By SARAH KLEPNER

Fair Haven’s borough council engaged in a lively discussion about the pros and cons of banning smoking in parks Monday night.

“But we’re not talking about second-hand sugar here,” Sorenson said.

By WIL FULTON

For residents of Sea Bright – many of whom remain displaced post-Hurricane Sandy – the sight of the flashing lights of a Ferris wheel shining through the air of their recovering community will mean more than just music, games and funnel cake when the Firemen’s Fair comes to town later this week.

 This year, it will be another sign that things are slowly returning to normal in the small beachside borough.

According to recreation director Kathy Morris, residents and visitors can expect much of the same as in years past from this year’s fair, including games of chance, carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and the fair’s signature Ferris wheel, which gives riders a seagull’s view of the surrounding area.

“My favorite thing about the fair has always been the Ferris wheel, of course,” Morris said. “You get a great view of Sandy Hook, and the Manhattan skyline. It’s terrific.”

Morris said there was really no hesitation about whether the fair would return to the former Peninsula House lot in 2013.

“For the firefighters, it was never a question of doing it or not: they were immediately up for it,” she said. “They weren’t going to let Sandy knock them down.”

“We’ve done all the annual events so far, like the tree-lighting, the polar bear plunge and the KDM run in March,” she noted. “It’s important for the town to continue things like the Fireman’s Fair, not just for the kids and everyone’s enjoyment, but to show we’re coming back, and that even Hurricane Sandy can’t stop us from breaking tradition.”

The fair’s hours are:

Thursday 6pm-10pm

Friday 6pm-11pm

Saturday 4pm-11pm

Sunday 2pm-9pm

All proceeds from the fair go to benefit the Sea Bright Fire Department and the borough’s Recreation Department.

By SARAH KLEPNER

About 100 high school students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender and their straight allies gathered for a dance party in the cafeteria at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional on Friday night.

It was the third annual Gayla!, a prom-like event organized by Make It Better for Youth, a consortium which includes Monmouth County high schools, Jersey Shore PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the county library system, the Two River Theater, and the Monmouth County Arts Council.

“What’s great about this is that you don’t go in feeling pressured to fit into any prom stereotype,” said Ellie Halfacre, RFH senior, member of the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and event organizer. “It’s not about what sexuality you are, it’s about being with people who accept you no matter what.

“Everyone’s here to have fun and just be themselves,” she said, adding that many friendships had grown out of the prior two Gayla gatherings.

The kids, from 15 area high schools, were definitely having fun – conga lines were breaking out all over the dance floor – but emotions were close to the surface too.

Best friends Rosy Diasio and Nora Molnar spoke passionately about the fight for gay rights and against conformity.

“Stop all the hate,” Diasio said. “I don’t get why people have to judge.”

Molnar chimed in, “I wish people could know how it feels. I feel so alone sometimes. Stop putting a line between people.” They told redbankgreen they write poetry together to address these challenges.

Kate Okeson, RFH art teacher and co-founder of Make It Better for Youth, echoed this sentiment, as she explained her vision for the event, which is to create a space for kids that not only allows for alternative sexuality but for coming out “as exactly who they are, not out of the closet into a pre-determined role or image of a gay kid…. This is not Bud Lite-sponsored gay pride.”

Okeson emphasized the roles of caring adults who were present from a range of backgrounds, including law enforcement (Gay Officers Action League) and a local congregation (Unitarian Universalist), as well as the Shrewsbury chapter of PFLAG.

“Twenty-five percent of the people here are adults in support of the kids,” she said.

Nora Molnar wrote a note on the spot to youth being bullied to the point of contemplating suicide, advising “Don’t be afraid and don’t be shy. Although you always feel alone, you never really are. People have felt just like you. I felt just like you. Feeling alone isn’t fun, just remember you’re not alone….Love is Love and don’t let people judge love. Keep it strong.”

Ten high schools in the county have formed a Gay-Straight Alliance.

