Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale

Brookdale Community College

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the foundation of who we are. Every program, partnership, and learning experience is designed to help students Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale as they pursue meaningful and rewarding futures. Our commitment to quality is reflected in what our students experience every day: • 81 percent say professors put significant effort into teaching their classes. • 76 percent report it is easy to get the classes they need. • 92 percent feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. • A 17 to 1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized support and mentorship. • Graduates earn a median salary of $50,836 five years out, well above the national average. With more than 60 degree and certificate programs, Brookdale offers flexible in-person, hybrid, and online options to meet students where they are. Our seamless transfer pathways—with Rutgers University, Georgian Court University, Kean University, and Monmouth University—allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees right here in Monmouth County. We also offer more than 40 transfer agreements with leading four-year colleges and universities from Paris to New Jersey and beyond, guaranteeing qualified students junior-year status. Several agreements even provide three-plus-one pathways so your junior year can be completed at Brookdale for significant savings. Students also benefit from robust career services, workforce partnerships, and hands-on learning that prepare them for in-demand careers in nursing, business, engineering, information technology, criminal justice, cybersecurity, liberal arts, and more. Brookdale’s rigorous programs and dedicated faculty empower students to Be Bold, excel in a rapidly changing world, and graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.

Monmouth County

New York City Metropolitan Area

Asbury Park

New Jersey

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the...

New turfs on our mini golf courses coming in April/May!

Swing Time Sports Park

Swing Time Sports Park is Howell’s go‑to spot for family fun, offering mini golf, batting cages, a full arcade, and party hosting all in one place. Located right on Route 9, we’re proud to be a local favorite where kids, teens, and adults can enjoy affordable, active entertainment year‑round. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family outing, or just looking for something fun to do close to home, Swing Time Sports Park is here to bring the community together with excitement and energy. 

Karen Wall

Howell

Swing Time Sports Park is Howell’s go‑to spot for family fun, offering mini golf, batting cages, a full arcade, and party hosting all in one place....

Early Morning & Late Night DEALS! 25% OFF Sale

Scarlet Reserve Room

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or corporate investors. Our mission is to keep cannabis culture alive in New Jersey while providing safe, premium, and compliant cannabis products to local customers. For anyone who believes in second chances and social equity in the New Jersey cannabis market, our journey shows it’s possible — even when the odds feel stacked against you. We’re proud to lead by example and build a trusted Englishtown and Monmouth County dispensary for the next generation of cannabis consumers and entrepreneurs. Our journey proves that redemption and determination can break barriers. Once facing charges for the very plant now fueling an industry, our founder rebuilt from the ground up — earning degrees, mastering business, and creating safe, trusted spaces for cannabis and wellness. Today, Scarlet Reserve Room stands proudly as an independently owned, legacy-to-legal Englishtown dispensary, keeping culture alive and proving second chances matter.

Monmouth

Englishtown

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or...

Now accepting Spring and Annual Storage reservations 

The NJ Paddock Car Storage Facility

An INSURED, Secure, Climate Controlled Antique, Classic and Exotic car storage facility.

Sara Winick

Wall

Aig Group/ Asbury Park Press is hosting a blood drive with Central Jersey Blood Center on Monday, December 22nd from 9:00am to 12:00pm, located at 3600 Rt 66 Neptune, NJ 07754To schedule your appointment, please contact us by calling 732-842-5750 ext 264 email <a href="mailto:lortiz@cjbcblood.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lortiz@cjbcblood.org</a> or click on the link below and schedule your appointment: <a href="https://donate.cjbcblood.org/donor/schedules/geo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://donate.cjbcblood.org/donor/schedules/geo</a>.Thank you for being a blood donor!Central Jersey Blood Center

Aig Group/ Asbury Park Press is hosting a blood drive with Central Jersey Blood Center on Monday, December 22nd from 9:00am to 12:00pm, located at 3600 Rt 66 Neptune, NJ 07754

To schedule your appointment, please contact us by calling 732-842-5750 ext 264 email <a href="mailto:lortiz@cjbcblood.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lortiz@cjbcblood.org</a> or click on the link below and schedule your appointment: <a href="https://donate.cjbcblood.org/donor/schedules/geo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://donate.cjbcblood.org/donor/schedules/geo</a>.Thank you for being a blood donor!

