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22 for a fund raiser at New Jersey's friendliest Irish pub. Owner Pat Mannion will donate 10% from each lunch and dinner bill - including drinks - to support <B>Operation Shoebox New Jersey. </B>Click on the LINK to print the flyer, which you must present to your server to qualify for this offer.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-2642/OPSHBXNJmannionsflyer.pdf"><img align="bottom" border="0" width="119" height="104" src="HTMLobj-2642/pog.jpg"></a>  Click on the Pot of Gold for Flyer</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>OPSHBX NJ hosts 5th annual Christmas packing & Santa’s Workshop </B></div> <div> <B>Nov. 21 at Manville VFW Post </B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="a1ffbbc0.jpg" border=0 width="251" height="188" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5">MANVILLE - Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey staff to pack gift boxes and send Christmas greetings to U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan at its fifth annual Christmas packing and Santa’s Workshop Saturday, Nov. 21. </div> <div> The packing and workshop will be at the Walter Kavanaugh VFW Post #2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville, with registration at 11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies. Packing begins at 11:30 a.m. A light lunch will be provided. </div> <div> Soldiers and Marines who were recipients of OPSHBX NJ gift packages are expected to attend and extend their thanks to the volunteers. </div> <div> OPSHBX NJ will provide crafts material for volunteers to make ornaments that will be packed inside each gift box. </div> <div> Volunteer packers are encouraged to donate personal care items for shipment, including snacks and toiletries. Check the shopping list on our website and bring along a bag of needed items. </div> <div> The packages sent overseas will include cans of tuna, cans of fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, gum, candy, granola bars, powdered drink mixes, coffee, tea, oatmeal, hot chocolate, toothpaste, tooth brushes, ear swabs, moist wipes, sun block, eye drops, soap, shampoo, socks, stationary, envelopes, pens, batteries and other items. </div> <div> Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sit down and write a short letter or Christmas card to the troops; all cards and letters will be inserted into the boxes. We'll also add stuffed animals and other gift items for the troops to hand out to young Iraqi and Afghan children. </div> <div> There are two shifts available for volunteers to <A HREF="http://opshoeboxnj.org/ufm/volunteer.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://opshoeboxnj.org/ufm/volunteer.php">sign up</A> on the website: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. </div> <div> Songwriter and musician Alan Grant & Primitive Soul will perform throughout the day on stage; the United We Stand foundation and The American Hero foundation will also be on hand to promote their organizations, both of which are affiliated with Operation Shoebox New Jersey. </div> <div> Financial support is also needed to help pay the costs of shipping the packages. All donations are tax deductible. Volunteers are asked to sign up in advance on the OPSHBX NJ website. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="71850370.gif" border=0 width="80" height="55" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="a1db9040.jpg" border=0 width="441" height="260" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="7" VSPACE="7">Bridgewater, NJ- The Five-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots hosted an Operation Shoebox New Jersey Packing Event at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, October 10th.</div> <div> Volunteers of all ages helped pack 612 boxes to ship to U.S troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.</div> <div> The event began at 11:30 am with a brief orientation by Executive Director Rod Hirsch. Volunteers then filled care packages with different toiletries, necessities, and food items from bins spread along the main concourse.</div> <div> All volunteers were asked to write cards and letters to the troops that were included in each package. Volunteers also signed a large banner expressing their thanks to the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors that was also being sent overseas.</div> <div> The Patriots have hosted several packings at the ballpark since 2005, when Operation Shoebox New Jersey first began to send personal care packages overseas. The volunteer organization has sent more than 28,000 packages to U.S. troops.</div> <div> Operation Shoebox New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation registered in the state of New Jersey; all donations are tax deductible. The office is located in Veterans Industrial Park, Route 206, Hillsborough.</div> <div> Further information is available on the website at www.opshoeboxnj.org or by calling OPSHBX NJ headquarters at (908) 698-0333. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> New Jersey State Society of Auctioneers raises $2,408 to support U.S. troops overseas</div> <div> By ROD HIRSCH</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" >  </FONT>   <IMG SRC="a112fdd0.jpg" border=0 width="303" height="221" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="4">BRIDGEWATER, N.J. - The last of the Somerset Patriots players had left the field just moments before, and while the grounds crew raked and tamped the infield and pitcher’s mound at TD Bank Ballpark, several hundred fans remained behind to watch and participate in the New Jersey State Society of Auctioneers annual Bid Calling Contest which featured nearly two dozen lots of sports memorabilia and other items, including cartoon cels, a tour of The White House and a bushel basket of fresh New Jersey produce.</div> <div> One by one, they climbed atop the first base dugout at TD Bank Ballpark, microphone in hand and worked the crowd, doing their best to impress the judges and raise money for Operation Shoebox New Jersey, a statewide volunteer organization that ships personal care packages to U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.</div> <div>      Auctioneers each have their own style, a rapid-fire sing song cadence of clipped words strung together with numbers that go higher and higher; though many in the audience couldn’t decipher the words, they felt the excitement and caught the fever. </div> <div> Through the melodic garble of words and numbers, the message was simple – if you want what I’m holding in my hand, you’re going to have to spend money, more money than anyone else in the crowd. </div> <div>      The message was brought home bigger than life, as the auction was shown on the 50-foot ballpark screen with the camera trained on each auctioneer as they went through their routines.</div> <div>      Going, going, gone . . . </div> <div>      The auction netted a total of $2,150, with another $258 raised by Col Lee Fox, NJSSA president and his staff on the concourse prior to the auction. With a donation of $10 or more, Fox offered buyers a selection of jewelry he had purchased himself at an auction of seized and confiscated merchandise sold by the state of New Jersey. Col. Lee M. Fox Auctions is located in Mullica Hill.</div> <div>      Fox was joined by his wife and daughter, with an assist from Air Force Sgt. Dave Lawson.</div> <div> Judges picked Joseph Bodnar of Bodnar’s Auctions, based in New Brunswick, as first place winner in the New Jersey Auctioneer of the Year contest; he was awarded a three-foot trophy topped off by a microphone.</div> <div> “I was very proud of our members and how they stepped up to the plate to raise money for Operation Shoebox New Jersey,” Fox said.  </div> <div> Just two weeks following the auction, Lawson married the auctioneer’s daughter and shipped out to Iraq for his third tour of duty in the Mideast.</div> <div>      Items sold included an autographed limited edition GiClee of Patriots’ manager Sparky Lyle in his Yankee pinstripes painted by noted sports artist James Fiorentino for $190. Signed by Lyle and the artist, the original painting of Lyle, winner of the Cy Young award in 1977, was donated by Fiorentino to OPSHBX NJ to be used for fund raising.  A second limited edition print signed by Fiorentino and Lyle, depicting Opening Day 1999 at the Patriots ballpark, sold for $60.</div> <div> A framed photo plaque signed by Mickey Mantle with a letter of authenticity sold for $160. Other Yankees items included a Roy White autographed baseball for $70 and a Horace Clarke autographed baseball for $25. A framed, autographed photo of Don Mattingly with a letter of authenticity sold for $150.</div> <div>      Several Patriots items were also sold, including a team-signed baseball from the inaugural 1999 season, $60, a 2009 team-signed bat, $170, and a 2009 team-signed baseball, $200. A luxury suite for one night in the 2010 season sold for $395. A round of golf for a foursome at Forsgate Country Club sold for $110, and the basket of produce sold for $60.</div> <div>      The Washington D.C. package, which included The White House tour as well as a tour of the U.S. Capitol building, sold for $50.  </div> <div> “You never know how people are going to participate in the bidding,” Bodnar said, “but I think it went extremely well, and as for winning the competition, I’m ecstatic. It’s a real honor to have won, now I’ve got this nice three-foot trophy on my desk; I’m going to bring it to the next auction and put it on the podium for everyone to see.”</div> <div> In addition to Fox and Bodnar, other New Jersey auctioneers competing in the statewide contest included Alfred Finocchiaro of Alfred’s Auctions, Hightstown; Stephen J. Miranti of Auction Liquidation Services, Eatontown and Harrie Copeland, Copeland Auction Company, Sergeantsville.</div> <div>      Fox and Bodnar agreed that the NJSSA accomplished its goal of bringing people out to the ballpark to experience the sights and sounds of a live auction.</div> <div>      “We all got out names out there and the crowd could see us on the video screen and hear the sounds of the auction throughout the ballpark, they could appreciate the performance that goes along with auctioneering,” Bodnar said.</div> <div>      “That’s something you don’t get on EBay,” he added.</div> <div>      For further information contact Fox at (609) 970-5163 or Bodnar at (866) 349-7378.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Operation Shoebox New Jersey hosts</div> <div> Triple Header at TD Bank Ballpark</div> <bR> <div>      BRIDGEWATER - Operation Shoebox New Jersey is gearing up for a triple header weekend Aug. 14 &16 at TD Bank Ballpark, beginning with a dramatic tribute to the American flag,  the unveiling of a portrait of Patriots’ manager Sparky Lyle and a competitive auction of sports memorabilia featuring New Jersey’s top auctioneers.