This is their second trip to Churchill Downs, having run El Padrino in last year’s derby. Verrazano is a half-brother to El Padrino, who ran 13th. (Click to enlarge)

Friday, May 3:

RED BANK: The high-energy Marty and the Martians make their debut in a series of Friday night appearances at the Walt Street Pub, playing an upbeat set including hits by Neon Trees, U2, Foo Fighters and more. The show begins at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.

RUMSON:  Join the electro-acoustic/pop/rock singer Brian Bisbee at Molly Maguire’s Black Point Inn, 132 East River Road, at 9 p.m.

RED BANK:  The Shore’s own world-class championship blues guitarist, Matt O’Ree visits Jamian’s Food & Drink for several Friday night sets. The show is free and begins at 8 p.m. 79 Monmouth Street.

RED BANK: “The Electric Baby” continues its run at Two River Theater.  The drama follows three pairs – a middle-aged couple, a hopelessly devoted lover and the apple of her eye, and a Romanian mother and Nigerian father caring for their child – who discover the ways in which their lives are connected. The play, by Stefanie Zadravec, runs through May 5. Tickets are $24-$42 and the show begins at 8 p.m. 21 Bridge Avenue.

RED BANK:  Take a 2.5 Minute Ride to Two River Theater to see a funny and moving autobiographical story focused on the relationship between author and storyteller Lisa Kron and her Holocaust survivor father.  Tickets are $24 to $42.  The one-woman show begins at 8 p.m. 21 Bridge Ave.

RED BANK: The Sylvia Browne event scheduled for tonight at the Count Basie Theatre has been postponed due to an unforeseen illness and rescheduled for Tuesday, September 24 at 8 p.m. Issued tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For more information,  call the box office at 732-842-9000.

MIDDLETOWN:  The Director’s Choice book club is set to discuss Pete Hamill’s “Forever” at The Middletown Public Library. The discussion begins at 9:30 a.m. Coffee is served prior to the discussion. 55 New Monmouth Road.

Saturday, May 4:

RUMSON:  Spruce up your garden with perennials, hearty annuals and vegetables or search for the perfect Mother’s Day presents at the Rumson Garden Club plant sale behind Borough Hall. Proceeds will help fund Sea Bright dunes replenishment and a Sea Bright beautification project, as well as other civics projects and speaker programs. The plant sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. East River Road.

SHREWSBURY:  Calling all motorcyclists, club members and recreation bikers to the Blessing of the Bikes Community Unity Festival at Pilgrim Baptist in Red Bank. Kick off the festival with the 11 a.m. blessing and enjoy the day with live entertainment, health screenings, community resource services, speakers, motorcycle exhibits, vendor market, food, games, free drawings and activities. Proceeds from the event go to The Center at Asbury Park and Lunch Break of Red Bank. Cyclists register at 11 a.m. (the festival runs until 5 p.m.), 172 Shrewsbury Ave.

FAIR HAVEN:  Local author Justin Drazin visits River Road Books for a reading and signing of “Albert and the Amazing Pillow Monsters,” the first in his trilogy of children’s books.  The reading begins at 2 p.m. 759 River Road.

RED BANK Count Basie welcomes Moscow Circus star and champion juggler Gregory Popovich for Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, a family friendly circus-like event. Joining Popovich are his furry and friendly co-stars, a group of equally talented cats and dogs that were all previously rescued from shelters. Tickets are $19.50 and $24.50 and the show begins at 1 p.m.

RED BANK:  Come to the opening reception to celebrate the debut of “Surface Beauty” and “Children’s Art” at The Art Alliance of Monmouth County, featuring judge and special monthly window artist Despina Statelova. The exhibit runs through May 25. 33 Monmouth Street.

LINCROFT:  The students of Brookdale’s dance program are ready to dazzle audiences with their modern, jazz and contemporary dances in their biannual recital. This event is free and runs from 7 to 8 p.m. Newman Springs Road.

Sunday, May 5:

LINCROFT:  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County hosts its May speaker, education coordinator Sarah Miele, in a discussion of “Our Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles.”  The discussion includes a segment on the differences between marine mammals and fish, which types of marine mammals and sea turtles can be found on the Jersey Shore and the dangers that they face while they are here, and how the regional Marine Mammal Stranding Center helps them. Bagels and coffee will be served in the community room prior to the discussion.  The session runs from 9 to 10 p.m. 1475 West Front Street.

