Adopt Heart-Healthy Eating Habits at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – The foods you eat can be one of your most valuable keys to overall heart health. Learn basics of a cardio-conscious food regimen during “Heart Healthy Eating” at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 2 PM Wednesday, July 10.

Members of Hackensack Meridian Health Public Outreach will discuss the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan which incorporate fresh produce, whole grains, minimal processing, fat-free or low-fat dairy items and low levels of saturated fat.

They will also outline sources of antioxidants and healthy fats that can contribute to a lifestyle built on long term healthy eating habits.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLbiHeart for this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library. Registrants should be aware of potential allergens during the presentation.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through fundraising, programs and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, call (609) 494-2480, or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Meditate to Higher Awareness at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – Sharpen your attentiveness and reach new levels of serenity through the technique of Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture. Meditation practitioner Shazia Zaman will lead you through “Mindfulness Meditation: R.A.I.N.” at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 10:30 AM Saturday, July 13.

R.A.I.N. is the acronym for qualities of attention that compose a complete moment of mindfulness. An open mind and heart will help you to navigate thoughts and emotions with calmness, compassion and wisdom.

Shazia Zaman, CMMT, CMT-P, is certified through the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA)  and has taught since 2017. The certification is supported by the Awareness Training Institute and the University of California at Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center.

Shazia is also a Master Level-I Crystal Bowl Practitioner and a certified Reiki Master. Resources, book recommendations, poetry, free meditations and more can be found at www.meditatewithshazia.com.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJacksonRAIN for this free program, sponsored by Jackson Friends of the Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call (732) 928-4400, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

See Melissa Hood’s Sweet Dreams Sandcastle Art at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to feature  “Sweet Dreams Sandcastle Illustrations” by New Jersey artist and children’s author Melissa Hood, June 24 through August 31. Patrons and visitors can meet Melissa during her Artist Reception in the Branch, 6 until 8 PM Tuesday, July 9.

The display in the McConnell Gallery is a celebration of summertime life at the Jersey Shore, consisting of illustrations contained in Melissa’s 2023 children’s book Sweet Dreams Sandcastle.

On her website, Melissa describes her bright, richly textured works as “original whimsical art” that has been displayed at venues throughout the region and marketed worldwide. 

She attracted widespread notice through her “100 Shore Things” project of 2021-22, completing 100 coastal-themed paintings in as many days with the cooperation of local residents, businesses, photographers and the Point Beach Arts Committee.

The exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public. “Sweet Dreams Sandcastle Illustrations” can be viewed during normal Branch operating hours. No registration is required. For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Plunge into New Jersey Shipwreck History at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – New Jersey’s coastline is notorious for the oceangoing vessels that foundered and sank in its waters. Historical diver Dan Lieb will take you through nearly 300 years of “New Jersey Shipwrecks” at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 7 PM Monday, July 15.

Dan will provide revealing details about the circumstances and aftermaths of Jersey Shore maritime disasters including those that took place in both World Wars, and will discuss his extensive work in undersea archaeological expeditions.

Dan has led New Jersey marine historical expeditions for more than 30 years as a shipwreck mapper. A member of the New Jersey Historical Divers Association, he holds a Divemaster rating by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and has executed more than 2,300 dives since 1974.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJacksonLieb for this free program, sponsored by the Jackson Friends of the Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call (732) 928-4400, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Master a Lifetime Craft: ‘Knitting 101 for Teens’ at the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Teens, knitting is much more than a relaxing, fun pastime. It offers new artistic horizons and provides you with a lifelong skill. Try “Knitting 101 for Teens” at any one of five Ocean County Library branches, all starting at 6:30 PM.

• Lacey Branch – Thursday, July 11, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, (609) 693-8566. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLaceyKnit. 
• Brick Branch – Monday, July 15, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBrickKnit. 
• Manchester Branch – Monday, July 22, 21 Colonial Drive, (732) 657-7600. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclManchesterKnit. 

Join your instructor Hope for the fundamentals of knitting, casting on and basic stitching as you create a knitted bookmark. All supplies will be provided, and you can take home your yarn and knitting needles at the end of the session.

