Small business social media marketing @ TR

TOMS RIVER –  Those businesses that know how to use social media in their marketing strategy have shown they have an advantage over those that don’t.

Want to know how you can meet the challenges of marketing your business via social media and the Internet? Ocean County Library’s Toms River branch, 101 Washington St., offers a program just for you 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 29.

Local business owner Scott Barnett will cover the use of online channels to increase customer engagement, satisfaction and revenue, and demonstrate ways for consumers and business owners to have a meaningful and beneficial relationship online.

The program is free and open to the public but registration is required. For more information or to register telephone the branch 732-349-6200 or 609-971-0514 or go to the library’s website www.theoceancountylibrary.org , click on the “Events & News” icon, then click on “Calendar of Events.”

OCL seeking prom dress donations

BARNEGAT  – All branches of the Ocean County Library will begin collecting gently used gowns and formal dresses January 5, 2015 for its annual Prom Dress Giveaways.

Dresses can be both long and short styles for teens and can include bridesmaid’s dresses and cocktail dresses. Donations of shoes, handbags and accessories are also welcome.

To donate the items simply deliver them to any one of our 21 locations in Ocean County. Donations will be accepted until April 27.

The annual event provides dresses to middle school and high school aged students at no charge so they can attend their school’s graduations and dances.

This year the Prom Dress Giveaways will take place at the following library branches:

Lakewood, Saturday March 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Barnegat, Tuesday March 31, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Wednesday April 1, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Little Egg Harbor, Wednesday April 22, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday April 23, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Manchester, Tuesday April 28, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Toms River, Thursday April 30, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday May 1, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and Saturday May 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Information about the Prom Dress Giveaway can be found online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Downton Abbey books author Jessica Fellowes to speak at Friends fundraiser Jan. 24

TOMS RIVER –  It is the most watched PBS drama series in history after more than 26 million people in the US tuned in during the program’s eight-week broadcast season in 2014. And now, local fans of the PBS drama series “Downton Abbey” will have a chance to share in all its Edwardian glory during a Friends of the Ocean County Library fundraising event in January.

The Friends will present Jessica Fellowes, author of the Downton Abbey Companion Books, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday Jan. 24 in the library’s headquarters branch, 101 Washington St., Toms River.

Jessica Fellowes is the niece of Lord Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of “Downton Abbey.”

She has written three official companion books to the Emmy-award winning show, including her latest, “A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey: Seasonal Celebrations, Traditions and Recipes,” that was released October 28, 2014. The book features behind-the-scenes details, sumptuous on-set photographs, historical recipes, seasonal celebrations and traditions, as well as a review of the characters and plotlines, many of which were inspired by her family, she said.

She will share her insights and the tips she has gleaned from the show during the Jan. 24 presentation.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available at two price levels. The $35 general admission will include a presentation and book signing by Jessica Fellowes.  The $75 VIP ticket includes the presentation and book signing as well as an author reception, light refreshments, and priority seating during her presentation.

Copies of all three of her books will be available for sale at the event.

Ticket supplies are limited. A ticket order form is available at the library’s website www.theoceancountylibrary.org . For more information check the Ticket FAQs on the website or telephone any branch.

“Tickets make a great holiday present,” said Judy Macaluso, Supervising Librarian and a Liaison to the Friends Steering Committee.

Raffle tickets for baskets prepared by the library Friends will also be sold at the branches and the drawings will be held during the event. People can also support the event by purchasing a Downton Abbey 2015 Page-a-Day Calendar for $12. The calendars will be sold at eleven branches (Jackson, Lacey, Little Egg Harbor, Toms River, Upper Shores, Waretown, Berkeley, Long Beach Island, Manchester, and Point Pleasant Borough.)

A complete listing of the day’s events will soon be available on the website. Period dress is encouraged for those attending the event but it is not required.

“The Ocean County Library is so very appreciative of all the hard work our branch Friends groups do all year to support us,” said Valerie Bell, Assistant Director of Public Services. “For this special fundraiser all of our branch Friends groups have come together to make this event possible.”

is viewed by people in more than 200 countries, according to the Yahoo! TV webpage. ITV, which operates the largest commercial family of channels in the UK, has estimated approximately 120 million people around the world have watched the program. ITV, along with Carnival Films, produces the series.

The series is set in the fictional Yorkshire country house Downton Abbey.  It follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the reign of King George V.  The first series episodes opened at the end of the Edwardian era in 1912 with news of the family heir’s death aboard the RMS Titanic. The fourth series covers the six-month period between February and August 1922.

