Asbury Park's FABULOUS Makeover!

Asbury Park's FABULOUS Makeover!

Torn up streets, removed trees, diverted traffic...what the heck?

If you've been remotely alive and anywhere near downtown Asbury Park in the last few months, you noticed a little something going on. Construction workers, diverted traffic, not a parking spot to be had, torn up streets, and a whole lot of noise!

Well, it's a 14.9 million dollar investment and construction project designed to make Asbury Park not only MORE fabulous, but very pretty!

Brian Grant, City Engineer and essentially 'project administrator' of this huge undertaking, was very helpful in explaining what exactly is going on and it sounds like nothing short of what I like to call...a "Jersey Shore Facelift".

The construction work is being done in the Central Business District (CBD) Redevelopment area, and the Springwood Ave. Redevelopment area.

The Central Business District is getting new asphalt roadways, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains and pipes, new "water quality chambers" (which will reduce the volume of sediment going in to the lake) and of course - trees.

The Springwood Ave redevelopment zone will received the same plus new sanitary sewers, water mains and gas mains.

In regards to those controversial trees.... they were removed after being evaluated by the City's own Shade Tree Commission and found to have various deficiencies. Mostly from disease, and broken limbs from snow and heavy wind. But mostly they had to be removed to make way fot the new curbs, water/sewer mains, and drains. The City will replant twice as many trees (207) in the CBD as previously existed, and approximately 121 trees along the Springwood Ave corridor where none previously existed.

Estimated time of construction is a little less than a year for the CBD, and 18 months for Springwood Ave. Depending on weather this winter, they may have to stop and 'remobilize' for the Spring.

The project is being funded by the New Jersy Environmental Infrastructre Trust (NJEIT) program, and Asbury Park tax payers are assisting by paying for a low interest loan from their quarterly sewer fees over a 20 year period.

For information on street closings or construction updates you can visit the City's website at http://www.cityofasburypark.com/.

Once completed, the roads will last a good 20 years, the sewers 50 - 100 years and the street trees 20 - 50 years. With the current infrastructure being 80-100 years old - it is absolutely critical that this work be done - and be done right. And by all means, it appears as though it is.

So when you're driving around and you get pissed because you can't find a parking spot - chill! Think about what's REALLY going on, and be grateful. The City of Asbury Park is REALLY coming thru for you!

The New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art

The New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art
Innagural Event

If we, the community, the city, and boardwalk developers work together (which may prove to be the hardest part) and play our cards right, Asbury Park could be the home of a an world class, statewide museum of contemporary art - hopefully as an anchor on the boardwalk. More on what we have to do to convenience Gary Mottola and Madison Marquette that this is a good idea later. But for now....

They could have chosen a lot of other places, but the established and highly respected Board of Directors, benefactors and supporters have decided that they would like to make Asbury Park their home. And it's about time we prepare to fight like hell to make that happen, and do everything we can to make this amazing organization feel welcome and at home here in the best NJ Shore town on earth!

The New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art was founded by Marlboro philanthropist Robin Parness Lipson. She's worked very hard and has secured some serious backing and it's time we take this woman and this organization very seriously!

The first step it to attend their inaugural gala this Saturday, October 23rd at the Paramount Theater. This gala goes from 8 to 10 p.m. and an after party will go from 10 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $150, or $25 for students with identification.

There will be an art exhibit featuring 37 local and international artists, a band, and an open bar. And more importantly, some of the most influential movers and shakers in the philanthropic and art world the state of New Jersey has - and believe me....these are some VERY influential people!

Their strategic plan is well thought out and researched, their business plan is exceptional, and it would add immense value to our community to have such a prestigious organization and institution here in our community. I wish them nothing but the best!

For ticket information as well as more information on the museum, it's strategic plan and amazing business plan, visit them at http://www.njmoca.org/

The Asbury Park Roastery

The Asbury Park Roastery

Located in this warehouse looking building on Second Ave, between Main St. and the railroad tracks....(aka nowhere) is this little unassuming place called The Asbury Park Roastery. It's here in this warehouse/store room/retail gift shop/coffee house that you will experience something very, very special. Something that will suprise even the most jaded amongst you - those very similar to myself.