</div> <bR> <div>  OPSHBX NJ will host the patriotic "Salute to the Flag" celebration at TD Bank Ballpark on Friday night, Aug. 14; game time is 7:05 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> Everyone who attends that game will be presented with an American flag as they enter the ballpark; the first 2,000 fans through the turnstiles will also receive a red, white and blue cinch sack emblazoned with the OPSHBX NJ and Somerset Patriots’ logos.</div> <bR> <div> News organizations and camera crews from throughout the metropolitan area have been invited to the ballpark to help record what is expected to  be an iconic photograph, as the entire crowd will be invited to stand up in between innings and proudly wave their flags creating a swirling sea of red, white and blue extending throughout the ballpark.</div> <bR> <div> “Everyone is urged to bring their camera and record this gesture of unity and patriotism by the Central New Jersey community and circulate their photos on the Internet,” explained Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director of OPSHBX NJ.  “We need you, your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to all join in and help show America and our troops overseas that we are all proud to be Americans and stand behind the brave men and women in uniform serving their country.”</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="9e1f5780.jpg" border=0 width="501" height="376" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5">During pre-game ceremonies, nationally-renowned sports artist and Flemington resident James Fiorentino will unveil a portrait of Patriots’ manager and former New York Yankees pitcher Sparky Lyle. Honored as Atlantic League Manager of the Year three times during his tenure as manager of the Patriots. Lyle had an 18-year career in the Major Leagues, winning the Cy Young Award with the New York Yankees in 1977.</div> <div> Fiorentino, whose works are in the private collections of dozens of professional athletes and who has created original artwork for Topps, Upper Deck and Fleer trading cards, is donating the Lyle portrait to OPSHBX NJ. A series of limited-edition giclees numbered 1-28 and signed by Fiorentino and Lyle will be sold to raise funds for OPSHBX NJ, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that ships personal care packages to U.S. troops overseas.</div> <div> The first opportunity to own one of those limited edition prints will be on Sunday, Aug. 16 during the statewide bid calling contest hosted by the New Jersey State Society of Auctioneers at the ballpark held at the conclusion of the 5:05 p.m. game against the Newark Bears.</div> <div> Standing atop the Patriots’ first base dugout, the auctioneers will be selling a variety of Major League sports memorabilia, including autographed baseballs and an autographed Mickey Mantle plaque, lithographs, vintage baseball cards and other items. The Somerset Patriots will donate several items from the Atlantic League, including VIP packages for fans and autographed items. A private tour of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. is also included in the auction.</div> <bR> <div>      Items to be sold at the auction will be displayed on the concourse during the game so that potential bidders can have a close look at the merchandise. Absentee bids will be accepted during the game from those who must leave the ballpark prior to the auction.</div> <div> Several auctioneers will be featured, according to Central New Jersey auctioneer Joe Bodnar of Bodnar’s Auctions, which holds monthly sales the second Thursday of each month at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, 135 Davidson Ave., Somerset</div> <div>      All monies raised during the auction of the sports memorabilia will be donated to Operation Shoebox New Jersey, according to Bodnar.</div> <div> “We’re honored, privileged and excited to be a part of this unique event,” Hirsch said. “We’ve assembled some high quality sports memorabilia in hopes that fans will stay after the game for the opportunity to bid - and bid often - on collectibles and opportunities that don’t come along that often.”</div> <div> Each auctioneer entered in the competition will sell one or two items, according to Bodnar, with each item being sold to the highest bidder.  Each auctioneer will be judged on their personality, the clarity of their call, and how well they “work” the crowd in an effort to get the highest price possible, according to Bodnar.</div> <div>      Judges will include a member of the Patriots’ staff, a randomly selected fan and a member of the NJSSA not competing in the contest.</div> <div> OPSHBX NJ volunteers will also be working at the ballpark’s first base concession stand on Saturday might, Aug. 15 to help raise funds for the organization.</div> <div> Reserved $9 tickets for the Aug. 14 “Salute to the Flag” tribute in sections 201-205 are available by contacting OPSHBX NJ at (08) 698-0333 or opshbxnj@yahoo.com; tickets for the Aug. 16 game may be purchased from members of the NJSSA or by calling Bodnar at (866) 349-7378.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="9de650c0.jpg" border=0 width="357" height="268" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> A group of two dozen ImClone employees from the companys' Branchburg location volunteered to work at Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters on May 20, helping to build and install shelving units as well as sorting and packing supplies and helping to organize storage rooms.