MARCH 26, 2024:
After a day of rain and winds on Saturday, Neptune Recreation’s Egg Hunt was moved to Tuesday, March 26 at 6pm. With the extra days to dry out the fields at Bert Willis Park were ready to host the event. Children raced for their bounty of colored eggs across all three fields this past cool and cloudy Tuesday evening.
Children from ages pre-k through 5th grade made short work of gathering up 4,000 brightly colored eggs, each containing a small toy or wrapped candy. There were 36 lucky individuals who found golden eggs mixed in with the pastel-colored eggs. These golden eggs earned the individual a large chocolate bunny and gift card to McDonalds.
After some time to award the golden egg finders, and for the volunteers to reset the fields was the 3rd Annual Egg Hunt at Dusk for children in 6th through 9th grades. This year approximately 40 youth searched for eggs in the dark using headlamps, flashlights, glowsticks, or their phones to light up the one field in search of a thousand candy filled eggs, and a handful of golden eggs that promised a larger prize. There was even a large golden egg stuffed with extra goodies this year too!
A huge thank you to Imperial Healthcare and Cris Brown for providing prizes for the golden eggs at the Dusk event and giveaways throughout both Egg Hunts.
Thanks to Mayor Tassie York, Deputy Mayor Robert Lane, and Township Committee Member Keith Cafferty for joining in the festivities and lending a helping hand. A special thank you to helpers: Patty Sneddon, Cathy Crelin, Neptune High School Student Council, Neptune Township Police for their help at the event, and to Neptune Department of Public Works in preparing the park for a great event.
To view all photos, please CLICK HERE
MARCH 12, 2024:
Neptune Cops Win 16th Annual COPS VS. KIDS Basketball Game
The Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped make the sixteenth annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game on March 12 such a success! The prevention message was clear; the game was fun, and the Cops and Kids enjoyed some friendly competition.
It was a great event—from pre-event sponsorship to the last basket. The Cops continued their winning streak with an 61-51 victory. Spectators attempted foul shots at half time, while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, simulating what it’s like to be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Not many shots even came close!
Dozens of youth in attendance won prizes, and the grand prize winner of the cruiser bicycle was Kailynn Lavern!
The Kids’ team (coached by Matt Gorman) included: David Boone, Lana Ellington, Daren Fonrose, Robens Jordonne, Aaron Lawson, Julian Lemus, Daaron Lynch, Mike MacLennan, Stephen McQuay,
Daniel Merritt, Jayden Myrthil, Majiah Quarles, David Ramirez, Jayvion Rogers, Nick Sapp, Phil Singleton, Donovan Steverson, Cameron Stukes, Alex Velasquez, Kimani Wallace, and Tyshawn Wilder.
The Cops’ team (coached by Jim MacConchie) included: Lt. Kaan Williams, Josh James, Jaheem Woods, Marcus Alston, Sgt. Mysonn Ledet, Lt. Robert Baldwin, Nick Krimin, James Weinberg, Robert Newman, Briant Nixon, Scott Gomez, MiJaut Berry, Matt McDonough, Tressa Yurman, Javaugh Rogers, Deputy Chief Mike McGhee, and Chief Anthony Gualario.
Special volunteer thanks also to: Catherine Crelin for coordinating the Kids’ team and school logistics; Mark Clark for refereeing; Ken Maher for scoring & timing; Del for announcing, Lana Ellington for singing the Star-Spangled Banner, Neptune Cheerleaders, Neptune ROTC, the players, coaches, Neptune Board of Education; Patty Sneddon for refreshment help, and Prevention First / Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County for hosting a table with prevention giveaways at the event.
Thanks to all of our event sponsors, including: Neptune Township Police PBA #74, Neptune Twp FOP #19, McDonalds Rte 33 & 66, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Theo’s Demolition & Construction Clean-Up, Impact Auto Body, Bruno’s Italian Deli, MJ’s Pizza Bar & Grill, Allied Fire & Safety, Uni-Serv, Inc., Target, Neptune Board of Education & High School, the Neptune Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC), and the Neptune Recreation Department. Funding for this event is also provided through the Governor’s Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse.
Thanks to everyone who supported the game, and in turn, helps us spread our prevention message to the community. Be sure to look for our next Cops vs. Kids fundraiser, as I heard more than one, “Wait till next time!”