Prior to stumbling on this little Guatamalian gold mine - I'd never given coffee a second thought. In fact, I usually bought mine in a dehydrated brick, as it was usually the cheapest. Flavor never really entered into it. I think I was going more for a cup of hot, brown, cream and sugar!

But God has a plan for us all! And his plan was to introduce me to this beautiful woman, named Ali, and her world of Fair Trade and Organic coffee and tea.

Without getting all mushy - I don't even know what to say, except I have never experienced anything like it. The coffee is organic, it comes from 1 of 13 different countries (a different country each day), and it's roasted/ground/and brewed within a matter of hours. Unlike the chains which will hold ground coffee for months!

And she offers FREE HOME DELIVERY! You get set up to buy 1 pound of coffee or more, and every other Friday, she will DELIVER it TO YOUR DOORSTEP!

It's incredible! Just do yourself a favor and go down there. You'll be glad you did!

The New Jersey Zombie Walk

The NEW JERSEY ZOMBIE WALK!
Do you dare!!!!!

At 5:00, from Convention Hall, on Saturday, October 30th, the 3rd Annual NJ Zombie Walk will take place in Asbury Park. Thousands of Zombies from all over the Eastern seaboard will descend on our quaint little community, dressed in the scariest, bloodiest and most bizarre attaire you've EVER seen. All to bleed on our new sidewalks, scare our tourists, freak out our homowners, wreak a little havoc and instill some fright into us harmless mortals.

While it may sound, a bit weird......you really can't believe 1) the number of people who really get into this thing, and 2) the EXTENT at which these folks go! It's really pretty cool. I mean they take it VERY seriously and they have a BLAST doing it. Blood, guts, brains, and gore - everywhere.

And just beneath the scary surface - the entire thing is actually kind of a fund-raiser and a benefit. It's actually - believe it or not......a blood drive! Yeah, there will be certified blood suckers there, collecting the blood of any of those willing and able to give!

What makes this event even more exciting is that The New Jersey Zombie Walk has received the go ahead from the Guinness Book of World Records to make an official attempt to go for the worlds largest gathering of zombies EVER! Currently that prestigious record is held by, none other than, Seattle, WA. They only pulled together 4,200. And apparently the New Jersey Zombies feel they can do better than their deadbeat Starbuck counterparts - so they are going to give it a shot! And they'd love you to help 'em out!

So put your gore on - and come on down! Be a part of this EXTREMELY UNUSUAL event.
October 30th!

For the full schedule go to: http://njzombiewalk.com/ Current Events Page. But here's a short run-down.

Place: CONVENTION HALL, Asbury Park, NJ

Date: October 30th, 2010

Time:
11:00 - 4:00 Check in/Registration, Make up, Demonstrations, Blood Drive, etc.
2:00 All Zombies MUST be checked in to be part of the Guinnes Book of World
Records count!
5:00 Zombie March begins from Convention Hall to Cookman Ave!
7:00 Zombie Fashion Show, music, dance, partying, etc. Downtown Asbury Park
9:00 - ??? Halloween Partys ALL over Zombie Centeral....aka - Asbury Park, NJ

BIKE CHURCH BIKERS

The Bike Church

It's like the song says...."I'm a winner! I'm a leader. I can be anything I want to be"! It is indeed nothing short of a miracle that so many kids show up at this rag-tag place with very little left of their self esteem, and they leave believeing that they are winners - and that they CAN do anything!

There's been a lot of money poured into a lot of programs here in Asbury Park in an attempt to help out our disadvantaged and underprivlidged youth - but perhaps the one individual and program that has made the greates impact is this little unassuming woman they call "Miss Kerri" and her "Bike Church".

Located on the corner of Main and Springwood Ave. she takes in broken down, beaten up, abused, thrown out, has been - bikes, and with a little help, love, belief and 'rebuilding - turns them into something wonderful for the kids who have nothing.

Yeah, she takes what we throw away, fixes 'em up, and them gives them to the kids who don't have one. And when you watch this video - you see the magic that happens!

She also does AMAZING bike repairs at AMAZING prices. So whether you need a tune up or brakes fixed or whatever - before you go to one of those fancy bike shops with guys and dolls in those overly tight lycra bike shorts - go see Miss Kerri. She'll do ya right AND you'll be helping out an AMAZING organization. The Bike Church!

So not only is this yet ONE MORE reason to come to Asbury Park, but if you're already here - it's yet another reason to go volunteer, help out, and/or donate to this spectacular organization.

