**To view photos and events prior to 2025, please CLICK HERE**
JUNE 7, 2025
Hooked on Fishing, not on Drugs Event
It was a cloudy day with spirts of drizzling rain, and the pond was packed with hungry fish on Saturday June 7 in Neptune, as close to 90 youth tried their luck at this year’s Annual ‘Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs’ fishing event. The free tournament was held at the Hamilton Fire Company Pond and organized by the Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Misuse, Recreation, Police, and Marina; Bradley Beach Surf Casters; and Ocean Grove Fishing Club.
The fish were biting early, as kids went running to measuring stations around the pond, operated by volunteers from the Surf Casters and Fishing Club, with fresh-caught bass, catfish, bluegills and sunnies. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the great outdoors as shouts of “I got one!” were heard from around the pond with each new catch. Trophies were awarded for the heaviest catches, and additional prizes were awarded for the two biggest catches in each age category. The trophies were provided by the fishing clubs, while the prizes were provided by the fishing clubs and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Top catches were awarded to Aaliyah K (21.5 oz, 13.75” catch) and Reagan D. (8.5oz, 8” catch) in the 1-6 age group, John O. (60.5 oz, 22” catch) and Reilynn P. (26 oz, 15” catch) in the 7-10 age group, Noah W. (83oz, 23” catch) and Ryan P. (53oz, 24” catch) in the 11-14 age group, and Jazelle N. (15 oz, 13” catch) and Shyanne C. (4.5 oz, 5.5” catch) in the 15-18 age group.
Throughout the event a dozen other prizes (including tackle bags, gift cards, and sets of rods and tackle) were awarded to youth participants provided by the Department of Fish & Wildlife, Imperial Healthcare, and other event sponsors.
For use of the pond, hats, towels, bait, and raffle items, special thanks to event sponsors—Hamilton Fire Company, Imperial Healthcare, Seacrest Recovery, Dick’s Sporting Goods, the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder, Mike’s Pet Supply, Jodi & Jodee’s Fishery. Thank you to Chick-fil-A of Ocean and The Cone Zone for providing snacks to all the youth to help make it a perfect day for fishing! There were even special appearances made by an osprey picking up a fish breakfast and several of the turtles that reside in the pond that were helping themselves to a worm brunch.
NJ Department of Environmental Protection designed the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs event to create an interest in safe, healthy, outdoor activities for youth, and Neptune Township is proud to be an event supporter. Look for our annual Hooked on Fishing event next year!!
JUNE 6, 2025
Neptune Cops Win 18th Annual COPS VS. KIDS Basketball Game
The Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Misuse would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped make the eighteenth annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game on June 3 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 35-31 victory. During half time spectators attempted foul shots while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, which visually simulate what it’s like to be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Not many shots even came close!
Most attendees made a donation upon entry to be eligible for raffled prizes, which dozens of youth won!
The Kids’ team (coached by Michelle Moss) included: Lana Ellington, Bre Evans, Shakur Faniel, Daren Fonrose, Kristopher Germain, Gibson Lavarin, Jaimel Luckey, Jayden Myrthil, Christa Ramos, Donovan Steverson, Cameron Stukes, Alandiss Walker, and Kimani Wallace.
The Cops’ team (coached by Mysonn Ledet) included: Marques Alston, Colleen Brennan, Casey Crawford, Javier Duron, Scott Gomes, Kylee Jazikoff, Robert Layton, Mysonn Ledet, Kaan Williams, and Jaheem Woods.
Special volunteer thanks also to: Catherine Crelin for coordinating the Kids’ team and school logistics; Mark Clark for refereeing; Neptune High School Student Council members Widley Joseph, Sarah Cazeau, and Lia Kernfor keeping score and announcing, the players, coaches, and the Neptune Board of Education.
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 Substance Misuse, Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC), and the Neptune Recreation Department. Funding for this event is also provided through the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder.
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 we heard more than one, “Wait till next time!”
To see more events from this fun event, please CLICK HERE.
MAY 13, 2025
2nd Annual Fly with a Cop Event
To see more events from this fun event, please CLICK HERE.
