| Greetings from Asbury Park: |
| Happy New Year! As we look back, it was a great year for Asbury Park. So, who’s looking back? We had a great year; however my focus is on making 2010 an even better year. Stay tuned!
Since it’s a new year, let me take a brief moment to introduce myself to all our new subscribers. I am Tom Gilmour and serve as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park. In this position I am responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events and film permitting. For some mysterious reason, I have also been appointed the “Director of Good Times.” Every week, I send out an email blast to keep you updated on all the great things happening in the city. There is always plenty to talk about. This is my 347th email blast since all this started back in 2003. HUGE! We certainly have our work cut out for us this year in what is looking like a very poor business climate. You know what? We are going to be OK. The city is full of pioneers, entrepreneurs, and most importantly survivors. We have strong city management that is dedicated to keeping the momentum going and some new development partners. Asbury Park has weathered many storms. And we have you; who continue to root for the city. This will be another great year for Asbury Park. Stay tuned!
It was a historic moment last night as the City Council and the Asbury Park Board of Education met in joint session to applaud Asbury Park’s finest. Also in attendance was School Superintendent, Denise Lowe and High School Principal, Tyler Blackmore. The reason for this rare gathering was to recognize the accomplishments of some very gifted young Asbury Park boys. Proclamations were presented to the AP Pop Warner Midget Team, the 2009 DII Eastern Regional Champions and to the AP High School Blue Bishops Football Team who is the 2009 Central Jersey Group I State Champions. This occasion gave new meaning my overused expression of HUGE! As I sat in the audience, I was so proud of what these boys have accomplished and realized this is one of the many reasons why I am, and so many others are, here in Asbury Park. After the presentation, Mayor Ed Johnson made a motion to declare Friday, January 8th “The Day of Champions.” Yes, we are the Champions! A big thanks to all our fans out there. Very HUGE! And so, Only in Asbury Park!
Hotel Tides is launching another of their great art exhibits: Bruce Waldman - “The Human Condition - Asbury Park.” Works for the exhibit were created in Asbury Park during the summer of 2009 for The Hotel Tides Gallery. Bruce Waldman is a member of The Board of Governors of the National Printmakers Workshop, Director of The New York Society of Etchers and a Senior Fellow at the School of Visual Arts for more than 25 years. His prints grace the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, The Library of Congress and The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC and The Royal Collection in London. Last week the Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired into their permanent collection another one of Waldman’s etchings from his recently completed Asbury Park series! The opening reception will take place this Sunday, January 10th from 3 to 7 PM and then run thru February 5th. Only in Asbury Park!
Tonight, Jan. 7th, Words will be hosting The World’s Largest Book Club at 7 PM by the fireplace at the Watermark. They will be discussing Native son by Richard Wright. On Friday, Jan 8th, Words moves to their wonderful shop at 612Cookman Avenue to welcome Eleanor Herman, author of “Sex with Kings” and “Mistress of the Vatican” who will also talk about how to get published.
Asbury Park Beach Badge gift certificate sales were so good over the holidays; the city has decided to continue selling the certificates until Easter. This is a great way to lock in 2009 prices. Certificates can be purchased at the Department of Public Works, Monday through Friday. Check the city web site, www.cityofasburypark.com for additional information.
Also this weekend:
Thurs., Jan. 7th: sister Marsha’s birthday!
The Mayor’s Players at The Lounge at Synaxis from 6 to 9 PM.
Karmic Juggernaut at the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM.
Sally Boyd at Langosta Lounge
Fri., Jan. 8th: Johnny Winter at the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM.
Juke Joint Johnny & the Usual Suspects at McLoone’s Supper Club - 8 PM.
Allie Moss, Bess Rogers, Cara Salimando at The Saint - 8 PM.
Sat., Jan. 9th: Gallerger at the Stone Pony - 7:30 PM.
Layonne Holmes & Gerald Carboy quartet - McLoone’s Supper Club
Goldenseal at The Saint - 8 PM.
The Sunday Blues at Old Man Rafferty’s - 9:30 PM.
Sun., Jan. 10th: The Break Contest at the Stone Pony - all ages
Opening reception & dinner with artist Bruce Waldman at Tides Hotel
Mon., Jan. 11th: “In the Jersey City Moonlight” a new paly by Jeff Hughes presetned by Revision Theatre at The Showroom at 6:30 PM - Free
Friday, Jan. 15th through Sunday, Jan. 17th: Light of Day 10th Anniversary Concert Weekend.
Hopefully, you caught the Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Eve. Over 200+ plungers and at least 2,500 spectators: Men, women, boys, girls and even grandmas - everyone plunged. It was a beautiful day on New Jersey’s best beach. HUGE! If you missed this one, don’t fret. Sign up for The Asbury Park Rotary’s Polar Plunge that will take place on the same beach January 30, 2010. Yours truly will be plunging. You hear right, the Director of Good Times will be jumping in the very chilly Atlantic. I dare you to join me. Go to www.rotarypolarplunge.org. Stay tuned!
Next week, we will provide the city’s special event full year calendar and let me tell you it’s loaded! So, bundle up and check out one hot city. Great shopping, the best dining, and music for everyone. Only in Asbury Park!
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. |
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