Oh, and tell her Asbury Park Mark sent ya!

The Asbury Park Beach, Summer 2010

Seems hard to believe that the summer of 2010 is gone! But what a great summer it was, and I can't think of a better place to have spent it than, the Asbury Park Beach!

Sand, surf, GREAT boardwalk food, kick ass entertainment, fireworks on the beach EVERY Wednesday night, an amazing dog beach and OH SO MUCH MORE!

And I was blessed to have experienced it every single day!

Check out my video and I hope you enjoy it!

The ASBURY PARK MARKETING FUND, ROAD TRIP & SAND BLAST
Why - If nothing changes, nothing changes!

"If nothing changes, nothing changes". I think it was Albert Einstein who originally said it, and man was he ever right!

Several months ago I raised some concerns about the Asbury Park Marketing Fund/Road Trip/Sand Blast circuit party/combo. After which, the APMF Board of Directors held a closed board meeting. So I continued a community discussion, with some very concerned business owners, home owners, community members and leaders, elected officials, and city leaders. All who were suprisingly, extremely concerned about this years Road Trip/Sand Blast event. While the overwhelming attitude seemed to be “I’m not getting involved with that group again”, “I got so damned burned/hurt last time”, etc. etc., the bottom line was, we offered some very sound suggestions.

They included:

1) APMF should take back and reclaim the name and original vision/intention of Road Trip. Don’t license the name out for a few bucks and put a good organization at risk. Take the name back, and return Road Trip to it’s original vision!

2) Make Sand Blast a separate event. Let Sand Blast event producers assume any and all liability – and profit.

3) Produce Gay Pride in June

Road Trip in July

Sand Blast in August

In a subsequent article, I made several other suggestions to the APMF board which included:

1) Establish, and communicate a simple, clear and exciting mission and vision. One so clear and exciting that we will all want to offer our expertise and volunteer to help you out!

2) Understand board members are not “uber volunteers”. They simply build the framework and vision that creates the space for volunteers to join and make that vision happen.

3) Protect the organizations assets and provide proper financial oversights. If you have nothing to hide – show us!

4) Ensure your organizations legal and ethical integrity. As such, separate yourself from Sand Blast organizers as quickly as possible!

5) Get rid of old, ineffective and/or incompetent board members. Dead wood does no one any good.

6) View community feedback as an opportunity. Not as complaining or bitching.

7) Enhance the organization’s public trust, respect and overall standing. As a non-profit, you ultimately answer to the community – not the other way around.

8) Diversify your board. The board currently consists of seven white men. Only two of whom live in Asbury Park full time, and none own a business in our community. Make the board look like the community you represent. You'll get amazing results!

For the complete article go to: http://asburparkmark.blogspot.com/2010/07/something-for-all-of-asburys-non-profit.html#links

After this years event, I met with several APMF board members, had several phone calls with board members before and after their closed board meeting and was confidently reassured that:

1) there would be some organizational changes
2) the board would be meeting with the “producer” of Road Trip, and APMF would then communicate the results of that conversation
3) there would be an public disclosure of all financials, any audits, and all recommended and completed organizational changes.

Sadly, it sounds as though, Sand Blast is continuing under the Road Trip name and with the APMF blessing. There have been no organizational changes, and in fact, no real board meetings. APMF has plans of producing even more events, with no clear vision or volunteer base.....all in the hopes that things will get better. Unfortunately, if you continue to do the same thing over and over, and expect to get different results - YOU'RE CRAZY! Start at the beginning guys.

When I spoke up the first time, I was criticized for not getting involved, joining the board and “helping out”. An elementary, but nonetheless somewhat good point. So I spoke with the board president and several board members about that very thing. I was asked to join the board. I looked closely at the organization and realized the complete, abliet, well intentioned disarray it was in. What made my decision an easy one was the fact that they had no D&O (Directors and Officers) insurance. Without D&O, board members could be personally financially liable for any decisions of the board and or event producers/promoters. I am simply am not willing to take that risk. I had no choice but to say “Thank you, but no thank you”! I have to effect change in another way.