Sincerely,
Dawn Thompson, Recreation Director & Coordinator, Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
DECEMBER 2, 2023:
Over 100 people joined us for a morning of fun with Santa at Summerfield Elementary School this past Saturday. There were plenty of sweet treats for attendees in addition to a DJ, arts & crafts, and musical games, and a giant inflatable snow globe while waiting for Santa to arrive. Thanks to sponsor Imperial Healthcare for sponsoring the event and thank you to all of our volunteers from St. Rose and Neptune High School.
Please check out our other upcoming activities and events over the next few weeks!
Cards for the Holiday Season
Help us bring a little holiday cheer to residents of local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This is a great project for the kids at home! Bring your homemade cards (no envelope necessary) to the Recreation Office between 9am-3pm at 2201 Heck Ave (across from the Middle School) by Wednesday, December 13. We’ll take care of the delivery. Questions? Call 732-869-1202. Your participation is needed now more than ever!
Winter Fire event with food trucks and video game trailer!
Join us on Thursday, December 21 (with a weather date of 12/22), from 5-7pm at Loffredo Field on West Bangs Ave for a captivating evening of fun and camaraderie at our brand-new event! Gather around a crackling bonfire, toast marshmallows, and enjoy poetry readings that will light up the night. But that’s not all! Immerse yourself in the world of gaming with an exclusive video game trailer, and savor delectable delights from some mouthwatering food trucks. We encourage attendees to bring their own chairs, and dress for the weather, ensuring a comfortable and memorable evening. Don’t miss this unique celebration; come make cherished memories with friends and family.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
As always, you can call us at 732-869-1202 with any questions about upcoming events. Stay safe, and have a wonderful holiday season.
Please CLICK HERE for more photos from this fun day!
OCTOBER 27, 2023:
Neptune Township Recreation celebrated Halloween for children from kindergarten through fifth grade in a fun, not spooky way—with a Halloween Magic Show and music selected by DJ JoJo to dance, parade, and play games to. Thanks to Imperial Healthcare who donated caramel and candy apples, and to all who volunteered to help bring on the Halloween fun!
Photos by Neptune Recreation
Please CLICK HERE to view photos
SEPTEMBER 9, 2023:
On behalf of the Neptune Recreation Department, Mayor Keith Cafferty, and the Neptune Township Committee, THANK YOU to all those who were a part of Neptune Day. From the sponsors to the vendors who sold their wares and the local community groups who shared their energy and their information, you added to the day’s events and made it a success.
Neptune Day was once again held in the Middle School parking lot, and while the weather went from sunny and hot to completely overcast there was not a drop of rain to be felt! Individual attendees and families alike enjoyed games of skill, rock climbing wall, a video gaming truck, pony rides & petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, and more! Then there was the food provided by a variety of vendors which included fair staples and some unique offerings like—fish sandwiches, empanadas, kielbasa sandwiches, funnel cake, fried Oreos, shaved ice, and more!
Thanks to the Board of Education for sharing the location and to Hackensack Meridian Health / Jersey Shore University Medical Center who partnered with us for this community day by adding an entire section of a health fair with hands-on activities and games!
Thank you to all those who added to the opening ceremony—Neptune NJROTC for presenting the colors, along with the Neptune High School Band, and Cheerleaders for their performances.
Thanks to the event sponsors who helped make all the activities possible—Imperial Healthcare, 107.1 The BOSS, Nelson Realtors, and Monmouth County Park System.
And thanks to the many township departments who helped with the day, including Public Works, Police, Fire, Administration, Housing Authority, EMS, OEM, Senior Center, CERT, and Recreation. Thanks to the volunteers from Neptune Township, the Neptune Recreation Committee, and the Neptune High School & Middle School Student Councils. We couldn’t do it without you!
It was a day filled with fun! Thanks for all the community support to make it happen! For more information about getting involved with next year’s Neptune Day, please contact Neptune Recreation at 732-869-1202.
Please CLICK HERE to see photos from the day!
MAY 19, 2023:
15th Annual NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP COPS VS. KIDS Basketball Game
The Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped make the fifteenth annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game on May 16 such a success! After a few years of outside competitions like wiffle ball and kickball, everyone was happy for a return to basketball! The prevention message was clear; the game was fun, and the Cops and Kids enjoyed some friendly competition.
