Sure Sign Of Summer

A sure sign that summer is here as tonight the Festival of the Atlantic concert series begins its 19th season under the stars and on the beach in Point Pleasant Beach. The Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea, under the direction of Father Alphonse Stephenson, will put on these free performances every Wednesday (except July 4th) with the finale on Labor Day. The concerts begin at 7:30 and are held on the Inlet Beach near Jenkinson’s at the northern end of the boardwalk. You can bring beach chairs and blankets and set up early for the shows which are very popular and always well attended.

The concert series is sponsored by Jenkinson’s, Diane Turton Realtors, OceanFirst Foundation, Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, Commerce Bank, Paul Zito Foundation and other local businesses.

While the concerts are free donations are accepted and over two decades the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea has raised nearly $3 million for schools, colleges and other social service organizations.

The Lavallette office of Diane Turton Realtors does run a couple of busses to the weekly shows…you can call there for details.

A big change in the Ocean County Prosecutors Office as Thomas Kelaher leaves after 5 ½ years as Prosecutor and is replaced by Marlene Lynch Ford. Kelahar, who will return to his private law practice did a terrific job during his tenure and drew praise from many in law enforcement. I used to bump into the ex-Marine on Thursdays at a Toms River diner where he enjoyed split pea soup and hearty conversation. Ford has an outstanding resume to take over the Prosecutors Office and a solid and an experienced staff to work with which should make for a smooth transition.

Dan Klein is the new head football coach at Ocean Township High School after spending the last four seasons as a Spartans assistant. He replaces Sal Spampanato who earlier this month took over the program at Monmouth Regional High School. The 28-year old Klein played at Shore Regional and later Franklin & Marshall and takes over one of the top programs in the shore area…the Spartans were 8-2 last season.