What did amaze, touch and even bring me to tears was the overwhelming number of unsolicited text messages, emails and phone calls I received from business owners, community leaders, Road Trip volunteers, Road Trip event producers, previous Road Trip volunteers, elected officials – my God all types of people - secretly thanking and encouraging me to continue to speak out. People who – for some reason – seemed very afraid of something or someone, and for that reason would not voice their opinion publicly.

It need not be that way. They, like myself clearly see the need for an event/weekend such as the original Road Trip, and understand that Sand Blast meets a need but that organizationally might best be met if produced separately from the Asbury Park Marketing Fund.

It’s real simple people – and it can happen. Start with a vision we can all believe in and get behind. "Build It And They Will Come"!

Thanks and have a blessed day.

JERSEY SHORE Q-SPOT

I remeber when Joe D'Andrea and a bunch of others got together way back in 2003-2004 with this hair brained idea that they wanted to start a Gay/Lesbian Center here in Asbury Park. Hell, we didn't even have a place to go to get a cup of coffee - much less a meeting place for us queers!

Well, as life would have it, with good orginzation, a simple and really clear mission and vision - they actually incorporated in July of 2005 as The Jersey Shore Q Spot, and today they have a solid Board of Directors, a home, and some absoutely amazing programing.

They are curretnly in the process of assessing the needs of the Jersey Shore queer community and planning their services and programs around that assessment. The indepth assessment will lead to a strategic plan, and then programs and services targeted to Family, Health, Senior and Youth services!

Currently their "Quesdays" program is one of the longest running. It meets every Tuesday nights and topics change every week. It ranges from Lesbian Hot Topics, Men Hot Topics, Funny Bingo, Still Rockin After All These Years.......you names it - they talk about it.

On Sunday, October 10th, they are hosting the 4th Annual Wurst Annual Octoberfest Brunch at Georgies Bar here in Asbury Park. Check it out. You might just have a good time!

THE 2010 ASBURY PARK

MAYOR's BALL!

While the beaches, boardwalks, restaurants, music scene and lifestyle make living here in Asbury Park a wonderful experience - there is ultimately something much greater! And that is that we are all working together to make our corner of the world a better place to live! One of those very special events that goes above and beyond to help make our town just a bit better - is the Mayor's Ball.

The Asbury Park Mayor's Ball Foundation provides needed funding for recreation and educational scholarships for Asbury Park youth. Something we simply can not afford NOT to support. While we need and appreciate all the trimmings this great community has to offer - if we truly want to invest in our future - then we need to put our money where our mouth is, and invest in our youth.

This year marks the 8th Annual Asbury Park Mayor's Ball. Scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Convention Hall Arcade.

This year's event features a new and exciting venue and program, live music, eclectic dining, fireworks and a Casino Night Theme.

Tickets are $95.00 until August 15, 2010 and $125.00 thereafter. The Asbury Park Mayor's Ball is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution will help create a bright future for Asbury Park youth. So please join me in making a committment to create a better future for Asbury Parks youth!

Join us today! Contact Ms. Kiki Tomek @ (732) 502-5721 or mailto:Kiki.Tomek@cityofasburypark.com for tickets, tables or sponsorship opportunities.

Last year's ball was fantastic....this year's will be even better! Visit us on Facebook at Asbury Park Mayor's Ball

Asbury Park Mark: The Asbury Park Riots of July, 1970!

Asbury Park Mark: The Asbury Park Riots of July, 1970!

The Asbury Park Riots of July, 1970!

The Asbury Park Riots

This summer 2010 is the 40th anniversary of what is perhaps the single most significant event in Asbury Park’s entire 217 year history. It was 7 days and nights in the summer of 1970 that changed the economic, political, social, cultural and even physical landscape of this town, forever, known simply as “The Asbury Park Riots”.

To understand what happened that summer, and why a community would turn against itself, it’s essential to understand the context. While perhaps an easy question – the answer is not.

What we do know is that:

It was 1970 - Riots, especially race riots, were a regular part of the evening news. These included the 1969 York Race Riots in York Pennsylvania and perhaps most importantly, the “Long Hot Summer of 1967” with race riots in: Tampa, Huston, Detroit, Buffalo, Minneapolis, Newark, and Plainfield. Racial tension was simply part of the national lexicon.

At the local, state and national level, African-American leaders had been advocating for education, job training, recreation and drug programs for youth – for years. And most of those had gone un-met. And things were no different in Asbury Park.