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="9766c590.jpg" border=0 width="620" height="89" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>A&P, Pathmark supermarkets launch campaign in 444 stores to raise funds</B></div> <div> <B> for Operation Shoebox New Jersey</B></div> <bR> <div> (MONTVALE April 24) – A&P and Pathmark supermarkets in New Jersey, along with food stores in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Maryland will sponsor a fund-raising campaign in 444 stores over Memorial Day Weekend to support Operation Shoebox New Jersey.</div> <div> The “Help Us Help Them” in-store campaign begins Friday, May 22 and will run through Memorial Day, May 25. Shoppers will be asked to donate $1 as they check out at the cashier, and will be given a “Support Our Troops” postcard to sign.</div> <div> The cards will be displayed in each of the stores, and at the conclusion of the campaign, will be collected by Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers and sent overseas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan inside personal care packages.</div> <div> The money donated by shoppers at each of the 444 stores will help ensure the uninterrupted flow of care packages overseas.</div> <div> The “Help Us Help Them” campaign will be advertised in supermarket circulars in the weeks leading up to the campaign.</div> <div> The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company is one of the oldest supermarket chains in the United States. In addition to A&P and Pathmark food stores, several other chains, subsidiaries of A&P, are involved in the “Help Us Help Them” campaign – Waldbaum’s, Superfresh, A&P Super Stores and Food Mart.</div> <div> Copies of each week’s sales circular can be accessed on the A&P website - apsupermarket.com.</div> <div> Operation Shoebox New Jersey is a 501c3 non-profit corporation. The organization has shipped over 25,000 personal care packages to U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Mideast locations.<B> </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="96ece560.png" border=0 width="206" height="86" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="9" VSPACE="9"></B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="operation_shoebox_new_jersey_hosts"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Operation Shoebox New Jersey hosts benefit concert </B></div> <div> <B>at the Battleship New Jersey May 30</B></div> <bR> <div> CAMDEN – Thousands are expected to gather at the Battleship New Jersey museum complex on the Delaware River Saturday, May 30 for a benefit concert to raise funds for Operation Shoebox New Jersey, the United We Stand foundation and the world’s most decorated battleship.</div> <div> Singer/songwriter and guitarist Alan Grant, front man for Primitive Soul and co-founder of the United We Stand Foundation hopes his inspirational and patriotic song “United We Stand” will be the springboard to funding free concerts at military bases around the country.</div> <div> “There isn’t a single time that we’ve performed “United We Stand” that someone from the military hasn’t come up to me afterwards and said they were moved,” says Grant. “It made me want to share it with as many people as possible who could benefit from the message. And then we realized that the message does not have to be limited to just the troops.”</div> <div> The concert – which will feature live music from some of New Jersey’s best loved bands and musicians from noon until 5 pm – is designed as a family day to promote the goal of unity and patriotism.</div> <div>      Tickets at the gate are $20 and $14 for veterans and children under 12. Gates open at 9 a.m. The admission price includes a self-guided tour of the USS New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in history, a recipient of 19 Battle Stars from World War II to Operation Desert Storm.</div> <div> All proceeds will be shared by United We Stand, Operation Shoebox New Jersey and the Battleship New Jersey. All are non-profit organizations.</div> <div> “We are excited and proud to partner with Operation Shoebox New Jersey,</div> <div> (www.opshoeboxnj.org) which has an incredible record for getting thousands of</div> <div> packages sent to our troops throughout the year,” said Denise Lang, co-founder of United We Stand.  “Now we are turning to the public to show their support for our troops and their families.”</div> <div> The United We Stand Foundation was established to produce and distribute large quantities of musical CDs to members of the U.S. military as possible while bringing the gift of music to their families on the homefront. Operation Shoebox New Jersey has already shipped more than 1,000 “United We Stand” CDs overseas.</div> <div>  “It doesn’t matter whether you are Republican, Democrat, Independent or Undecided,” the songwriter said. “I wrote United We Stand to be a song of brotherhood, love and unity – and it is this message we need to get out. This isn’t about politics – it’s about grass roots people to people message of American unity and we want to give everyone who wants to, an opportunity to participate.</div> <div> “And,” he continued, ”what more appropriate place to hold the first concert than on the deck of the country’s most decorated battleship?