News & Press Releases

Archive for November, 2008

World Class Design Center Opens in Asbury Park

Friday, November 21st, 2008
News

The Coaster

World Class Design Center Opening On Cookman Avenue

Reprinted with Permission by The Coaster Newspaper of Monmouth County 11/20/08

The Asbury Park Design Center, which features an all glass facade facing Cookman Avenue, has been three years in the planning.

By JOANNE PAPAIANNI
A world class design center is coming to Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, the culmination of three years of planning by home design store owners Robert Legere and Steve Troy.

Located right next door to Robert Legere Homes, the three-story Asbury Park Design Center is a showcase of the best interior design has to offer.

Walking into the lobby, clients and visitors are greeted by an authentic tiger’s eye counter, with Caesarstone counters topping the desk area.

The center, which is hosting an invitation-only Gala Opening Saturday for customers and design professionals, will be a place where high end clients can come to transform or simply decorate their homes in styles found in the most exclusive homes and offices around the world.

One of the many sconces available at the Asbury Park Design Center.On one wall a variety of lighting fixtures from a German designer are on display.

On the second floor a $250,000 kitchen by Gaggenau is installed in an area which faces onto Cookman Avenue, overlooking the park and providing a beautiful view of Wesley Lake.

The kitchen, Troy said, is fully functioning kitchen and can be used by top chefs, such at Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray to present promotional or special segments.

Other areas are designed with Viking or Sub Zero applianced kitchens, featuring glass and chrome fixtures.

Two fully designed modern bathrooms, where clients can see first hand the craftsmanship offered, are on site.

Also on site are 7,000 swatches of Kravet Fabrics customers can choose from as they work with designers to decorate their homes or offices.

A complete line of fine rugs provided on a rotating basis, by Feizy Fine Rugs, are also available for customers to choose from.

What makes the Asbury Park Design Center unique, Troy said, are the seven professionals on the design staff with Robert Legere as the creative director.

Depending on the project, said Troy, a team of designers will be assembled to accommodate each client.

“This has taken it to a major level, way beyond where we were,” he said.

Troy said the design professionals on staff have between 10 and 20 years experience.

Other high quality materials include furniture from American leather, Bernhardt and Hurtado along with outdoor furniture by Brown Jordan.

A selection of window treatments by Hunter Douglas and Lutron Electric Shades is also available.

Cabinetry is by Irpinia Kitchens, of Toronto and Signature Custom Cabinetry, a Pennsylvania company.

The Monteforte Architectural Studio, which designed the Cookman Avenue building, will be available for architectural consultation.

Troy said the center will be catering mainly to Monmouth County clientele.

He said they are currently working on six projects withing one mile of the city.

The Cookman Avenue site will also serve as a resource center for designers who would like to visit and make use of the plentiful supplies and materials that can be found there.

Even with a failing economy Troy said there are still people who can afford and want custom crafted interiors.

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Greetings from Asbury Park - Tom Gilmour Director of Commerce + Good Times 11/20/08

Thursday, November 20th, 2008
News
Weekly Updates
Greetings from Asbury Park:
Everyone always thinks that summer is the “special” time of the year in Asbury Park. Most of us know that the next six weeks make up a “really special” time in Asbury Park.

So this past weekend - three new openings and Patti and I managed to catch them all. Sunday afternoon after a great show, Topsy Turvy staring the wonderful and very talented Brett Colby, we headed to Langosta Lounge for dinner. Gotta tell you, we loved the menu and when the meals arrived we were even more impressed. Make sure you check Asbury Park’s newest dining experience. Marilyn Schlossbach has out done herself-again! And Monday (the weekends never end in AP) we headed to the Watermark in the First Avenue Pavilion to check out this very cool and very unique lounge. We were greeted by owner Russell Lewis of Baker Boys fame. I was blown away by the design of the bar. Stop by early cause this place is going to be the place to be. Then we went downstairs for dinner at Stella Marina. Bottom line: great meal, great atmosphere and great service. The First Avenue Pavilion is off and running. There’s talk about creating “Mondays on the Boardwalk.” Only in Asbury Park! HUGE!

