Talent Show is coming up February 11^th.  The show is a benefit for the Jan-ai Scholarship Fund and the Alcove Center in Northfield.  If you have a talented child between 7 and 17 years old interested in trying out for the show, auditions will be held for actors, musicians and singers tomorrow afternoon from 3:30 to 5PM at the Charter Tech High School for the Performing Arts in Somer’s Point. If your kid thinks he’s the next big thing waiting to happen, this show is good exposure for a great cause! Talk to Phyllis for details by calling 926-7694.

Thursday January 21^st, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Absegami High School’s Gene Barber.  The long-time Absegami Wrestling Team coach won his 500^th career win with the Braves victory over Oakcrest last night.  Coach Barber, won plans to retire after this season, has been coaching ‘Gami High School Wrestling since 1977 and his teams have picked up 17 conference titles, 12 District titles, six South Jersey titles and four state titles along the way.  Just as importantly, he’s known for being a low-key, humble great guy who’s had a positive impact on many people.  Congratulations on your 500th win coach!

Wednesday January 20^th, 2010

 Lite Rock salutes Michelle Staples from the Cape May DYFS office, the DYFS Caseworker of the Month.  Michelle is being recognized for working diligently to ensure 3 brothers in separate placement homes had regular sibling visits.  She also provided them with her cell phone number in case they ever needed to talk.  One of the brothers actually cried when he found out Michelle was being transferred to a new unit and would no longer be his caseworker.  If you know how much dedication it takes to do social work, you know we don’t hear enough stories like that.  Lite Rock salutes Michelle Staples from the Cape May office of DYFS.

Tuesday January 19^th, 2010

Lite Rock salutes Bobby Keeney from Pinelands Regional High School.  The 17 year-old senior is one of 30 semi-finalists for the Rudy Award, named for the University of Notre Dame’s famed over-achiever Rudy Ruettiger, who realized his dream of playing football for the Fighting Irish despite many obstacles.  Bobby Keeney plays for the Pinelands High team despite being only 5’7’’ and 165 pounds and having a minor learning disability.  He also coaches kids with disabilities, participates in P.A.L. and Students Against Drunk Driving.  His coach has been so impressed; he nominated Bobby for the Rudy Award.  To vote for Bobby Keeney for the Rudy Award, log on to highschoolrudyawards.com.  Voting ends January 31^st.  Good luck Bobby!

Lite Rock salutes our American troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We are launching our Lite Rock Valentine’s for the Troops collection this weekend.  Once again this year, we want to make sure our American Service men and women, especially the thousands from New Jersey, aren’t forgotten at Valentine’s Day.  We’re asking you to make or buy a Valentine’s Day card or gift for one of our troops abroad.  They’re sacrificing a lot for our country and putting their jobs, their families, and their lives on hold.  Here’s your chance to say thanks and I remember you’re over there.

Lite Rock’s Valentine’s for the Troops.

Schools, daycares, groups and organizations… multiple valentines are encouraged. 

Our troops have also requested help with lip balm, candy, hand wipes, and microwavable food.

Drop off your valentine’s at the Lite Rock studios at 950 Tilton Road in Northfield Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 5PM and get more information by logging on to literock969.com.

Monday October 5

Wednesday August 26

Tuesday August 18

Tuesday August 11

Tuesday May 12