</div> <div> Founder of the popular touring band Primitive Soul (www.primitivesoul.com), and singer with the nationally recognized Holiday Express (www.holidayexpress.org), he is both an accomplished guitarist and songwriter who has shared the stage with the likes of Rob Thomas, Jon Bon Jovi, Daryl Hall, Cyndi Lauper, Poco, Clarence Clemons and other musicians.</div> <div> As musical director for the annual Stowe Weekend of Hope for Cancer</div> <div> Survivors Grant has also donated time and free concerts to Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans, 9/11 Families in New Jersey, NYC’s Rally for The Cure (spinal cord research), Lyme disease, and the Matheny Hospital & Educational Center.</div> <div>      Directions to the USS New Jersey, which is berthed along the Delaware River across from Philadelphia and near the Ben Franklin Bridge, are available on the website, www.battleshipnewjersey.org</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>Warren County Girl Scouts Invite Volunteers</B></div> <div> <B>to May 16 packing at Alpha Volunteer Fire Company</B></div> <bR> <div> ALPHA – More than 30 Girl Scout troops from Warren County working in conjunction with Operation Shoebox New Jersey will host a packing event at the Alpha Volunteer Fire Company building May 16.</div> <div> Volunteers are needed to bag the donated items that will be addressed and packed in individual gift boxes for shipment to U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Mideast locations.</div> <div> Volunteers are invited to work anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Refreshments will be provided to all volunteers. The firehouse is located at the intersection of Lee and West Central avenues.</div> <div> Troops from the Star Valley service unit, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Council continue to gather donations from residents of Alpha, Greenwich, Stewartsville, Pohatcong and Phillipsburg. The items will be sorted into bins prior to the packing, everything from lip balm, eye drops and sun block to granola bars, cans of tuna, bags of candy and sticks of gum.</div> <div> A writing station will be set up at the firehouse for the Girl Scouts and volunteers to write cards and letters of thanks that will be sent to the troops overseas.</div> <div> The goal is to pack 500 care packages, according to Kathleen McHenry, event organizer.</div> <div> Her daughter, Morrissey, a member of Troop 830, is one of more than 200 girls active in the Star Valley unit, all of whom have been working on the project since March. They have reached out to students at four schools – Alpha Public School, Greenwich Elementary, Pohatcong Elementary and Sts. Philip and James Catholic School as well as businesses and civic organizations in Warren County for donations.  </div> <div> Volunteers are also asked to bring donated supplies to the packing. Items needed most are lip balm, foot powder, toothbrushes, pop-top cans of tuna and fruit and sticks of beef jerky.</div> <div> Financial support is also needed to help pay postage.</div> <div> The Girl Scouts will be at the Stop & Shop Supermarket on Route 22 in Pohatcong from 9 a.m.-5p.m. on April 25, May 2 and May 9 where they will distribute shopping lists outside the store and collect donations.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Volunteers are asked to pre-register on the Operation Shoebox New Jersey website, or by calling (908) 213-1092.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="7e48c5e0.jpg" border=0 width="140" height="94" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5">  OPSHBX NJ volunteers pitch in to help Patriots</B></div> <div> <B> launch pre-season festivities at Fan Fest April 4th </B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Bridgewater, NJ </B>– Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers will help the Four-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots kick off their 2009 pre-season festivities at the annual Fan Fest Saturday, April 4 at TD Ballpark from noon-3 p.m.</div> <div> Admission is free for all Patriots fans and once inside the ballpark, everyone will have a chance to meet and get autographs from Patriots manager Sparky Lyle and several Patriots players.</div> <div> Young fans will be able to participate in carnival games and activities, as well as be entertained by clowns, face painters, and the Patriots’ mascots Sparkee and Slider.</div> <div> Fans will also be able to enjoy an 1880’s style vintage baseball game down on the field, which will be played without any fielder’s gloves. </div> <div> For the third year in a row, OPSHBX NJ volunteers will staff the third base concession stand, serving fans hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, hot and cold beverages and other refreshments.</div> <div> Fan Fest is the first of 11 dates that OPSHBX NJ volunteers will be working at the ballpark during the 2009 season to help raise funds to pay shipping costs and maintain its supply line of personal care packages shipped overseas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.