The series fifth-US season will premiere on PBS’ Masterpiece Sunday January 4, 2015 and filming of the sixth season will begin soon after, according to ITV and Carnival Films.

OCL closed Dec. 24 & 25; Jan. 1

TOMS RIVER –  All branches of the Ocean County Library will be closed Wednesday Dec. 24 and Thursday Dec. 25.  The branches will reopen their normal business hours Friday Dec. 26.

All branches of the Ocean County Library will close 5 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 31 and remain closed Thursday Jan. 1, 2015.  The branches will reopen their normal business hours Friday Jan. 2.

The library’s website www.theoceancountylibrary.org and its databases will be available throughout that time.

Breakfast with Santa @ TR

On Monday, December 10^th,  TRYS held a Breakfast with Santa program.  30 children had Christmas stories read to them, ate a delicious pancake breakfast, and sang Christmas Carols!  Santa made a special appearance during the Christmas carols, and children were able to take a picture with him.  They left with a little goodie bag and a huge smiles on their face.

Stafford hosts Bill Kirchen’s Honky-Tonk Concert.

We had over 150 people here Monday night for the Bill Kirchen’s Honky-Tonk Concert.

Bill’s holiday show  featured seasonal songs from Rock ‘n’ Roll, Blues, Rhythm and Blues, and Country; forgotten classics from the golden age of music such as Red Simpson’s “Truckin’ Trees For Christmas” and Hank Snow’s “Reindeer Boogie”, Commander Cody songs like “Daddy’s Drinkin’ Up Our Christmas”, Christmas tunes from Chuck Berry, Merle Haggard, Elvis and much more. The concert celebrated an American musical tradition where country music draws upon its origins in blues and bluegrass, and the Western swing of Texas and California honky tonks.

Eric Englund of “The Sandpaper” wrote a superb article about it:   http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com/eedition/view/8033 .See page 26.

A special thank-you goes to Scott Rodas for arranging this for Stafford.

Manchester library to host stress reduction seminar

MANCHESTER, NJ – The Manchester library branch, 21 Colonial Dr., will present “Stress and Relaxation” 2 p.m. Monday, December 29.

Health professionals from the Center for Healthy Aging at Monmouth Medical Center’s Southern Campus will talk about the causes of stress and the impact it can have on one’s health. They will offer relaxation techniques to combat the effects of stress.

This free program is part of the library’s “Chapters of Health” series and is open to the adult public, free of charge. Please go online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732-657-7600 to register.

Pastry Chef/Author Nick Malgieri Speaks At Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER—Pastry chef and author Nick Malgieri will speak at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch (129 N. Main Street, Manahawkin) Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m. about his new book “Nick Malgieri’s Pastry: Foolproof Recipes for the Home Cook.”

Over the years master baker Malgieri has shared many pastry dough recipes, from ridiculously easy (mix with a fork and press into the pan) to quite elaborate (classic puff pastry, croissants, etc.). In this new book, he gives you a range of all types of doughs, step-by-step photos about how to prepare them and also how to roll them, shape them, and bake them. If you have a bad case of “fear of pastry” or “fear of rolling” he can promise you that if you follow the simple instructions here you’ll be able to tackle any pastry project you like. Starting off as usual with a quick tutorial on ingredients and equipment, Malgieri then delves into sweet tarts and tartlets; sweet pies, cobblers and crisps; savory pies and tarts; strudels, puff pastries, including those with cream, and brioche. So whether you’re looking for a Summer Vegetable Lattice Pie, Salted Cashew Caramel Chocolate Tartlets, Petit Choux aux Cafe, a Raspberry Brioche Shortcake, or a French Lemon Meringue Tart, Nick promises you perfect results every time.

With over 125 recipes, including a tutorial on Turkish pastries and Viennese strudels, and beautifully photographed by former Gourmet magazine photographer Romulo Yanes with former Gourmet magazine food stylist Paul Grimes, Nick Malgieri’s Pastry is the new definitive pastry bible.

Malgieri, former Executive Pastry Chef at Windows on the World, is a 1996 inductee into Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America. A Certified Culinary Professional and member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Malgieri has served as chairman of its certification committee. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the IACP culinary trust. A founder and member of Bakers Dozen East, he also holds membership in the Federazione Italiana dei Cuochi, the Amicale Culinaire de Monaco, and the Société Culinaire Philanthropique de New York. In 2003 he was made a Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Channe du Valais for his efforts in promoting Swiss gastronomy and culture in the United States, and in March 2006 he received the Philadelphia Toque Award for exceptional achievement in culinary writing and accomplishments.

