Home-Grown Veterans Tribute Flourishes at Ocean County Library Waretown Branch

WARETOWN – It began around Veterans’ Day 2023 in the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch - a small photo array to honor those who served America in uniform. Now, photos of local military members from several generations cover an entire wall.

The display was Branch Manager Jennifer Lennon’s small gesture to family members who “wore the colors.” It caught the attention of patrons, visitors and neighbors who asked if they might contribute. Today, it’s a grassroots community project.

Images of local wartime and peacetime veterans, their names, branches, and theaters or duty stations pay tribute to their sacrifices and remind onlookers of the cost of freedom. Jennifer’s original 12 photos have been joined by 23 contributed by staffers and patrons.

“I grew up in a military family,” Jennifer said. “My dad, uncle and grandfather all served. So I have always had a very healthy respect for the military and its traditions.” Jennifer’s ties to veterans strengthened as old and new friends served in ensuing years.

“I wanted to create a space where they can all be celebrated, regardless of branch or time in history,” she said. “Each week, as many as 10 patrons stop to look at the display. And each week, someone asks if they may bring a photo. I always say ‘yes.’ We make a copy of their picture or ask them to send a file to me.”

Most recently, Jennifer received permission to retain the display as a permanent fixture. The Friends of the Waretown Library added their support, donating the materials that will preserve the photos and name plates.

The display is on view during normal Branch operating hours. To learn more about the project, stop by the OCL Waretown Branch, 112 Main Street, or call (609) 693-5133.

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

Honor D-Day and War Hero Bud Lomell at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – D-Day, the military operation credited with turning the tide of World War II, has a pivotal Jersey Shore connection in the fearless actions of Leonard “Bud” Lomell (1920-2011). Join Toms River Township Historian J. Mark Mutter, Esq. for “The 80th Anniversary of D-Day and Ocean County Hero Bud Lomell” at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 6:30 PM Monday, June 3.

In a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Mutter will detail the events leading up to the assault and also focus on Bud Lomell’s life and his date with destiny.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Point Pleasant Beach, Lomell enlisted and became a seasoned Army Ranger before the land, sea and air assault on seemingly-invincible enemy strongholds along France’s Normandy coast.

Lomell’s climb of the Pointe du Hoc cliffs, disabling of powerful weaponry and repelling of relentless counterattacks are recorded in numerous accounts, including The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw and Steven Gillon’s Len Lomell: D-Day Hero, available at the Ocean County Library. He was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and many other decorations.

After leaving the service, Lomell married and raised his family in Toms River, established a successful law practice, engaged in numerous civic activities and founded the World War II Rangers Association. He hired a young Mark Mutter for his law firm and became a friend and mentor.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclDDayTR for this free program. For more information, stop by the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

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

Hear ReClam the Bay’s Call to Action at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – Since 2005, ReClam the Bay has provided education about water quality in the Barnegat Bay Watershed and the indispensable role of shellfish to maintain it. Learn about local efforts to restore the Bay’s shellfish population in a program at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 2 PM Wednesday, June 5.

Members of the Waretown-based nonprofit group grow more than a million clams and oysters each year to support the Barnegat Bay, Manahawkin Bay and Little Egg Harbor Bay ecosystems. The shellfish naturally filter out pollutants and excess nutrients and they reduce erosion and protect habitats along the shoreline.

The program will enlighten you about changes in bay water quality and steps being taken to reinforce shore protections. You’ll also learn how to take part in projects and outreach, where to find educational, family-friendly events, and how to join a ReClam the Bay.

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

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising, and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Applications can be found 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 the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

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

Ocean County Library Announces Memorial Day Closure

TOMS RIVER – All branches and reading centers of the Ocean County Library will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

Library patrons are welcome to use OCL’s online resources, databases, eMagazines, eBooks, video and audio streams and digital classes at www.theoceancountylibrary.org. 

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

Make Eco-Friendly Beeswax Food Wraps at the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Elevate your environmental sensibilities in the kitchen with sustainable food wraps made from beeswax. You’re invited to take part in a special workshop led by Pine Barrens Post at four Ocean County Library branches

• Waretown Branch – 6:30 PM Monday, June 3, 112 Main Street, (609) 693-5133. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclWAWraps.
• Toms River Branch – 6:30 PM Wednesday, June 5, 101 Washington Street, (732) 349-6200. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclTrWraps.
• Berkeley Branch – 6 PM Wednesday, June 12, 30 Station Road, Bayville, (732) 269-2144. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBkyWraps.
• Little Egg Harbor Branch – 11 AM Monday, June 24, 290 Mathistown Road, (609) 294-1197. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLehWraps.