</div> <div> Volunteers are needed to work at the concession stands on the following dates:</div> <div>    </div> <div> April 4, Saturday, Noon, 3rd Base - Fan Fest - 24 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> April 30, Thursday, 6:05 p.m., 3rd Base - Fireworks - 24 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> May 19, Tuesday, 11:05 a.m., Portables - 12-15 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> May 23, Saturday 7:05 p.m., 1st Base - 30 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> June 4, Thursday, 7:05 p.m., 3rd Base - 24 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> June 18, Thursday, 7:05 p.m., 3rd Base - 24 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> July 19, Sunday, 5:05 p.m., Portables - 12-15 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> July 28, Tuesday, 7:05 p.m., Portables, 12-15 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> Aug. 11, Tuesday, 7:05 p.m., Portables, 12-15 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> Aug. 15, Saturday, 7:05 p.m. 1st Base, 30 volunteers;</div> <div>  </div> <div> Aug. 25, Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. 3rd Base, 24 volunteers</div> <bR> <div>       Those interested in signing up to volunteer on any of those dates can call (908) 698-0333 or sign up on the website.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="7ecd9a30.jpg" border=0 width="217" height="163" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0"> <A NAME="flemington_applebees_supports_operation"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" >Flemington Applebees Supports Operation Shoebox NJ</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Join us April 16 for a fund raiser at Applebees Flemington location . Applebees will donate 10% from each lunch and dinner bill - including takeout - to support <B>Operation Shoebox New Jersey. </B>Click on the LINK to print the flyer, which you must present to your server to qualify for this offer.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-2024/Dining_to_donate_flyer.pdf"><u>Flyer</u> </a>  Click on link for Flyer<B> </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>Operation Shoebox New Jersey Joins with Guardian Wear to Provide U.S. Troops </B></div> <div> <B>with High-Quality Polos and Shorts</B></div> <div>  <B><IMG SRC="74e42640.jpg" border=0 width="66" height="100" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="0"></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#330000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" ><IMG SRC="74d4e660.jpg" border=0 width="78" height="102" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" >Guardian Wear and Operation Shoebox New Jersey are providing an opportunity to show your support and say “Thanks” to  U.S. troops deployed overseas with the purchase of high-quality, lightweight American Hero polo shirts </FONT><IMG SRC="7585b770.jpg" border=0 width="91" height="119" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" >and shorts. With a tax-deductible contribution of $20 or more, a card (see below) personalized with your name and city will be included in each care package shipped overseas along with the Guardian Wear American Hero garment</FONT>. Each care package also includes two large bags of personal care items with toiletries and snacks packed by volunteers. Please tell us if there is a specific member of the military to whom you want the package shipped; otherwise, the garment and care package will be sent to any of the soldiers or Marines on our shipping list. Fill in this <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Comic Sans MS" ><A HREF="guardian_wear.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guardian Wear">form</A> </FONT>then print it and mail it with a check for $20 or more made out to:</div> <bR> <div> Operation Shoebox New Jersey</div> <div> P.O. Box 273</div> <div> Somerville, N.J. 08876</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.somersetpatriots.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.somersetpatriots.com"><IMG SRC="7c9a2620.jpg" border=0 width="162" height="98" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="13" VSPACE="10"></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#333333" FACE="Comic Sans MS" ><B>Somerset Patriots offer free tickets to fans</B></FONT></div> <div> <B> with a donation to Operation Shoebox New Jersey</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333333" FACE="Comic Sans MS" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> (BRIDGEWATER, March 2) - Somerset Patriots fans can score free tickets to dozens of home games during the 2009 season by making a donation to Operation Shoebox New Jersey when ticket sales kick off at TD Ballpark Saturday, March 14th.</div> <div>       Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers will be posted adjacent to the ticket windows that day to accept donations of food items and toiletries that are shipped in personal care packages to U.S. military personnel deployed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. For a list of items to bring to the ballpark, please visit <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#003399" FACE="Comic Sans MS" ><A HREF="http://www.opshoeboxnj.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.opshoeboxnj.org">www.opshoeboxnj.org</A></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#333333" FACE="Comic Sans MS" >.</FONT></div> <div>  Any fan that brings an item to donate to Operation Shoebox New Jersey will receive a special Buy One Get One Free ticket offer on any Sunday through Thursday game during the 2009 season. Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers will be collecting items from 9 a.m.-noon.