Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Weekly Random Drawing Winner


This week's random drawing winner is Culli Pringle, 14, of Belmar, who dressed up as a Facebook wall comment.

The Manasquan High School freshman wins a family four-pack of passes to Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach. Congratulations Culli!

Be sure to get your photos in to contest@starnewsgroup.com by this Friday if you want to be considered in this year's Halloween Photo Contest.


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Weekly Random Drawing Winner

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Gehrig Cupo, 7, a student at Manasquan Elementary School, is our weekly random drawing winner in the 2nd Annual Star News Group Halloween Photo Contest. Gehrig won a family 4-pack to Jenk's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach.

Be sure to send us your Halloween costume photos to contest@starnewsgroup.com or you can drop them off in person at either The Coast Star office, 13 Broad St. in Manasquan, or The Ocean Star office, 421 River Ave. in Point Pleasant Beach.

All photos submitted must be the property of the entrant. Upon submission, all photos become the property of Star News Group and may be published in print and online.

Submissions will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 6.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Halloween Costume Contest Returns

Think you’ve got a winning Halloween costume this year? Well, here is your chance to prove it.

Star News Group, publisher of The Coast Star in Manasquan and The Ocean Star in Point Pleasant Beach, is currently seeking submissions for its Second Annual Spooktacular Halloween Photo Contest.

Whether the costume is scary and ghoulish or downright foolish, Star News Group wants to see area residents decked out in full Halloween regalia.

Winners will be named in three categories — adults aged 18 and above, children aged 17 and under, and pets.

Prizes will be awarded for the top photo submission in each category.

In the adult category, the prize will be a $100 gift certificate to any restaurant that advertises in The Coast Star or The Ocean Star.

In the children’s category, the grand prize will be a $50 gift certificate to Quinnderella’s Toys in Manasquan.

In the pets category, the grand prize will be a $25 gift certificate to B.C. Woof in Manasquan.

Additionally, entering the contest will automatically qualify contestants in weekly drawings for free passes to the Jenkinson’s A-Scare-Ium in Point Pleasant Beach or Jenkinson’s Aquarium.

Photos can be submitted via e-mail to contest@starnewsgroup.com or dropped off in person at either The Coast Star office, 13 Broad St. in Manasquan, or The Ocean Star office, 421 River Ave. in Point Pleasant Beach.

All photos submitted must be the property of the entrant. Upon submission, all photos become the property of Star News Group and may be published in print and online.

The subject or subjects in the photographs must be wearing a Halloween costume and must be a resident within the Star News Group coverage area — Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Lake Como, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Sea Girt, Wall Township, Manasquan, Brielle, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, Lavallette and Mantoloking.

Please include the name[s], age[s], school[s], if applicable, and town[s] of residence of the person, people or pets in the photo, as well as the contact information for the person submitting the photo.

Submissions will be accepted starting today, through Friday, Nov. 6.

Employees of Star News Group or members of their families are not eligible to enter.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

A charming experience

Last night I went to see 500 Days of Summer at the Algonquin Arts Theater in Manasquan. I've been to the Algonquin a couple of times before for surf movies in the summertime, but had never experienced a mainstream film there.

The two experiences varied wildly, but I found both to be quite enjoyable.

In the summer, for example, when they're featuring a new surf flick, the place is packed. Surfing enthusiasts of all ages virtually spill out of the courtyard in front of the theater and onto Main Street. There's usually live entertainment and information tents manned by reps from the local surf schools, as well as the mandatory presence of the folks from Surfrider.

The atmosphere is electric and, when the movie comes on, there's not an open seat in the house. The great part about watching surf movies, for those of you who have yet to have this rich experience, is audience participation. The hoots and hollers and varied audience remarks as the world's best surfers strut their stuff on the big screen makes going to the movies a community event.

On the other hand, last night's experience was the complete opposite - and I loved it just the same. There were about 10 of us in the theater, including the two people working there. Before the film began, one of them walked to the front of the theater and gave us a warm welcome, an introduction to the movie and a nudge toward the concession stand - With $6 tickets, they've got to pay their salaries somehow.

As I watched the opening credits, I didn't even notice that no previews were played, nor did I see a single Coke commercial or other advertisement. The film was good. A bit slow developing, but I enjoyed it the way you enjoy a fine meal...slowly savoring every flavor and texture.

While the seats were a bit narrow and their cushions are well past their prime, I found the experience to personal and, well, charming.

If you haven't experienced a movie at the Algonquin, be sure to check it out. It's an experience you'll never find in a packed megaplex selling $6 bags of popcorn.


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Enough is Enough

*DISCLAIMER*
What I am about to say is to be in no way interpreted as the opinion of The Coast Star or any of its affiliates...

People in the news, online and even on Facebook have been going on and on and on about how Michael Vick has no right to be reinstated into the NFL because of the crimes he committed against those dogs.

Here's what I think: While I believe what Vick did was awful, tragic, disgusting and unforgivable, the man served his time as dictated by an American court of law. Yes, that's right, you heard me. He was tried, convicted and sentenced by OUR court system. He served his sentence. Now he's a free man again and has every right to earn a living.

So now people are all bent out of shape to see any convicted felon make millions of dollars upon leaving prison.

Deal with it, people.

If you feel differently and want to lambast me now, feel free to chime in anytime. I'd love to hear your opinions.


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Rainy days are here again...

What is with this weather? We have a month of rain in June...followed by nearly a month of beautiful summer weather in July, and now we're getting soaked again. I'm all for the passing summer shower that waters the grass and flowers, but these gray days are killing me.

We were planning on taking the kids to the Monmouth County Fair tonight, but that's definitely out.

I am at a loss. We already saw the new Potter flick; the kids saw the new Transformers; an I look terrible in bowling shoes. Where does that leave us?

If you have any suggestions for family activities on rainy days at the shore, let me know - or I may have to resort to Monopoly. UGH.


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Where have I been?

Sorry for the hiatus from the blog, folks, but I have returned. First I wanted to welcome our first reader blogger, Maribeth Pelly, to our site. Pelly and her best friend are traveling the country with five kids in tow this summer. Check out her blog to see how they're faring on their adventure.

It's late July and we still have the long, beautiful month of August to enjoy here at the Jersey shore. With so much to see and do, you have no excuses for not getting out and about. If you're not sure what's going on, check out our Calendar of Events where you're sure to find something for everyone.



 
>