This program is free and open to the public. To register, visit the library’s website (www.theoceancountylibrary.org) or call the branch at (609) 597-3381.

Annual OC Sheriff’s toy drive; 5 OCL branches designated as drop-off points

Ocean County officials are encouraging residents to help those less fortunate this holiday season by participating in the county’s Annual Toy Drive.

“Our Sheriff Michael Mastronardy is carrying on the long time tradition of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and is again holding and overseeing the county’s annual toy drive,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety.

“This is a magical time of year but for many of our citizens it is one of the most difficult. With this toy drive we hope to bring a little holiday happiness into the lives of families that may be going through a difficult time,” Kelly said.

Mastronardy said that last year’s drive helped more than 300 families and provided toys to more than 900 children throughout the county.

“This year, we are working directly with the Ocean County Police Chiefs Association and local police departments in order to make sure families that are in need are served by the program,” Mastronardy said. “New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at a number of locations.”

To drop off toys, visit the following locations:

Ocean County Clerk’s Office, Ocean County Courthouse, 118 Washington Street, Toms River;

Ocean County One Stop Center, 1027 Hooper Avenue, Bldg. 2, Toms River;

Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River;

Ocean County Southern Service Center, Routes 9 and 72, Manahawkin;

County Connection, Ocean County Mall, JC Penney Wing, Hooper Avenue, Toms River.

Toy bins can also be found at the following Ocean County Library branches:

Brick branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick Township;

Lacey branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River;

Manchester branch, 21 Colonial Drive, Manchester Township;

Whiting Reading Center, Whiting Commons Shopping Center, 400 Lacey Road, Suite 5, Whiting;

and the main branch of the Ocean County Library at 101 Washington Street, Toms River.

“This effort is supported by the generosity of the Ocean County government family, from the staff at the courthouse, to the workers in southern Ocean County, the county staff is helping to make a difference this holiday season,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “I am asking our citizens do what they can to help.”

Toy distribution will be as follows:

Barnegat Township Police Department for township residents, 3 to 7 p.m., Dec. 18;

Lacey Township Police Department for township residents, 3 to 7 p.m., Dec. 22;

Ocean Gate Police Department for Ocean Gate and Pine Beach residents, 3 to 7 p.m., Dec. 18;

Point Pleasant Borough Police Department for borough, Mantoloking and Bay Head residents, to be announced;

Tuckerton Police Department for Borough and Eagleswood Township residents, 2 to 8 p.m., Dec. 17;

Ship Bottom Police Department for borough and Long Beach Township, Barnegat Light, Surf City and Harvey Cedars residents, to be announced;

Seaside Heights Police Department for Borough and Lavallette residents, 10 to 4 p.m., Dec. 20.

For families living in a town that is not listed, please contact your local police department for your area toy drive representative.

For those residents who live in the listed towns and are in need of some assistance with toys this Christmas, please register with the Sheriff’s Department by filling out the Sheriff’s Toy Drive Application Form. The form may be accessed from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office website home page at http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OCsheriff. Once the form has been received, a representative will contact you to review the form and the dates for pickups in your area.

We have listed on the form the town’s area distribution site (police department) and dates.

“This toy drive will help make Christmas merry and bright for hundreds of children,” Vicari said. “We encourage everyone who can contribute to do so. It will make a special difference in a child’s life.”

The toy donation deadline is Dec. 20th. For additional information call (732) 929-2044 or Sergeant J. Schevlin at (732) 929-4722.

Volunteer lawyer group offers assistance at LEH library

TOMS RIVER –  The Little Egg Harbor branch of Ocean County Library, 290 Mathistown Rd., will host Volunteer Lawyers for Justice: Disaster Response Program 10 a.m. to noon during Mondays in December.

The volunteer group will help people determine if they have legal issues that arose because of Superstorm Sandy. Based upon those determinations the group can offer free legal counsel and brief services.

Contact Garima Joshi for more information at gjoshi@vljnj.org or (862) 229-4550.  Walk-ins are welcome.

Common legal issues related to Superstorm Sandy include:

• Insurance
• FEMA
• Landlord/Tenant Issues
• Contract Disputes
• Grants
• Bankruptcy/Foreclosures.

Bring the following items with you when you speak with the volunteers:

• Correspondence with FEMA
• Leases and correspondence with landlords
• Insurance policies and correspondence with insurers
• Mortgages and recent mortgage statements.