In October of 1970, The Christian Science Monitor would do a story where they reported that “Black teenagers were particularly angry that day, apparently over what they deemed to be discrimination in the lucrative summer job market along the beaches. White kids from far off towns, rather than local blacks were snagging the most pleasant and highest paying jogs in the resort, hotel, restaurant and water front concessions”. It went on to say that “Here were young people apparently ready and eager to work, the sons and daughters of blacks who, in past years had been specifically brought to Asbury Park to work at a wide range of jobs in the hotels and restaurants. Why in the name of all that’s wise and right, should they not have been given the good, satisfying, lucrative jobs”?

There were reportedly over 700 applications for just 246 jobs available at The Neighborhood Youth Corps. Compared with over twice that many jobs available, the year before.

With the temperature in the high 90’s, no jobs, no hope for jobs, no recreation programs, and no real indication that city fathers were listening to their concerns – the west side youth were frustrated, angry and most likely feeling a sense of hopelessness. Once the fighting started, it was most likely those feelings of anger and hopelessness that fuled it even farther.

The trouble started when a group of young people started breaking some windows after a youth dance at the West Side Community Center on the night of July 4th. The violence increased in intensity, and scope over the course of the next 7 nights. While extensive and far reaching, the rioting and damage was essentially limited to the major entertainment, business and retail district of the Springwood Ave, on the west side of Main St. Before it was all over, there would be over $4 million in property damage, 167 arrests, 165 injured, 15 police injured, and countless of families made homeless.

Monday, July 6th was a day of fire bombs and looting. A prime target was a department store on Springwood Ave. Long under white ownership, the business had just recently been sold to another white man who had quite publically outbid a black man.

That day, the rioting increased significantly and Police Chief Thomas S. Smith called in officers from surrounding communities to assist. Mayor Joseph F. Mattice declared a state of emergency and later that day ordered a curfew from 10:00 pm to 6: 00 am. The curfew was to remain in effect for the next three days and it applied to the entire town of Asbury Park as well as the neighboring township of Neptune.

The New York Times quoted the Mayors reaction to the violence as “We’ve been very, very fortunate it’s stayed where it has. Our business area hasn't been affected at all”. An unfortunate, but telling statement, because the reality was – the entire west side business district (the ENTIRE black business district) was indeed being “affected”. It was in fact, being burned down, looted and destroyed!

On Tuesday morning, West Side community leaders presented a list of twenty demands to the City Council. Two additional demands would be added during the following days. Many of those demands addressed the real root of what caused the problems in the first place, and they included things like: “Immediate employment of 100 youths from the west side, creation of a Recreation Commission, appointment of a black person to the Board of Education, A Narcotics Program, black representation on the Federal Housing Authority, a police review board and dismissal of a municipal judge.

The New York Times reported that after talks broke down late Tuesday night, more fighting erupted, and this time the mobs pushed across the railroad tracks and went three blocks into the “east” side. State police quickly forced the fighting crowds back but that night, 46 people were treated for gunshot wounds, the oldest being 75, and the youngest being 14.

By Wednesday morning, the west side was essentially burned down, destroyed and looted. Unable to depend on City Fathers for help – the community pulled together and relied on each other. They created “Citizen Peace Patrols”. These groups started walking the streets, encouraging people to observe the imposed curfews. Churches and community groups took in and housed the homeless. Some for extended periods of time. The State Police, who had been called in the day before – continued to remain on the west side (in their riot gear and helmets) throughout the evening.

On Thursday, New Jersey Gov. Willam T. Cahill toured the West Side and requested that President Richard Nixon declare Asbury Park a major disaster area. All day Wednesday and Thursday negotiations between west side community leaders and the city council continued – but the demands continued to go unanswered.

That night, Howard K. Smith came on the ABC evening news and announced to the world that “the seaside town of Asbury Park had become a battleground of rioting”. While the two minute and twenty-three second story focused mostly on the impact the fighting had had on the beach front economy, it nonetheless put Asbury Park in the national spotlight. Asbury Park had just joined the dubious list of “national riots for 1970” and things would never be the same.

Slow progress on the city’s part prompted west side leading spokesman Willie Hamm to announce on Friday that further communication would be halted until the city council addressed the community’s demands. Talks resumed later that day and by Friday evening West Side leaders and the city council came to terms, and all the demands were at least minimally addressed.