Its’ the third Friday of the month, so it must be Collide-A-Scope our new and cool monthly Night of the Arts in the downtown. This is a new coalition of M Studio, ArtsCap and the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce to educate visitors on local art events, venues, and provide a platform for our local creative community. The idea of this monthly event is to include a variety of happenings throughout the city. This month includes artist Joe Borzotta at mattis0on Park, A night of 101 prints at Crybaby Gallery on Cookman, video installations by Susan Pellegrini also at Crybaby Gallery, Betsy Regan of Middletown and Mary Copper of Fair Haven at the Paint Place, DexDance performance at the Shoppes at the Arcade, Novelist Clint Miller Jr. at Paranormal Books and Curiosities, and others. Check out www.collideap.com for additional details.

The Saint celebrated its 14th year in business this week on Tuesday, November 18th. Happy Birthday and congratulations to Adam and Scott for all you do to build Asbury Park’s rich musical heritage. The Blasters will appear at The Saint on Nov. 21st. Huge!

Assemblyman Dave Rible and Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini will be hosting a Small Business Summit on Monday, Nov. 24th from 10 AM to 12 PM at McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Avenue. This is a very important opportunity for small businesses to express their concerns about the present economic climate and raise questions about what New Jersey should be doing to help. Be there!

This weekend:
Thursday, Nov. 20: Rick Skye’s “A Slice of Minelli” 8 PM at McLoone’s Supper Club
Friday, Nov. 21: Danza Milian at Restaurant Plan B at 7 PM.
Voices from the high school a play at AP High School 8 PM.
ArtsCAP Wine Tastings with Joe Borzotta at Mattison Park at 8 PM.
We Are Scientists - Wonder Bar at 8 PM.
Saturday, Nov. 22nd: AP High School football (9-0), defending state champions meets Middlesex (8-1) in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I semifinal at 1 PM at home.
Voices form the high school a play at AP High School 8 PM.
Sunday, Nov. 23rd: Giants vs. Arizona
Wednesday, Nov. 26th: Jillian Rhys at Mattison Park

Asbury Park’s own Revision Theatre has announced its 2008 -09 offerings and the east coast premiere of Scrooge in Rouge kicks off our holiday season. If you missed Revision’s outstanding production of Hair this summer, here’s a chance to experience why so many are flocking to Asbury Park. Scrooge in Rouge is Revision’s twist on this Christmas Carol Classic. My bet is this will sell out quickly. Scheduled show times start Thursday, December 4th every Thursday through Sunday during the month. Hurry to www.revisiontheatre.org or call 732.455.3059for info. Only in Asbury Park!

11-29: Santa Saturday XXXV at Paradise go to www.bucksmc.org for info.
11-30: Holiday kick off on Asbury Park Boardwalk. Tree lighting and concert featuring Tim McLoone at 5 PM
12-5: City Tree Lighting with Santa at Fireman’s Park 5:30 PM
12-5: Meat Loaf at Convention Hall
12-6: First Saturday - Festival of Lights -downtown - Sponsored by Jersey Central Power and Light. Music, dining, late night shopping. Free parking in Bangs Avenue garage.
12-13 - 5th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at Asbury Park Middle School.
12-28: Polar Bear Race - Asbury Park Boardwalk
1-1-09: Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge - Asbury Park Beachfront

On a somber note, Patti is scheduled for some surgery next week that will keep be busy, so I may not be able to get next week’s email out.  Please keep her in your thougths and prayers.  So, wishes for a happy Thankgiving.  We all have a great deal to be thankful for.

There’s so much bad news in the air today and it’s prudent to take a couple steps back to regroup. As I write this every week, I wonder what I can talk about but you know I never lack material. There may be a lot of bad news out there but there are still plenty of good times here in the Park. Join us! Only in Asbury Park! Wishes for a wonderful and safe weekend.

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times

If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.

Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events, and the city’s employment initiative; “Asbury Works.”
Copyright © 2008 City of Asbury Park, All Rights Reserved.
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Greetings from Asbury Park - Tom Gilmour Director of Commerce + Good Times 11/13/08

Thursday, November 13th, 2008
News
Weekly Updates
Greetings from Asbury Park:
We added a significant number of new subscribers this week so, bear with me as I introduce myself one more time. As Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park, my job is to work with the local businesses, recruit new ones, help residents find employment, and continue to promote all the great reasons, why Asbury Park is the place where you want to locate your business, work, live, shop, dine, and play. Each week, I author this email blast to keep all our subscribers up to date on all the happenings in the city. If you know anyone who would like to subscribe to these emails, direct them to the city’s web site: www.cityofasburypark.com to join the list.

As bad as the economy picture is, Asbury Park continues to buck the blues. The First Avenue Pavilion on our boardwalk will celebrate the opening of two new restaurants: Stellar Maris, a new Italian dining experience, and the Watermark, a great new and very cool lounge that shares the kitchen with Stellar Maris. These new businesses join Candyteria, Bodega Shoppe, Corazza Mid Century and Shade Sunglasses. The First Avenue Pavilion on the southern end of the boardwalk will now rival the great offerings at the northern end and the Grand Arcade. And to make things a bit more interesting, Marilyn Schlossbach will be opening the Langosta Lounge in the third Avenue Pavilion this weekend too. Although, it is mid November, there are so many new reasons to check out the Asbury Park boardwalk. New boardwalk hours are Thursday through Monday 11 AM to 7 PM. Where else in New Jersey are new businesses opening? Bold! Oh, there is plenty of free parking. Be there!

And speaking of new businesses, a new art gallery, Mattison Gallery, will be opening at 701 Mattison (Bond & Mattison) during December’s First Saturday celebration. The owner, Joel Monesson stopped by this week to get a UEZ application. Looks like another great addition to the Asbury Park art scene. Stay tuned!

Local favorite, operatic tenor, and President of the Arts coalition of Asbury Park, Brett Colby will be joined by his Gilbert & Sullivan cohorts from NYC: baritone Nathan Hull, soprano Sara Clark, and renowned pianist James Stenborg for an afternoon of witty patter, heart rendering love songs and general unexampled merriment on Sunday, November 16th at 4 PM at Trinity Church. “A Topsy Turvy Afternoon with Gilbert & Sullivan.” Only in Asbury Park!

This weekend:
Thursday, Nov. 13th: Stone Pony House Band Search - 7:30 PM.
Bob Egan’s Variety Show at McLoone’s Supper Club - 8 PM
Holtz at Mattison Park - 9 PM
Friday, Nov. 14th: Jody Joseph with her students at John Cavanaugh’s Rocktography exhibit at the Asbury Park Galleria - 7 PM.
Gary B & the Notion at The Saint - 8 PM.
DVB Trio, The Cool & Deadly, In Must at Asbury Lanes - 9:30 PM.
Saturday, Nov. 15th: State Playoffs home game - AP High School Football vs. New Egypt - 1 PM
Staind at Convention Hall
Little Joy at the Wonder Bar
Howe, Squire and White of Yes at Paramount Theatre
Funkton 11 (America’s greatest wedding band) at Stone Pony.
Sunday, Nov. 16th: Giants vs. Ravens
“A Topsy Turvy Afternoon with Gilbert & Sullivan” - Trinity Church - 4 PM.
Bob Egan’s Piano Bar at Moonstruck - 6:30 PM.
Tuesday, Nov. 18th: Laura Warshauer at The Saint - 7:30 PM.
Plus, everyday, great shopping and dining.

Next Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, check out “Voices from the High School” (a play by Peter Dee), performed by our very talented high school students. This is the first play staged at the AP High School in nearly ten years. Come out and support these students and this wonderful production. HUGE!

Holiday Calendar (make you plans now):
11-30: Holiday kick off on Asbury Park Boardwalk. Tree lighting and concert featuring Tim McLoone.
12-4: Downtown tree lighting ceremony with Santa at 7 PM.
12-5: Official City Tree Lighting with Santa at Fireman’s Park 5:30 PM.
12-5: Meat Loaf at Convention Hall.
12-6: First Saturday - Festival of Lights - with fireworks -downtown - Sponsored by Jersey Central Power and Light. Music, dining, late night shopping. Free parking in Bangs Avenue garage.
12-7-08: Holiday Express Veterans’ Concert - Convention Hall.
12-13: 5TH Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
12-28: Polar Bear Race - Asbury Park Boardwalk.
1-1-09: Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge - Asbury Park Beachfront.

