The Coaster

By DON STINE
Monday, February 2 will be the date that a new dress code for students in pre-school through the fifth grade will go into effect in the Neptune school district.
Board President Beverly Holland said there was no comment about the new uniform policy from the public at the last board meeting.
“Letters were sent home [...]

By RICHARD VIRGILIO
Would you shave the hair off your head for a donation of $10,000 to your favorite charity?

A few months ago I spent some time with nine well-coifed ladies in their late-20’s and asked them that scruples question. After shrieks of horror worthy of the best Halloween movie, only two of the nine [...]

Halloween parades, parties, spooky storytimes and even a seance are scheduled for the most terrifying of holidays; Halloween.
Mattison Park restaurant and martini lounge in the landmark Meistrich building in Asbury Park and Paranormal Books, Cookman Avenue are hosting the first ever Halloween block party Oct. 31.
The party includes a costume contest with cash and [...]

By RICHARD VIRGILIO
I am seeing escapism in your future…I am seeing a business…a fun business…in…in… no, on Cookman Avenue. The store is inviting you…it’s telling me to invite you to explore something new and original in Asbury Park this Halloween.

Paranormal Books and Curiosities is packed with so many things to see and do this Halloween, it’s sure to excite and ignite any weary spirit.
Whether you are interested in an evening of searching for ghosts, investigating spirit-infused location tours in Asbury Park, learning your future or buying an unusual book about Halloween, ghosts or the macabre – Paranormal Books can be your haunted home base.

By RICHARD VIRGILIO
We all need a great laugh and some levity right now. Let’s laugh together this weekend at comedienne Maureen Langan’s performance at Cry Baby Gallery during the 7th Annual Women’s Arts Festival.
Named one of the “Ten Standout Stand-ups Worth Watching” by Backstage Magazine, Maureen is taking a break from opening for Joy Behar, stealing the show with her sharp news satire from MSNBC’s hottie Dan Abrams and touring – a regular at Caroline’s in New York City – to help us forget the country’s troubles and get happy.

Downtown merchants in Asbury Park will celebrate Rocktober, a tribute to the city’s musical heritage on First Saturday Night Oct. 4.
The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. and beyond.
“The city of Asbury Park has very deep musical roots” said Michael Evans, Chairman of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce’s Special Events Committee. [...]

By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
An eviction notice lead Marj Conn, a Massachusetts native, to the Jersey Shore but after only two years here she has made her creative presence known.
Conn had spent 16 years in Provincetown on Cape Cod running her own theater company when the apartment building she and 11 others were living in was [...]

The Historical Society of Ocean Grove will hold its fourth annual October Antiques and Collectibles Show Sat., Oct. 11 at the Ocean Grove Youth Temple from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets are $3 and parking is free.
Twenty-eight dealers are expected at the sale including those selling china, linens, vintage jewelry, textiles, folk art, sports items, [...]