It was a great event—from pre-event sponsorship to the last basket. The Cops continued their winning streak with an 46-27 victory. Spectators attempted foul shots at half time, while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, simulating what it’s like to be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Not many shots even came close!
Dozens of youth in attendance won prizes, and the grand prize winner of the cruiser bicycle was Terri Puryear!
The Kids’ team (coached by Michelle Moss) included: Daren Fonrose, Quiana Johnson, Ruben Jardonne, Sebastian LaFayette, Tricia Marucca, Daniel Merritt, David Ramirez, Nicholas Sapp, Phillip Singleton, Kimani Wallace, Tyshawn Wilder, Robert Sullivan, and Steven Gonzalez.
The Cops’ team (coordinated by Jim MacConchie) included: Mysonn Ledet, Kaan Williams, Marcus Alston, Kevin O’Donnell, MiJaut Berry, Joshua James, Matthew McDonough, Justin Fosque, Carrie Bartlett, and Kristopher Daly.
Special thanks also to: Catherine Crelin for coordinating the Kids’ team and school logistics; Mark Clark for refereeing; the players, coaches, scorer and timekeeper; EMS, Neptune Board of Education; Callie Peters and student helpers Britney Barthelemy, Brittany Martinez, Diana Castro Martinez, and Rosie Cole for help with the Fatal Vision Goggles and refreshments.
Thanks to all of our event sponsors, including: Neptune Township Police PBA #74, Neptune Twp FOP #19, McDonalds Rte 33 & 66, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Theo’s Demolition & Construction Clean-Up, Impact Auto Body, Bruno’s Italian Deli, MJ’s Pizza Bar & Grill, Allied Fire & Safety, Uni-Serv, Inc., Neptune Board of Education & High School, the Neptune Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC), and the Neptune Recreation Department. Funding for this event is also provided through the Governor’s Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse.
Thanks to everyone who supported the game, and in turn, helps us spread our prevention message to the community. Be sure to look for our next Cops vs. Kids fundraiser, as I heard more than one, “Wait till next time!”
Sincerely,
Dawn Thompson, Recreation Director & Coordinator, Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 732-869-1202
Please CLICK HERE for more photos from this fun event!
APRIL 4, 2023:
Neptune Recreation’s Egg Hunt at Dusk drew a great crowd on Tuesday night as approximately 100 participants in grades 6th through 9th using flashlights, headlamps, and glow sticks to search the field at Bert Willis Park for candy filled eggs under a nearly full moon on Tuesday, April 4.
Thanks to event sponsor Imperial Healthcare there were a variety of glow stick accessories and other spring themed take-aways for participants to choose from. In addition to the 1000 candy filled eggs on the field were some golden eggs which entitled the finder to an extra treat of an additional prize. This led to excited shouts in the dark of “I found one!” and other participants wondering if eggs were golden or just yellow in color while scouring the field.
Thank you again to our sponsor, Imperial Healthcare, for providing glow sticks and prizes to the participants to help enhance the fun in the dark. Thank you to Neptune Township Police, Nadine Kleiberg, the Neptune High School students, and all our volunteers for helping make the event a success.
APRIL 2, 2023:
After a day of rain and winds the sun was shining and the fields were dry for Neptune Recreation’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2. Children raced for their bounty of colored eggs across all three fields at Bert Willis Park this past Sunday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail were also on hand to share in the fun and take pictures with those in attendance!!
Children from ages pre-k through 5th grade made short work of gathering up 4,000 brightly colored eggs, each containing a small toy or wrapped candy. There were 36 lucky individuals who found golden eggs mixed in with the pastel-colored eggs. These golden eggs earned the individual a large chocolate bunny and gift card to McDonalds. Those winners were: Max Petraitis, Cherish Byers, Jacob Matson, Kaylee Joseph, Zachary Evans, Billy Becraft, Markee Maher, Jayson Strohschein, Xayne Turner, Rose Murphy, Gaige Yuka, Arthur Pantaliano, Erick Merino, Liah Brown, Ella-Rae Palmer, Alaia Johnson, Finn Urban, June Hancock, Maya Munoz, JJ Abatemarco, Nadine Murray, Michael Clarke, Quinn Freeman, Khloe Joseph, Olivia Feit, Ceyonna Reevey, Riley Urban, Amelia Morales, Alexa Graham, Brody Bednar, Kassidy Maher, Teyonna Reevy, Braelyn Ordino Gorney, Lucas Letts, Tyler Anzizinio
Thanks to Mayor Keith Cafferty, for joining in the festivities and lending a helping hand. A special thank you to helpers: Nadine and Jason Kleiberg, Cathy Crelin, Neptune High School Student Council, Neptune High School National Honors Society, St. Rose High School students, and the Neptune Township Police. And thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail for joining us for a fun event!