Well, as grim as all the forecasts are, we are a strong bunch here in the city. We are used to difficult and challenging times, so we are going to do all that we need to do to weather this current blimp on the radar. We will need your help and support. Take a look at our calendar, check out our shops and even though you may have cut down on the number of times you are eating out, Asbury Park is still the place to be. If you are looking for the best return on those hard-earned dollars - invest in Asbury Park. Only Good Times!

Wishes for a wonderful and safe weekend.

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times

If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.

Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events, and the city’s employment initiative; “Asbury Works.”
Copyright © 2008 City of Asbury Park, All Rights Reserved.
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Asbury Park + Stephen Crane Day: High School Students Win Award + Community Comes Together to Celebrate

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
News

The Coaster

Your Community Newspaper covering the central Monmouth County

City Hosts Stephen Crane Day 

Reprinted with Permission by The Coaster Newspaper of Monmouth County 11/11/08

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini and re-enactor Larry Mihlon at Stephen Crane Day in Asbury Park

Asbury Park hosted its first Stephen Crane Day Sat., Nov. 1 with proclamations from both the city and Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, readings of Crane stories and announcing the winners of a writing contest based around Crane’s work.
The author spent 10 years of his life living on Fourth Avenue in Asbury Park. The house where he lived is being restored by the current owner Frank D’Alessandro.
Activities also included a cocktail party at Synaxis and an after party at Asbury Lanes.
Susan Pelligrini, a film director and producer who is currently working on a documentary about Crane, organized the event. She was dressed as Cora Crane, the author’s mother, for the festivities wearing a long skirt from the late 1800s.

Seniors from Asbury Park High School participated in “The Pace of Youth” short story contest which commemorated the writing and literary impact of Crane, who is best known for his novel, “The Red Badge of Courage.”

The students were asked to read “The Pace of Youth” and rewrite the story in modern day times. The only thing required to remain unchanged was the location. The story takes place in Asbury Park. Advanced Placement English teacher, Kim Brightman incorporated the contest into their classroom time and even allowed the assignment to become their midterm grade.

Four winners were chosen with second place being shared by two students. Terrance Berry received the first place prize, which was an iPOD donated by the John C. Conover Agency of Allenhurst and Asbury Park.

Officials said it was Terrance’s creative writing style that won him the first place slot.

Second place winners twins Danielle and Donesse Brascomb won tee shirts and tickets for walking ghost tours from Kathy Kelly of Paranormal Books and Curiosities on Cookman Avenue. The third place winner, Shaquela Brodie, won a gift certificate from Munch also located on Cookman Avenue.

The writing contest at the high school was organized by by Phyllis Maffucci, a real estate agent with the John C. Conover Agency, Asbury Park and Allenhurst.

“The contest came about as a result of working with Susan Pellegrini and becoming familiar with Stephen Crane’s stories,” Maffucci said. “As a Conover real estate agent, the subject of community involvement often becomes a topic in our weekly meetings. Since ‘The Pace of Youth’ is a teenage love story, I thought, what a great idea it would be to have Asbury Park High School students rewrite the story using modern day circumstances and experiences. Susan loved the idea and it was well received by all; the principal Tyler Blackmore, the students, as well as the business owners who sponsored the prizes.

“It was really great to see the students of Asbury Park High School standing there among the political, business and artistic leaders of our community receiving their prizes and having their pictures taken with their friends and family proudly watching.”


Nov. 1 was named Stephen Crane Day in Asbury Park. At a ceremony marking the event, the birthday of the author who once lived in Asbury Park, were (from left) City Manager Terry Reidy, Donesse Brascomb, second place winner of the writing contest, Susan Marco, re-enactor, Larry Mihlon, re-enactor, Susan Pelligrini, director of a Stephen Crane documentary and organizer of Saturday’s events, Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, Terrence Berry, first place winner in writing contest and Danielle Brascomb, who shared second place in the contest with her twin, Donesse. Not pictured is third place winner Shaquela Brodie.