Using The Asbury Park Parking Meters.

Those Damn Parking Meters!

I'm not sure how much the City of Asbury Park (or even if was the city) paid for those pretty black and blue parking meters that you'll find just about anywhere up and down Ocean Ave, Kingsley and all the cross streets - but I'm not so sure they got their money's worth!

What I DO know is that there seems to be tremendous number of cops - not necessarily patroling the boardwalk - or watching busy the crosswalks, but instead, hudled around the "blue devils" assisting extremely confused and aggitated beach goers and out of town guests as they try to operate these ultimately complicated pieces of technology.

What should ultimately be a very easy process, all to frequently AIN'T! Actually, after a couple hourse of playing with these oversized gadgets - I've come to the opininon that they really aren't as hard to operate as much as it is 1) there are no clear directions telling you what to do and when, and 2) the damn things generally don't work i.e. they have trouble taking your dollar bills and heaven forbid you should try to use a credit or debit card. Again - what SHOULD be an easy process - just AIN'T!

Back in the good ol' days when I had the North Beach listing, and I sat office hours each and every weekend, every once in a while, this benovelent streak would overcome me. With nothing else to do, I'd ocassionally get up, go outside and help a distressed vacationer and somewhere deep inside - I felt good about myself. As I no longer have the pleasure of sitting those office hours - I sometimes feel lost. So......I decided to make a YouTube video.

The day AFTER it went up, I got a call from the City, with wonderful plans of putting it on the website. But, a month later - nothing. So....for those lucky enough to find this obscure blog and or vid - I hope you find it helpful! I passed it on the the SANDBLAST organizers, but......THAT's a totally different post. ANYWAY - have fun. Smile. Accepte the fact we're all not perfect and send it on!

Be well and have a GREAT day! You're friend in Asbury Park, NJ

www.AsburyParkMark.com Asbury Park, NJ Mark McDonald

The Best Beach In New Jersey.......Almost!

Asbury Park - #4 in the Top 10 Beachs in New Jersey!

In 2008, we were #6. In 2009 we were #5, and now in 2010 we're up to #4. Now the question is.....is that because of the amazing work of our "Director of Commerce and Good Times" Mr. Tom Gilmour and his 'get out the vote' campaign, or is it because it's real. We really DO have the best damn beaches around - everyone is just now learning about it.

Although Mr. Gilmour does an AMAZING job, and is worth his weight in gold - I tend to think it's the later. Let's look at this for a minute:

1: They're clean:At sunrise each and every morning, the beach sweepers are out performing their daily ritual. Sweeping and cleaning the beach to a pristine shine. And they don't miss a THING! It's a religious experience to watch the sun come up over the waves, smooth sand and TOTALLY clean beaches!

2. They're HUGE: I have no idea how big they are - but they're BIG! REAL BIG! Literally hundreds of yards long and a hundred yards deep (from boardwalk to ocean). Large enough to hold thousands 0f people every weekend, and you never feel like you're sitting on top of your neighbors umbrella.

3. The Ocean: It's RIGHT THERE, it's huge, has this amazingly beautiful surf, it's warm, it's relaxing and it's one of God's most beautiful creations!

4. VARIETY: From the people (gay, straight, black, white, young, old, locals, outtatowners), to restaurants, to activities, to music - there's just variety. You can spend you time on your back with your ipod head phone in your ears or you can spend the day walking up and down the boardwalk, eating, playing miniture golf, playing in the water park, blowing glass blubbles at the Hot Sand Glass Studio, playing one of 200 old fashioned pin ball machines at the Silver Ball Museum - hell, do just about ANYTING you want!

5). Food: We have it all! Burgers, hot dog, beach fries, cuban sandwiches, Ralphs italian ice, ice cream, an amazing italian deli, McLoone's Asbury Grill, my personal favorite Stella Marina and their AMAZING outside dining, the list goes on and on!

6). Shopping: I can't even go there!

Bottom line......just go check it out! YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!

Asbury Park Mark: It's LIZA You Fool, LIZA!!!

Asbury Park Mark: It's LIZA You Fool, LIZA!!!

It's LIZA You Fool, LIZA!!!

LIZA MINNELLI IN CONCERT

at the PARAMOUNT THEATER

in ASBURY PARK, NJ

Friday, June 18th

It's going to happen! It's really going to happen! Liza Minnelli is coming to Asbury Park, NJ!