</div> <div> Ticket windows open at 9 a.m. and will stay open through 4 p.m. Fans can also call the Patriots Ticket Office at (908) 252-0700, or purchase tickets on line at <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#003399" FACE="Comic Sans MS" ><A HREF="http://www.somersetpatriots.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.somersetpatriots.com">www.somersetpatriots.com</A></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#333333" FACE="Comic Sans MS" >. </FONT></div> <div> The Somerset Patriots open the 2009 season at home on Thursday, April 23rd with a 7:05 pm game against the Camden Riversharks. The game will feature a Championship Celebration with a ring ceremony, flag raising, and a Post Game Fireworks show. </div> <div>       Ticket prices for the 2009 season are $12.50 for Premium Field Box Seats, $10 for Field Box Seats, and $9 for Upper Box Seats. Normal game times for the 2009 season are 7:05 pm Monday through Saturday and 1:35 pm or 5:05 pm on Sundays. </div> <div>       The Patriots will host 70 home games during the 140 game Atlantic League schedule running from Thursday, April 23rd through Sunday, Sept. 20th.</div> <div>       The Patriots will host 33 home games on weekends with 15 Fireworks Nights on the schedule in 2009. The Patriots will host five 11:05 am weekday games this season on Wednesday, April 29th, Tuesday, May 19th, Tuesday, July 21st, Thursday, July 30th, and Wednesday, Aug. 12th.</div> <div>       The Patriots will host holiday games on Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10th at 1:35 pm, when the team will have their Third Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day; Father's Day on Sunday, June 21st at 1:35 pm; Independence Day on Friday, July 4th @ 5:05 pm; and Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7th at 6:05 pm.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>Scrooge helps gather supplies for Operation Shoebox New Jersey in Branchburg </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>BRANCHBURG</B> - Come celebrate the holiday season by bringing your family to see Charles Dickens' <I>A Christmas Carol</I> presented by the award-winning township Recreation Department Creative Theater Program.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" > </FONT></div> <div> Performances will take place on Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. , both at Whiton Elementary School.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" > </FONT></div> <div> No admission will be charged, but the audience is requested to please bring food and toiletry items that will be sent overseas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan by Operation Shoebox New Jersey. Travel size items such as shampoo/conditioner, soap, sunscreen, razors, deodorant, powder, lip balm. feminine hygiene products, tooth brushes, toothpaste, drink mixes, snacks, candy, gum, small boxes of dry cereal and snacks and writing materials will be accepted.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" > </FONT></div> <div> Operation Shoebox New Jersey, founded in February, 2005, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The organization has shipped 23,200 personal care packages to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. </div> <div> The show features a talented Branchburg cast including Amanda Viglianti, Lauren Maroney, Greg Cortazzo, Caitlin Cimino, Erin DiIorio, Morgan Pudimott, Julia Pudimott, Max Gropper, Sydney Harvey, Nicole Sapanara, Emily McVerry, Anna McVerry, Nick Weimann, Tyler Stasienko, Lauren DeMaioribus, Nick DeMaioribus, Shanaya Panday, Josie McNeil, Trevor McNaught, Faith Munkholm, Maddie Keating, Colleen Keating, Lindsey Kazar, Halli LaFrankie, Julia LaFrankie, Michelle Weighart, Kate Cardonne, Katelyn DeDeo, Elayna Cross, Devyn Dabrowski, Tina Kolatac, Samantha German, Kelly Moran and Sophie Weinstein.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" > </FONT></div> <div> Please call (908) 526-1300, extension 187 for further information.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="mannions"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="71f96310.png" border=0 width="406" height="49" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="7216a500.gif" border=0 width="106" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="7236a4c0.png" border=0 width="106" height="76" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="0"> <A NAME="join_us_sept__25th_for_a_fund_raiser_at"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Join us May 28 for a fund raiser at New Jersey's friendliest Irish pub. Owner Pat Mannion will donate 10% from each lunch and dinner bill - including drinks - to support <B>Operation Shoebox New Jersey. </B>Click on the LINK to print the flyer, which you must present to your server to qualify for this offer.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-2038/OPSHBXNJmannionsflyer.doc"><img align="bottom" border="0" width="31" height="40" src="HTMLobj-2038/irish-shamrock-3.jpg"></a>  Click on shamrock for Flyer</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="543804c0.jpg" border=0 width="128" height="76" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="famous_dave_s_restaurant_route_202"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Famous Dave's Restaurant, Route 202 Hillsborough , once again hosts a fund raiser </B></div> <div> <B>in support Operation ShoeboxNJ</B></div> <bR> <div>  Famous Dave's restaurant on  Route 202 in Hillsborough is once again holding a fund raiser on February 26 in Hilllsborough to support Operation Shoebox NJ</div> <div> Anyone who eats lunch or dinner or orders take out from Famous Dave's on this date and presents the flyer (which can be downloaded below) will help with expenses associated with the packing.