DECEMBER 3, 2022:
On December 3, Neptune families braved the rain for some dancing, musical games, refreshments, and a little time with Santa at Summerfield Elementary School’s cafeteria. Despite the rain outside it was a wonderful and festive morning filled with smiles. Thanks to sponsorship from Imperial Healthcare attendees were greeted with donuts and hot chocolate to help them warm up. Families were greeted with music and seasonal fun including a 12 foot tall inflatable snow globe for a unique picture opportunity. Santa joined the fun and all the kids made sure he knew what they wanted for Christmas, and of course took a picture with Santa too.
Please CLICK HERE for more photos from this fun event!
Thank you to Deputy Mayor Keith Cafferty, Committeepersons Robert Lane and Tassie York, Neptune High School Student Council, Recreation Committee volunteers, and all who helped make the event possible, especially Santa!
NOVEMBER 9, 2022:
Several families gathered in the afternoon on Wednesday, November 9, in front of Neptune’s Municipal building to build scarecrows together with clothes and props from home, while Neptune Recreation provided the stands and the stuffing.
These creations will be on display through Thanksgiving.
OCTOBER 22, 2022:
On October 22 four Neptune families gathered at Nomoco Campground (part of Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold) for a fall camping experience organized by Monmouth County Parks Systems and Neptune Recreation. Staff and volunteers lead the families in a variety of activities including use of a climbing wall, pumpkin painting and carving, cooking dinner over a camp fire, a hike at dusk, s’mores, and an overnight camping experience in the platform tents. Quite a few of these were first time experiences for both adult and youth campers. Neptune Recreation plans to partner with Monmouth County Park System for another camping event next year.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2022:
NEPTUNE DAY 2022
On behalf of the Neptune Recreation Department, Mayor Nicholas Williams, and the Neptune Township Committee, THANK YOU to all those who came out to make Neptune Day, Saturday, September 10, a success. From the sponsors to the vendors who sold their wares and the local community groups who shared their energy and their information, you added to the day’s events.
The return of Neptune Day to the Middle School parking lot, and great weather, made for an amazing day for the whole family! Thanks to the Board of Education for sharing the location and to Hackensack Meridian Health / Jersey Shore University Medical Center who partnered with us for this community day by adding an entire section of hands-on activities and games!
Families enjoyed games of skill, rock climbing wall, video gaming truck, pony rides & petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, and more! Then there was the food provided by a variety of vendors which included fair staples and some unique offerings like—fish sandwiches, BBQ, kielbasa sandwiches, funnel cake, fried Oreos, shaved ice, and more!
Thank you to all those who added to the opening ceremony—Neptune NJROTC for presenting the colors, along with the Neptune High School Band, and Cheerleaders for their performances.
Thanks to the event sponsors who helped make all the activities possible— Brookdale Community College, Imperial Healthcare, 107.1 The Boss, Nelson Realtors, Jack Green Realty, Coral Harbor Healthcare, and Monmouth County Park System.
And thanks to the many township departments who helped with the day, including Public Works, Police, Administration, Housing Authority, EMS, OEM, and Recreation. Thanks to the volunteers from Neptune Township, the Neptune Recreation Committee, and the Neptune High School Student Council. We couldn’t do it without you!
It was a day filled with fun! Thanks for all the community support to make it happen! For more information about getting involved with next year’s Neptune Day, please contact Neptune Recreation at 732-869-1202.
Please CLICK HERE to see photos from the wonderful day!
DECEMBER 2021:
This past Saturday, the Neptune Recreation department hosted a Holiday Bingo event and fun was had by all who attended!
CLICK HERE to view the photos!