It's not a drag queen, or even one of those really good female impersonators. This is the real deal! One of the most gifted performers to EVER grace the Broadway stage or silver screen - is coming to Asbury Park, NJ!

So get your tickets NOW to see her at the Paramount Theater, in Asbury Park, NJ, Friday, June 18th.

This is a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of Asbury Park. Truly one of the unsung heros of our community. They can use our help people - SO BUY A TICKET, and SEE THE WONDER!

The last block of tickets are being sold on a first come, first sold basis between $49 and $119.

Get them by calling:

SAMMY BOYD 732-890-6547 or

TICKET MASTER 877-598-8497

Looking forward to seeing you ALL there!

www.AsburyParkMark.com Mark McDonald Asbury Park, NJ

AsburyParkMark at The Emory St. Deli

I was wondering around town the other day, hungry and with only a few dollars in my pocket. I couldn't afford a "White Truffle infused cream cheese with Strawberries" Belgium Waffle - so I decided to check out a new place (or new to me anyway)....The Emory Deli. Damn, dude! What a place. Located on Emory, of course, it's yet another one of those Asbury Park hidden treasures that we don't really know about but should. Owned and operated by Ali and his father, it's a story of hard work and perservance.

It's not that much from the outside, but on the inside, it's a friendly "bodega" type place, where the employee's know your name. They say "Hi" and actually hold a conversation with you. But the best part is the food. It's good - and it's VERY reasonable.

Take a trip off the beaten path, drop by and drop in. You'll be glad you did!

The Asbury Park Dog Beach

The Asbury Park Dog Beach



I was talking with my dog lover friends the other day, and realized there is yet another hidden treasure in this great community that I’d almost forgotten about. The Dog Beach. It’s a municipally sanctioned portion of the Asbury Park beach in which dogs are allowed to run – off leash, play, swim and generally have a kick-ass time with each other.

It’s located on the ‘surfers beach’, otherwise known as the 8th Ave. beach. Officially, dogs are allowed to run off-leash from 6:00 pm to 8:30 am each and every day.

It apparently is the busiest at 6:00 in the evening and again at 8:00 in the morning. I don’t have a dog (yet) but after spending a bit of time just watching, I couldn’t help but walk away with a soft spot in my heart, and an even deeper desire to own and care for one of those amazing creatures.
The dog beach is a wonderful place to totally get away, relax and really experience the freedom and serenity that we all desire to have in our life. It’s so clear and present in our ‘best friends’ and you can easily see why they – and their owners love it so much.

So if you live here in Asbury Park, or if your just down for the day shopping for a condo or vacation home….be sure to drop by the 8th Ave dog beach. You’re gonna love it!

Asbury Park, NJ: A Great Place To Call Home

There are simply too many reasons to list why I left New York City 10 years ago to call Asbury Park, NJ my home. I thought it was because I simply wasn't a "big city boy", and indeed that immediate sense of community that I felt that 4th of July weekend was perhaps what jump started everything. But ever since, it's been a journey of no regrets. Sure, the beaches, the restaurants, the boardwalk, the shops, the condos, the homes - their all great. But it's the people - and even more than that, it's the sense of belonging. The feeling that I'm a part of making my part of the world just a little bit better. I've never felt that anywhere else before, and I really don't want to feel it anywhere else again.

I'm very happy where I'm at, and plan on being here for quite a while। And for those that want to be a part of it all - I'm more than happy to help 'em out! :-)

Hot Sand Glass Studio

It was one of the very first, if not the first, "art centric" shop on the boardwalk, after the most recent redevelopment effort and Madison Marquette in particular stepped up and assumed the responsibility of building a world class boardwalk. And arguably, they've done a very good job. But I have to say, Thomas Stevens, owner of Hot Sands Glass Studio has taken his business and grown it from it's very inception - organically. As a fully functioning glass studio, Thomas and his staff are able to blow, fuse and mold glass. You can either watch the artists at work, or take one of the many classes. After living in town for many years, I finally did what I've said I've wanted to do for years - and visited the studio to have Thomas show me how to blow my own glass bubble - and I'm glad I did. It was a great experience, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. I got a great chance to do something I've never done before, and I walked away with an absolutely beautiful glass bubble. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!