Blood Drive: Sign up today! Aig Group/Asbury Park Press is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, December 22nd, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Every drop counts. Give blood!

Neighbor News

Carly Baldwin

Manasquan-Belmar

Ocean County

Point Pleasant

Brick

Long Branch-Eatontown

Lakewood

Freehold

Red Bank-Shrewsbury

Little Silver-Oceanport

VFW Post 2179 – 460 NJ- 36 Port Monmouth, NJ

The New Jersey Reptile Show is back — now expanded to two full days for an even better experience! Join us on Saturday, May 2nd or Sunday, May 3rd (9AM–4PM both days) for a friendly, educational , and fun-filled reptile &amp; exotic animal expo where families, collectors, and curious newcomers can explore the incredible world of reptiles.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time reptile owner, or a family looking for a unique day out, this is the place to be. This is a sales and experience expo featuring animals and supplies from NJ's top breeders and vendors — while also giving kids and parents the rare chance to see these magnificent creatures up close, not just in books or on TV.
Kids 5 &amp; under get in FREE!
<hr>
<h2>🎟️ Tickets &amp; Capacity</h2>
Online ticket purchase is required.&nbsp;Capacity is strictly limited per day, and this event is expected to sell out.
👉 Purchase tickets at www.NJReptileShow.com to secure your spot.
Limited discounted family bundle tickets available — while they last!
<hr>
<h2>📍 Event Details</h2>
📍 Location: 
VFW Post 2179 
460 NJ-36 S, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 
(Use this address for Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze)
🕘 Dates &amp; Times: 
Saturday, May 2, 2026 (9AM – 4PM) 
Sunday, May 3, 2026 (9AM – 4PM)
🎟️ Admission: (Single Day) 
General Admission (Ages 6+): $20 
Discounted 4-Pack Family Bundle (Save $10 — While Available) 
Kids 5 &amp; Under: FREE
🅿️ Parking: 
Free on-site parking available
🍔 Food &amp; Drinks: 
Available for purchase at the VFW snack bar (Cash &amp; Cards)
<hr>
<h2>🐸 What To Expect</h2>
<h3>✅ A Unique Family Experience</h3>
Get up close to real reptiles and exotic animals in a safe, exciting environment. Perfect for young animal lovers, curious kids, and families looking for something different!
<hr>
<h3>✅ A True Reptile &amp; Exotic Animal Marketplace</h3>
Browse and shop from 70+ vendor tables featuring:
• Captive-bred reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, aquatic fish, invertebrates, and &amp; small exotic mammals 
• Habitats, enclosures, and bioactive supplies 
• Feeder insects, frozen/live rodents, and more 
• Reptile merchandise and discounted equipment
<hr>
<h3>🦎 Animals You’ll See</h3>
Explore a wide variety of species from around the world:
🦎 Geckos 
🐍 Snakes 
🐉 Lizards 
🐸 Amphibians 
🕷️ Invertebrates 
🐟 Rare aquatic fish 
🦔 Small exotic mammals (hedgehogs and more!)🦜Interactive parrot experience by Parties By Parrots (Add-on vendor experience)
<hr>
<h2>🏪 Featured Vendors</h2>
Featuring top breeders, exotic pet shops, and trusted professionals including:
• Major League Exotics 
• Reptile Deli 
• AquaTerra Exotics 
• Classic Jurassic 
• Nautilus Avian &amp; Exotics Veterinary Specialists 
• Garden State Exotics 
• Strong Island Aquatics &amp; Exotics 
• The Critter Carnival 
• EZ Botanicals
(and many more from across New Jersey and beyond)

Local Event: NJ Reptile & Exotic Animal Show Returns May 2–3 (2-Day Event, Limited Tickets)

Port Monmouth

NJ Reptile & Exotic Animal Show Returns May 2–3...

The New Jersey Reptile Show is back — now expanded to two full days for an even better experience! Join us on Saturday, May 2nd...