The Library’s Berkeley and Waretown branches will present the program in August. For more information, stop by or call any participating branch or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Meet Jersey Shore Artist Pat Johnson at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – The Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch is pleased to feature an exhibit of works by renowned local artist Pat Johnson. “Potpourri of Pets, Portraits, Petals and Places” will be on display throughout the month of July. And here’s a special invitation to Pat’s Artist Reception in the Branch, 2 PM Saturday, July 13.

Become acquainted with Pat as she describes details of her exhibit and discusses the inspiration behind her art.

Longtime Ocean County residents and visitors may recall seeing Pat’s byline during her 26 years at the Long Beach Island-based SandPaper. After retiring in 2022, she concentrated on a passionate pursuit of art, which she shared in an article by Victoria Ford.

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The exhibit can be seen during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, call (609) 494-2480, or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Fred Lehotay and the Ragtimers to Perform at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – Take yourself back to an era when folks gathered around a bandstand on a balmy summer evening. Fred Lehotay and the Ragtimers will evoke sweet memories during their performance at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 7 PM Wednesday, July 10.

Sing along or tap your toes while the band whisks you back to the “Roaring ‘20s” with patriotic songs, Jazz Age melodies and rollicking ragtime tunes.

Saxophonist Fred Lehotay, guitarist Bob Estler, banjoist Tom Rittenhouse and bassist Gary Nokes have performed rousing ragtime and sentimental favorites since 1968. Fans view the group’s videos on YouTube.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJacksonRagtimers for this free concert, sponsored by Jackson Friends of the Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call (732) 928-4400, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Meet Plumsted Mayor Dominick Cuozzo at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch June 29

PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP – The Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch is pleased to host “Meet the Mayor” with Plumsted Mayor Dominick Cuozzo, 10:15 AM until 12:30 PM Saturday, June 29.

This informal session enables township residents to ask questions and discuss issues with the Mayor in a relaxed setting.

“Meet the Mayor” is free and open to the public. To register and reserve a time, contact Mayor Cuozzo directly at (865) 604-3618.

For more information, stop by the OCL Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, call (609) 758-7888, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Explore Pineland Mysteries at the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch

WARETOWN – The enchantment of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens springs from stories of many cultures that have grown through time. Storyteller, writer and performer Michelle Washington Wilson spins mesmerizing tales during “Legends and Lore Kept Alive in the Jersey Pines” at the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch, 6 PM Monday, July 15.

Settlers and migrants in the region’s farms, fields and factories brought their cultures and traditions to fantastic yarns of strange occurrences and ghostly characters unique to the Pinelands. Michelle Washington Wilson’s vivid interpretations will intrigue and inspire you in this family-oriented presentation for everyone age 10 and up.

Now in her fourth decade as a Motivational Storyteller, Michelle Washington Wilson is an active member of the New Jersey Storytelling Network (NJSN) and the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS).
 
In 2023, the Newtonville native and Monmouth University alumna was named one of four prominent “Women Who Tell Our Stories” by the Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women. She is featured in Legendary Locals of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey and Small Towns, Black Lives, available at the Ocean County Library.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclWaretownPines for this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Waretown Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Waretown Branch, 112 Main Street, call (609) 693-5133 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Discover Juneteenth’s Historic Message at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – On June 19, 1865, General Order Number 3 ended slavery and vaulted America toward freedom, equality and respect for all. Learn about the growth of its annual observance during “Juneteenth: Its Historical Significance and Relevance for Today” in Bishop Hall of the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 10 AM Tuesday, June 25.

Vernon L.S. Smith, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor for Educational Counseling and Leadership at Monmouth University and Assistant Director of its Social Justice Academy, will be your timeline guide from Major General Gordon Granger’s declaration to today.

Also called Freedom Day of Emancipation, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Since its inception the observance has grown to become part of America’s national framework.

Dr. Smith has compiled seven years of course instruction centered on social justice advocacy in educational counseling at Monmouth and more than 18 years of clinical experience in college, high school and private practice settings. He is the founding director of the university’s Empowering Young Black Males Leadership Mentoring Program and the Empowering Young Black Males Summit.

Dr. Smith’s research on diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice have been presented in scholarly works at international, national, state and local conferences. Additionally, Dr. Smith studies the development of counseling professionals, the impact of autism on families of color, and the evaluation of counseling and supervision programs.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclTRJuneteenth for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.