Pine Barrens Post, operating since 2018, is a mini-homestead in Sweetwater, engaged in beekeeping, foraging, food preservation, herbalism, gardening, and more with an emphasis on sustainability and quality.

In addition to workshops and eco-fairs, products made there are retailed through the Pine Barrens Post website, in farmers’ markets and in more than 20 locations throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

For more information, stop by or call any participating OCL branch or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

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

Meet Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – Berkeley residents, become acquainted with Mayor John Bacchione in a casual setting. Drop in and “Meet the Mayor” at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch, 6 PM Tuesday, June 4.

You’ll also have a chance to speak with members of the Berkeley Township Police and Fire Departments during the one-hour chat session. Bring your questions, issues and concerns for relaxed, informal discussions.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBerkeleyMayor for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, Bayville, call (732) 269-2144 or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events. 

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

Learn Osteoporosis Symptoms, Risks, Remedies at Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – The natural decline of bone density over time can increase the risk of osteoporosis. How can you combat it? Learn about warning signs, risk factors, symptoms, and preventive methods during an Ocean County Health Department presentation at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 6:30 Pm Tuesday, June 11.

OCHD representatives will discuss contributing factors such as heredity, gender, age, hormone levels, medical problems, steroids, nutrition and lifestyles, shed light on bone breaks and other complications, and explain ways to reduce risks through exercise, diet and doctor consultations.

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

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

Create a Personal Pride Symbol at the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Teens, show your support of Pride Month by making a unique memento at the Ocean County Library. “Pride Painting for Teens” will be offered at four OCL branches, all starting at 6:30 PM.

• Berkeley Branch – Thursday, June 6, 30 Station Road, Bayville, (732) 269-2144. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBerkeleyPride.
• Barnegat Branch – Wednesday, June 12, 112 Burr Street, (609) 698-3331. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBarnegatPride,
• Brick Branch – Monday, June 17, 30 1 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBrickPride.
• Manchester Branch – Tuesday, June 25, 21 Colonial Drive, (732) 657-7600. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclManchesterPride.

Premiere Paint Parties will provide the supplies for you to apply Pride imagery in your own personal style with onto wood panels that you can take home.

For more information, stop by or call any participating OCL branch or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

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

Embroidery Expertise for Teens: ‘I Literally Can Knot’ at the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Teens can discover the art of embroidery in the Ocean County Library’s beginner friendly instructional program. “I Literally Can Knot: Beginner Embroidery for Teens” will be given at six OCL branches, all starting at 6:30 PM.

• Barnegat Branch – Wednesday, June 5, 112 Burr Street, (609) 698-3331. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBarnegatKnot.  
• Brick Branch – Wednesday, June 19, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBrickKnot.
• Point Pleasant Borough Branch – Wednesday, July 10, 834 Beaver Dam Road, (732) 295-1555. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclPointKnot.
• Berkeley Branch – Thursday, July 11, 30 Station Road, Bayville, (732) 269-2144. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBerkeleyKnot.
• Long Beach Island Branch – Wednesday, August 14, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, (609) 494-2480. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLbiKnot.
• Upper Shores Branch – Wednesday, August 21, 112 Jersey City Avenue, Lavallette, (732) 793-3996. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclUPKnot.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, the workshop will provide a solid foundation for mastering this timeless craft. You’ll leave with the supplies needed to work on a piece of your own after the class.

For more information, stop by or call any participating branch, call (732) 349-6200 or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

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

Jazz It Up with the Red Hot Ramblers at the Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP –  Get your fill of Jazz Age razzamatazz when the Red Hot Ramblers romp and stomp at the Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch, 6:30 PM Tuesday, June 4.

The Red Hot Ramblers will whisk you back to the “Roaring ‘20s” with rollicking rhythm, snazzy syncopation, snappy patter and lyrical melodies that conjure up Ragtime, Dixieland and Tin Pan Alley.

The group has entertained in concert halls, bistros, swing dances and outdoor events since 2012 with a repertoire that stretche through the Jazz Age, from Dixieland and Ragtime through the Swing Era of the 1930s and ‘40s, and even to the modern Second Line parade style of New Orleans.

The band maintains an active following through The Bash and Facebook and promises to put a smile on your face and a hop in your step.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBgtRamblers for this free program, part of the Ocean County Library’s Neighbors Connecting Series of Programs sponsored by a grant from the OceanFirst Foundation and the Ocean County Library Foundation.

For more information, stop by the OCL Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street, call (609) 698-3331, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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