September 6, 2013

Al Peskoe led the Pledge of Allegiance

Paul Peacock gave the Invocation

Pres. Mika greeted guests: Michelle Mendes, American Heart Association; John Amato, Atlantic Fire & security; and Gary Siciliano from the Asbury Park Rotary.

MUG IT OUT: Michelle Mendes, Special Events Manager Central New Jersey Chapter of the American Heart Association accepts thanks from Club President, Mika Hon.

Putting Their “Hearts” Into Saving Lives

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, the AHA now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters, working tirelessly to eliminate these diseases. In addition, the AHA funds innovative research, fights for stronger public health policies and provides lifesaving tools and information to save and improve lives.

On Friday at our last meeting, the Club heard an informative presentation from the Special Events Manager of the NJ Chapter of the AHA, Michelle Mendes.

Michelle spoke about the Mission of the American Heart Association which is to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. To that end, the organization does several fund and awareness raising activities including “Lunch And Learns” in area companies and encouraging employers to be “fit friendly.”

The signature event of the American Heart Association is the Heart Walk. The next Heart Walk will be Sunday, November 3, 2013 in Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan. For more information on becoming a sponsor of the Heart Walk or participating, contact Michelle at michelle.mendes@heart.org

1^st Annual Karen Hansen Memorial Dinner

On Friday September 27^th the family of Karen Hansen will host the 1^st annual Karen Hansen Memorial Dinner at Bahrs Landing in the Highlands. The evening will be an “Octoberfest” styled event with authentic German fare. Tickets are $50 per person and include Beer and Wine, a 50/50 and chance drawings.

Proceeds from the evening will go to the Karen Hansen Memorial Scholarship Fund. Karen Hansen taught in the Long Branch School System for more than 25 years. Countless children needing special attention in their education are now productive adults due to the caring efforts provided by Karen and the many Special Education Professionals in our schools.

Madagascar 3 for FREE, Music and MORE at

West End Park on September 20^th

On Friday September 20^th, the Jersey Shore Autism Foundation invites you to join them for their FREE showing of Madagascar 3 under the stars in West End Park. The movie will be shown on giant 16’ movie screen starting at 7:45pm.

The Movie will be preceded by set of music from the legendary area trio “Pam McCoy and Familiar Faces” beginning at 6pm. The family friendly evening will also feature snacks, soft drinks, glow sticks and t-shirts for sale from area vendors. The evening is sponsored in part by My Kitchen Witch Café in Monmouth Beach (http://www.mykitchenwitch.com)

For more information on the event, please contact Mike Ciavolino, President of the Jersey Shore Autism Foundation, or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JerseyShoreAutismFoundation

This Saturday: Run for a Great Cause

Join Kick Cancer Overboard again this year for the Excel Travel Ocean Avenue Mile on Saturday, September 14th, 2013. 

It’s a flat, fast, certified mile road race course, held right here on the promenade in Long Branch (from Charlie's to the Ocean Place Hotel).

Last year’s event was extremely successful and we hope even more of you come out to run this year. Not only did it help to raise awareness and money for Kick Cancer Overboard, but it brought the community together for a healthy and fun day of racing. The KCO run starts at 8:55am. ANYBODY can run/walk/crawl a mile for a great cause! And everybody will get a KCO t-shirt and bracelet. See you Saturday. Bring your friends and family! Excel Travel Ocean Avenue Mile race has provided Kick Cancer Overboard runners with a discount code.

Don’t forget to use KCO13 (to qualify for the special $15 registration fee) when registering at www.oceanavenuemile.com. Any questions? Please email kickit@kickcanceroverboard.org

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Prayers for Molly Richards

Dr. Tyler Richards is the owner of New Life Chiropractic on 2^nd Avenue here in Long Branch. He is also a long time active Rotarian and on the board of Habitat for Humanity. Through his business and his charitable and community endeavors, Tyler spends much of his life giving back to the community and the people who live here.

Now, he and his family need all of our help more than ever.

Tyler’s daughter, two-year-old Molly Richards, has recently been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  Ann, Tyler, Emily, and Molly have traveled from New Jersey to Memphis, TN to participate in an experimental treatment at St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  After they get set up at the Ronald McDonald house, Ann will stay with Molly while Tyler and Emily return to NJ to start school.

Many of us have been wondering what we can do to help.  Many are taking turns making dinners.  Many are arranging play dates with Emily.  It is incredibly important that we continue to do this as long as the family needs our support.

Another thing everyone can do is chip in to help with some of the expenses that the family will incur.

There is a PayPal site set up at http://tinyurl.com/op278vn

Donations to this page will put money directly into the family's account so they can use it for whatever they need such as airline tickets for family visits to Memphis, activities for the kids to do, and so on.

Please help the Richards family at all if you can at this time. Tell your friends or simply visit the PayPal link above.  It will take credit cards safely and securely and the family will receive a notification directly and confidentially -- nobody else will see it.