</div> <div> Famous Dave's will donate 10 percent of your bill to Operation Shoebox New Jersey.</div> <div> Be sure to bring this flyer with you to Famous Dave's and let your host or cashier know you are there to support this fundraiser.</div> <div> That's all. It's that easy. Make sure to stop by Famous Dave's for some of the best smoked and barbeque ribs in New Jersey! Tell your friends and neighbors, too!</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> CLICK HERE FOR FLYER  <img src="HTMLobj-1896/aniGif.gif" border="0" align="bottom" width="48" height="28">  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" ><B> <a href="HTMLobj-1951/DavesH.doc"><u>Flyer</u> </a>  </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>Family Readiness Group Helps Operation Shoebox New Jersey</B></div> <div> <B>send holiday gift packages toU.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan Nov. 8</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>DENVILLE</B> - Friends and families of local National Guard troops recently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan will help Operation Shoebox New Jersey pack holiday gift boxes Saturday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Gearhart Chevrolet, 281 Route 46 East.</div> <div> The event is free and open to the public.</div> <div> The showroom floor of the dealership will be cleared of cars and trucks to make room for hundreds of volunteers who are expected to pitch in and pack upwards of 500 packages that will be filled with snacks, toiletries and other personal care items donated by a broad cross-section of individuals, families, civic organizations and area businesses.</div> <div> The gift packages will be sent overseas in time for the holiday season.</div> <div> Donations are already being dropped off at the dealership and will be displayed in the bed of a brand-new 2009 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck.</div> <div> “Gearhart Chevrolet and all of its employees are thankful for the opportunity to help those who are defending us and our country,” said John Sautter, sales manager. “It is important more than ever to support our men and women especially in this time of a troubled economy,” he added. “We will always be in full support of our troops and pray for them to come home safely.”</div> <div> The Family Readiness Group of the NJ Army National Guard based at the armory in Hackettstown, along with the volunteer staff of Operation Shoebox New Jersey will coordinate and supervise the packing event. The FRG is comprised of family members of soldiers and volunteers who support the troops by supporting their families during the overseas deployment.</div> <div>      Operation Shoebox New Jersey, a grass roots volunteer organization with statewide headquarters in Hillsborough, StateN.J., was founded in February, 2005 and has since shipped more than 21,000 care packages overseas to U.S. military personnel.</div> <div> A free car wash will be given on the premises to those who make a financial donation of $10 or more, according to Debra Bond, coordinator of the event for Gearhart. Her son is one of 3,200 New Jersey National Guard troops that were deployed to Iraq this summer.</div> <div> For a donation of $20 or more, Operation Shoebox New Jersey and Guardian Wear will include an American Hero lightweight polo shirt or pair of shorts in each box with a gift card signed by the donor.</div> <div> An ATM machine is conveniently located in the dealership showroom.</div> <div> Volunteers who attend are asked to bring donated supplies to the packing to help fill the holiday gift boxes. Suggested items include toothpaste, tooth brushes, foot powder, lip balm, moist wipes, sun block, insect repellant, soap, shampoo, razors, mouthwash, dental floss, batteries (any size), writing materials, microwave popcorn, snack and cereal bars, small boxes of dry cereal, pop-top cans of tuna and fruit salad, gum, candy, beef jerky, small packages of cookies and crackers and powdered drink mixes. Recommended are travel and personal size items. </div> <div> Corporate sponsors are encouraged to participate in the event; companies large and small have already made commitments of support, including Gearhart Chevrolet,  Impact Instrumentation of West Caldwell, S&R Mechanical of Newton, Lenmore Associates, Long Island, N.Y. and Gig's Florist, Lake Hopatcong.</div> <div> Food and beverages will be provided courtesy of Gearhart.</div> <div> Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director of Operation Shoebox New Jersey said “We salute the members<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Comic Sans MS" > of the Hackettstown FRG and Gearhart Chevrolet for their eagerness to be involved in this ongoing humanitarian effort, which continues to grow throughout the state.”</FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1d9f2180.gif" border=0 width="242" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="news_archive.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News Archive"><B>ARCHIVE</B></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <U>RETURN TO TOP</U></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>