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Greetings from Asbury Park - Tom Gilmour Director of Commerce + Good Times 11/6/08

Monday, November 10th, 2008
News
Weekly Updates
Greetings from Asbury Park:
Halloween was HUGE! Asbury Park and Halloween were made for each other. Wait until next year. Stay tuned!

This weekend marks the annual Asbury Park Music Awards recognizing all the great music that happens in the city. One of the city’s greatest assets is its musical heritage. It all started in the late 1800’s and is as strong, if not stronger, today. The event takes place on Saturday at the Stone Pony. Check out www.thesaintnj.com for additional details.

The first Garden of Joy Harvest Feast celebrating this year’s Garden harvest will take place, Friday, Nov.7th at Trinity Episcopal Church (Hall) at 7:30 PM. The children and volunteers look forward to preparing and serving you a delicious feast, based on the plants grown in the Garden. This feast includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees. Come out and support this great community organization.

The Asbury Park High School football team continues to rock! Last week’s victory over Keyport ran this year’s record to 7-0 and clinched the Patriot Division title. The Blue Bishops are ranked #1 in the Asbury Park Press football poll and they have now won 18 straight. HUGE!

This past week, Steve Troy gave me a tour of the new Asbury Park Design Center at 513 Cookman Avenue that he and his partner, Robert Legere are building. First, the building will be a destination in itself. The front of the building in totally glass. Very cool! Second, as only Steve and Robert can do, they have taken their design business and expanded it for all to see. It will be a terrific complement to their retail business, Robert Legere Home which is located right next door. The grand opening will take place in the next couple of weeks. Huge! Stay tuned!

Last week I attended a special workshop with city engineer, Brian Grant, regarding future transportation needs in our area. The meeting was hosted by the Northern Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. The session was held to solicit ideas for future federal funding for local transportation projects. It is important that Asbury Park’s needs are represented and supported. As our city rebounds, the train line will play a very important role in our growth. Also, we will need city and regional jitneys to promote sustainability and economic development. And you can help! Go to NJTPA.org and go to Plan 2035 and then take the survey. Your opinion counts!

This weekend:
Thursday, Nov. 6th: Pat Guadagno at Madison Park
Mose Allison at McLoone’s Supper Club 8 PM.
Friday, Nov. 7th: Garden of Joy Fundraiser at Trinity Church, at 7:30 PM.
Song Writers By The Sea with Joe D’urso, Joe Rapolla, and others at America’s Cup at 8 PM.
Saturday, Nov. 8th: Asbury Park football vs. Holmdel
Country Line Dancing 6:30 PM at Paradise
16th Annual Asbury Park Music Awards live from the Stone Pony 6 PM.
Sunday, Nov. 9th: Giants vs. Philadelphia

Mark your calendars:
November 16th: “A Topsy Turvy Afternoon with Gilbert & Sullivan” starring Brett Colby
December 5th: Meat Loaf

The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business luncheon next Wednesday, Nov.12th at Synaxis. The keynote speaker will be Roger Whelan, President of Liberty Natural Gas, a company that is interested in developing an innovative natural gas delivery platform and pipeline system off the coast of Asbury Park. You don’t want to miss this one. Call Cindi at 732.775.7676 to reserve. These events usually sell out. Be there!

Asbury Park’s Annual Veteran’s Day service will take place at 11 AM in Veteran’s Park on Fifth Avenue. The municipal offices will be closed in honor of our veterans.

Now this might seem like a “quiet” weekend in the city but we all know better. There is always so much going on. This is an excellent weekend to visit the city and discover all our great shops, clubs and restaurants before the holidays kick in. Hope to see you this weekend in the Park!

Wishes for a wonderful and safe weekend.

Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times

If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.

Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events, and the city’s employment initiative; “Asbury Works.”
Copyright © 2008 City of Asbury Park, All Rights Reserved.
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