**To view photos and events prior to 2026, please CLICK HERE [1]**

HOOKED ON FISHING EVENT 2026

The pond was packed with hungry fish on Saturday June 6 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.

Youth participants were running to measuring stations around the pond, operated by volunteers from the Surf Casters and Fishing Club, almost as soon as bait hit the water 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 Luka L (22 oz, 15” catch) and Aria J (11.8oz, 11” catch) in the 1-6 age group, John O. (56.5oz, 23” catch) and Aaliyah K (22oz, 14.75” catch) in the 7-10 age group, Keenan C (66.5oz, 22.5” catch) and Ryan P (45oz, 16” catch) in the 11-14 age group, and Angel C (6.5oz, 5” catch) and Leah F (4oz, 7” catch) in the 15-18 age group.

Throughout the event other prizes (including gift cards and rods and reels) were awarded to youth participants provided by the Department of Fish & Wildlife, Mike’s Pet Center, Jody & Jodee’s Fishery, 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, Jody & 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 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!!

Please CLICK HERE [2] to see photos from the day! 

COPS V. KIDS BASKETBALL GAME 2026

The Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Misuse would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped make the nineteenth annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game on April 30 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 a 47-39 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 included: Joseph Joyce, Joey Taylor, Elija Harne, Kyceir Pinnock, Patrice Leon, Alex Velasquez, Chris Ramos, Daaron Lynch, Nick Sapp, Majiah Quarlez, Ialuil Pope, CJ Evans, and David Binns.

The Cops’ team (coached by Lt. James MacConchie) included: Marques Alston, Javier Duron, Mysonn Ledet, Jaheem Woods, Bryan Taylor, Damiel Doyle, and Mike McGhee.

Special volunteer thanks also to: Catherine Crelin for coordinating the Kids’ team and school logistics; Mark Clark for refereeing; Neptune High School Student Jump Start for keeping time and score, 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, Gillis Organization-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!”

Sincerely,  Cory Zarrella, Recreation Program & Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Misuse Coordinator 732-869-1202 

EASTER EGG HUNT 2026
 

It was a cold yet sunny day on Saturday, March 28 when Neptune Recreation’s Egg Hunt was held. Children raced for their bounty of pastel-colored eggs across the two softball outfields filled with goodies.
Children from ages pre-k through 5^th 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. Additionally, there were some solid chocolate bunnies on each field for the youth to find thanks to sponsor Imperial Healthcare.
On Tuesday, March 31 was the 5th Annual Egg Hunt at Dusk for children in 6^th through 9^th grade. 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, prize spheres, and a handful of golden eggs that promised a larger prize. Each participant also left with a chocolate bunny.
A huge thank you to Imperial Healthcare and Cris Brown for providing prizes for the golden eggs at the Dusk event and giveaways at both Egg Hunts.
With the great weather, Tuesday also saw a few extra paws at the Bert Willis Dog Park to have their picture taken with Peter Cottontail. For posing so well these dogs got a Milk Bone treat at the first of such events at the Dog Park that opened last year.

A special thank you to helpers: Patty Sneddon, Cathy Crelin, Neptune High School Student Council, Niarra Harvey, Bridgete James, Jessie & Darby Thompson, Neptune Township Police for their help at the event, and to Neptune Department of Public Works in preparing the park for a great event.

Please CLICK HERE [3] to see photos from the fun!
 

EASTER PHOTOS WITH PUPS

A special thank you to helpers: Patty Sneddon, Cathy Crelin, Neptune High School Student Council, Niarra Harvey, Bridgete James, Jessie & Darby Thompson, Neptune Township Police for their help at the event, and to Neptune Department of Public Works in preparing the park for a great event.