NJ Reptile & Exotic Animal Show Returns May 2–3 (2-Day Event, Limited Tickets)

Brookdale Performing Arts Center

The Cabaret Café: Broadway Night Step into a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable Broadway magic at Brookdale Performing Arts Center! From heart-stopping ballads to show-stopping hits, experience the songs you love performed live around the piano in an intimate, elegant cabaret setting. Sip on some signature drinks, and let the music sweep you away at your cozy cocktail table.&nbsp;
May 2nd at 7 PM — Broadway comes alive at the Cabaret Café!&nbsp;
$25/ticket (plus a small ticket fee) includes assorted non alcoholic drinks. &nbsp;Tickets are limited!&nbsp;
<a href="https://brookdalepac.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200511646" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Purchase tickets here</a>

Local Event: The Cabaret Cafe: Broadway Night

Middletown

The Cabaret Cafe: Broadway Night

The Cabaret Café: Broadway Night  Step into a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable Broadway magic at Brookdale Performing...

Brookdale Performing Arts Center is thrilled to launch a bold new comedy experience in 2026: Laugh Lab @Brookdale, an improv series where nothing is scripted, everything is unexpected, and the laughs are absolutely guaranteed. This fresh, experimental comedy night invites audiences into a world where performers push boundaries, test new ideas, and embrace the hilariously unhinged.&nbsp;
Guests will enjoy the show in cocktail-style seating, creating an intimate, club-like atmosphere. Snacks will be available for purchase, and the casual, lounge vibe offers a perfect night out for adults looking to unwind, laugh, and escape the ordinary.&nbsp;
Tickets are just $10, making Laugh Lab @Brookdale one of the most affordable and entertaining nights in Monmouth County. Each performance begins at 7:00 PM, and with a lineup of quick-thinking comedians and unpredictable scenarios, no two nights will ever be the same.&nbsp;
2026 Show Dates&nbsp;
<ul><li>February 19, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>February 20, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>March 12, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>March 13, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>May 7, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>May 8, 2026&nbsp;</li></ul>
All shows begin at 7:00 PM and tickets are $10.&nbsp;
This improv series is adult-themed, geared toward audiences who appreciate edgy, off-the-rails humor. Whether you're an improv lover or someone who just needs a break from the everyday, this is the show you’ll be talking about long after the lights come up.&nbsp;
Don’t miss your chance to be part of something new, daring, and wickedly funny in 2026. Seats are limited, and with this kind of energy, buzz, and price point, Laugh Lab @Brookdale has all the makings of the next must-see local comedy hit.&nbsp;
Laugh Lab @Brookdale Where comedy gets tested, tried, and totally unhinged.
<a href="https://brookdalepac.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200511403" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Purchase tickets here</a>

Local Event: Laugh Lab @Brookdale - May 7 & 8

Laugh Lab @Brookdale - May 7 & 8

Brookdale Performing Arts Center is thrilled to launch a bold new comedy experience in 2026: Laugh Lab @Brookdale, an improv...

Route 35 Overnight Traffic Shifts Planned In...

The shifts are set to continue for the next several weeks while water main work takes place, the NJ Department of Transportation said.

Route 35 Overnight Traffic Shifts Planned In Wall: NJ DOT

Traffic & Transit

400+ Pounds Of Prescription Medications...

The unwanted and unused medications were collected as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday. 

400+ Pounds Of Prescription Medications Collected In Wall, Police Say

Health & Fitness

Local Sub Chain Coming To Bell Works Fort...

The new ‘metroburb’ is currently in development and will join two other Bell Works locations in Holmdel and Illinois. 

Local Sub Chain Coming To Bell Works Fort Monmouth: See Details

Business

Rumson-Fair Haven

Monmouth County Bar Named As Finalist For Best...

Located in Sea Bright, this bar is known for its private lifeguarded beach, open-air bars and decks, drinks and more.

Monmouth County Bar Named As Finalist For Best Beach Bars In The U.S.

Restaurants & Bars

2026 Basie Awards: See Who’s Nominated Across...

The annual awards ceremony celebrates the best of Monmouth County’s high school theatre. 

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