Ocean Grove Record

Ocean Grove Panorama

Sun and sand are the order of most days...but the occasional cloud finds its way over the Grove. The picture above, over Atlantic Avenue, was taken during a fierce storm that blew through town on Sunday afternoon, July 27.

Ocean Grove Theater to Hold
Jesus Christ Superstar Auditions

NENAproductions Theater Project, the award winning resident theater company of the Jersey Shore Arts Center will hold open auditions for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar on Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.at The Jersey Shore Arts Center, Main Street and Main Avenue at the entrance to Ocean Grove. (The musical will run Fridays and Saturdays, October 17 – 25 at 8 p.m. and Sunday October 26 at 3 p.m.)

Director Nick Montesano and Musical Director Jeff Brown are seeking 18 men and 10 women for the production. All roles are open and anyone who wishes to audition should prepare 16 bars of each a ballad and up tempo song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided at the auditions. Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, August 20.

Jesus Christ Superstar was first heard as a record album before being staged on Broadway and later in London’s West End. In October of 1971, the show, directed by Tom O’Horgan, opened on Broadway winning five 1962 Tony Awards including Best Score of a Musical.

NENAproductions Theater Project staged it’s initial production, The Rocky Horror Show, LIVE, at the Fast Lane in Asbury Park. After a full season of shows at that historic venue, the company moved in residence to The Jersey Shore Arts Center in Neptune. Since that time they have received multiple New Jersey Association of Community Theater Awards for production, direction, musical direction and acting. Past shows include Sweeney Todd, The Laramie Project, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the acclaimed Cabaret.

NENAproductions is a not for profit volunteer organization. Anyone who would like to work on or back stage with the company is welcome to attend the audition or contact the company.

For more information email nenaproductions@aol.com or call 732.988.1007 or visit www.nenaproductions.org.

OG Chamber of Commerce Happenings

Music on Main 2008

Various musical groups perform on the corner of Main and Pilgrim Pathway, sponsored by the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce. Here’s the line-up:
Aug. 9: Key West Crabs 1 - 4
Aug. 16: Jo Wymer & the Itty Bitty Band 1 - 4
Aug. 23: Main Street 1 - 4
Sept.13: Crosstown Music Festival (OGCMA event)
Oct. 11: Chuck Lambert's Blues Band 1 - 4
Oct. 18: RB Express 12 - 4

Going Fishing With Lois...
Tuesdays at 1PM (Rain Date: Wednesdays at 1pm)

Meet at the Chamber Office: 45 Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove
Drive to Belmar Marina and board the fishing boat which leaves the dock at 1:30pm & returns at 6:00pm.

Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, jacket and a rag for wiping your hands. Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers (you will be on your feet a lot). If you wish to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks, you may.

Cost: $40 for Adults, Seniors $35, Children 12 and under $25, Rider-only fee $20, Pole Rental $5. Mention that you are there because of the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce and you will receive an additional discount. Payment will be collected on the boat. The bait is provided by the mate. Come prepared with a few extra dollars to tip the mate at the end of the trip.

If you would like to join, please call 732-774-1391 to let Lois know if you are planning to attend

Ocean Grove Giant Fall Flea Market
Saturday, September 6th - 9am to 4pm
Rain or Shine - Antiques, collectibles, new stuff, old stuff, variety of food, something for everyone! Over 300 Vendors.

The first ever Garden Tour kicks off Thursday, August 21 in the Grove. It will benefit the "Angel of Victory Fund" and is also sponsored by the Historical Society of Ocean Grove.

Record contributor Paul Goldfinger, whose graceful garden will be on the tour, writes: It is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine; Adults are $15.00 while children are $3.00. Groundhogs are admitted free. Any interlopers will be weeded out. Anyone who comes to my garden will be introduced to my hoe.”

The tour includes the Centennial Garden at the Cotage; the Historical Garden at Days and a rain garden and a secret garden; and the secret garden, which Paul says “Will, I suspect, be hard to find.”

Tickets are available at the Historical Society; 50 Pitman Ave; 732-774-1869.

Your story...

Helen Pike leads "Flash Fiction! Ot Not" on the Bellevue Stratford porch.

Ocean Grove is a town just bursting with history. But a lot of it is waiting to be shared. Here’s your chance to tell your story.

"So then I said..." is a 10-week memoir-writing workshop with award-wining author and successful writing coach Helen Chantal Pike, designed to give you the opportunity to finally share with your family and friends the stories you've always promised to write.

Helen has written several histories herself, mostly about Asbury Park. She’s no stranger to the Grove, however. In fact, in June 2006 she organized the successful “Flash Fiction! Or Not’ contest, which was held on the porch of the Bellevue Stratford on Main Avenue. She’s also held frequent book signings at Comfort Zone Books, where you can find her work today (as well as on www.helenpike.com.)

For “So then I said…” Helen is looking for 10 folks to follow in her footsteps in put their stories down on paper. The series starts September 18 and runs for two hours every Thursday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic VFW Hall on Lake and Bond in Asbury Park just across Wesley Lake. Parking is free in the VFW lot, included in the $179 cost of the course, which will wrap up on Thursday, December 4 with a bonus class on Do It Yourself Publishing.

To enroll yourself, friend or family member in the course, e-mail Helen at helenpike2004@yahoo.com.