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wo Our Gang Players alumni have teamed up to organize a 5K run to raise funds for the organization and bring awareness of the nonprofit community theater troupe’s need for a permanent space. The race is Sunday, May 20, rain or shine, at St. Mary’s of the Pines in Manahawkin. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the race going off at 10. Cost to register is $20 in advance or $25 on race day. Proceeds benefit Fred’s Fund, named in memory of Fred Hulick, Our Gang Players Artistic Director Sherry Schnepp’s dad, who was a frequent contributor to productions over the years. Fred’s Fund has been set up for donations designated for Our Gang’s eventual home. Until recently, Our Gang was using the Stafford Township Arts Center building, but policy changes by the local school board made their continued and future privileges there uncertain. Ashley Austin and Heidi Hartmann, each with about three years of racing experience, decided to make good use of their running and event-planning skills, as well as their business relationships within the community, to organize the 5K. As they have observed at previous events, either well or poorly attended, advertising and publicity are essential to drumming up support and generating a good turnout. The race organizers’ goal is to have at least 100 runners/walkers. The USATF-certified course is described as fast and scenic, along 3.1 miles of tree-lined, quiet, residential streets in Manahawkin and Cedar Run. Participants, both walkers and runners, are welcome to push strollers and baby joggers. Skateboards, rollerblades, bikes and pets are not allowed. The course includes mile markers and two water stations. “Our Gang holds a special place in our hearts,” Austin explained. Both see it as an indispensable community asset that must remain available to serve Southern Ocean County. Austin has been a member of Our Gang since 1989; Hartmann since 1993. The group currently has more than 300 members. In the “old days,” the group operated out of the Barnegat Light firehouse and put on its shows at the Surflight Theatre, Austin recalled. As a young girl, Our Gang taught her the fundamentals of theater, from stage performance to lighting and set construction, even costume design, all under Schnepp’s leadership and built upon the organization’s principle that everyone – actors and theater lovers of all ages and talent levels – deserves the chance to be onstage. “No one is ever turned away from any production,” Austin said. “For many children and adults in the “Go Fly a Kite” Story & Craft, Tuckerton Branch Ocean County Library, 380 Bay Ave. (609-296-1470) The activity is for ages 2-8. 11:30 am. Call to register or visit theoceancountylibrary.org. Movie: “Hugo,” Little Egg Harbor Branch Ocean County Library, 290 Mathistown Rd. (609-294-1197) The film is rated PG. 6 pm. Call to register or visit theoceancountylibrary.org. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 American Red Cross Blood Drive, St. Theresa’s Church, gathering space, 450 Radio Rd., Little Egg Harbor (800-GIVELIFE or www.pleasegiveblood.org) Most healthy people who weigh at least 110 pounds and are 16 or older are eligible to donate. Photo ID is required. A Red Cross parental consent form signed by parent or legal guardian is required for 16-yearolds. Noon-7 pm. Creative Writing with Marguerite, Stafford Branch Ocean County Library, 129 North Main St., Manahawkin (609-597-3381) The program is for those who love to write; participants should bring 7 copies of their work. 1-2:30 pm. Call to register or visit theoceancountylibrary.org. Gamer’s Zone, Stafford Branch Ocean County Library, 129 North Main St., Manahawkin (609-597-
last 35 years, Our Gang has cultivated selfconfidence, a positive self-image, teamwork and lifelong friendships,” she said. “Supporting the arts within your community is extremely important,” in Austin’s opinion. “The theater and arts communities give children and adults a creative outlet to discover their hidden talents.” Our Gang provides numerous opportunities for members to expand upon their natural abilities, both onstage and behind the scenes, she added. Many continue their study of theater in college and beyond, in areas of production, management, performance or music education. And perhaps best of all, Our Gang offers a safe, inclusive, judgment-free environment in which to grow and mature. “A permanent location for rehearsals and performances would enable Our Gang to expand programs and better reach and educate the community,” she said. Hartmann stressed the lasting and farreaching impact Our Gang has made by touching the lives of countless people – not just the Players but also their families, the audiences and the organization’s supporters and sponsors. Hartmann said she gained confidence and skills that she has carried over into her life as an adult, and she wants others to have the same opportunity. “(The 5K) is not about the run,” she said. “It’s about the support.” In other words, sneakers and flip-flops are equally welcome at the starting line. St. Mary’s of the Pines is located at 100 Bishop Lane. Checks are payable to Our Gang Players and should be mailed to South Jersey Running and Triathlon Co., 291 Route 72 East, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Or register online at southjerseymultisport.com/events. Visit the Facebook event page for additional details. Everyone who pre-registered by May 7 is guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers. For additional information, contact Austin and Hartmann at ourgang5Krace@gmail.com. — Victoria Lassonde
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JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF LONG BEACH ISLAND Annual INTERFAITH SABBATH SERVICE Friday, May 11th 7:30 pm at the NEW JCC of LBI, 2411 Long Beach Boulevard, Spray Beach Guest Speaker: Rev. Diane Ruth Gilbert Pastor to The First United Methodist Church, Beach Haven Crest & the Kynett United Methodist Church, Beach Haven Island Singers will participate Through this service we hope to continue building bridges of understanding for the good of the community.
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Friday thru Sunday 220 Center Street • Beach Haven • 609-492-0200 3381) Video games, board games, card games and more are available. Participants may also bring their own. The club is for ages 13-18. 6-8 pm. LBI/Mainland Woman’s Club, NJSFWC & GFWC Meets, Mill Creek Community Center, 1199 Mill Creek Rd., Manahawkin. New officers are to be installed and a light lunch served. Members come from LBI, Manahawkin, Barnegat, Waretown and Whiting. New members are welcome. 1 pm. Call Joan Malacrea, 609-660-1714. The Wings of Hope, Barnegat Twp. Community Center, 900 West Bay Ave., Barnegat (732-606-1908) Lisa A. Bono, a certified parrot behavior consultant and owner of The Platinum Parrot shop in Barnegat seeks to spread awareness of the homeless population of companion parrots. The Silver Liners of Barnegat invite everyone to attend. 10 am. Call Joan Buchanan at 609-698-6355. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 & THURSDAY, MAY 24 Pieceful Shores Quilters Guild Meets, Guests and visiting quilters are always welcome. Call Elsa Chabala at 609-607-0991 or Mary Ann Bogaczyk at 609597-4325. Wed., Long Beach Twp. Municipal Bldg., community room, 68th St. & Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, 1 pm. The program is stenciling with Judy
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23 The SandPaper/Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Our Gang 5K Raises Awareness And Donations for Fred’s Fund
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