LOCATIONS VARY: Enrich yourself in some history and roam select vintage sites in Middletown, Rumson, and Shrewsbury when they open their doors to the public for the fifth annual Weekend in Old Monmouth event. Detailed tour books and maps are available at each participating location. The tours run from 12 to 5 p.m.

MIDDLETOWN:  Spend some quality mother daughter time at the Middletown Main Library for the monthly mother/daughter book club. Girls’ grades 5 to 10 and their moms/guardians gather to discuss “Peak” by Roland Smith. The event begins at 2 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.

MIDDLETOWN:  Middletown native Nancy Scharff visits her hometown for “an appealing mix of contemporary and Broadway showtune-style music.”  Support the community singer/songwriter/musician and get the chance to see her in a more intimate setting when she visits the Middletown Main Library.  The event begins at 2 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.

RED BANK:  Travel back in time to 1955 when Johnny Mathis takes the stage at Count Basie Theatre.  With many romantic ballads and hit classics like “Wonderful, Wonderful,” and “Chances Are,” it might be hard not to get nostalgic. Tickets are $55, $75, $95, and $135. The show begins at 8 p.m.

LINCROFT:  The music majors of the Brookdale Concordia Chorale team up with the Concordia Youth Chorale join together to sing their rendition of “The Peacemakers” vocal composition by Karl Jenkin’s.  Inspired to spread a message of peace after the tragedy in Boston, as well as other looming trends of violence, the Chorale seeks to spread a positive, peaceful message. This specific work of Jenkins weaves together words and messages of iconic figures such as Gandhi, Martian Luther King, and Mother Theresa. The concert is free and begins at 7 p.m. Newman Springs Road.

By WIL FULTON

It was average Joes vs football pros on the hardwood last Friday night as local amateur and school basketball teams faced off against a “dream-team” consisting of past and present NFL players – all in the name of charity.

The Hoops for Hope event, created by local son turned NFL player Lonnie Allgood and held at Brookdale Community College’s Collins Arena, consisted of a series of quick exhibition games and other activities to raise money for  Dreams for Kids and the YMCA’s Strong Kids program, dedicated to providing underprivileged kids with a healthy lifestyle.

Allgood, raised in Red Bank, was a standout wide receiver at Red Bank Regional and Syracuse University before being drafted in 1976 by the Cincinnati Bengals. Allgood founded his charity organization more than 12 years ago, in order to expose kids to positive, successful role models that come from similar situations and backgrounds as they do.

Working in a partnership with the Community YMCA and the Dreams for Kids foundation, Allgood’s event featured a halftime show by the US Army Color Guard, vendors hawking NFL and sports memorabilia, and several raffles and 50/50s .

“It’s great to see this even finally come to fruition,” Allgood told redbankgreen at the tournament’s VIP pregame event, where families were able to meet the participating players. “This is all about the kids tonight, getting them here and excited, getting them to participate in some healthy exercise. Hopefully this is a night they will remember for a long time, it’s not everyday you get to meet real NFL players in the flesh. And of course, the proceeds are going to Dreams for Kids and the YMCA to help support their Strong Kids campaign.”

Pros taking the floor included J’vonne Parker of the Denver Broncos, Joey Porter of the Oakland Raiders, Reggie Brown of the Philadelphia Eages and former Giant Brandon Bing. Six local teams faced off against the pros, including the Red Bank Catholic girl’s varsity team, members of the Red Bank PBA, and the Y’s own Lunchbreakers (a recreational adult team). Each game lasted about 10 minutes, with the amateurs subbing out while the pros hustled through.

Most of the pros originally hail from New Jersey, and like Allgood, all expressed a special connection to the cause they were supporting and the kids they were able to meet in the process.

“I would have killed to be part of an event like this as a kid,” said WR and return specialist Charlie Rogers, most recently with the Miami Dolphins, who grew up in nearby Manalapan and now coaches pee-wee football in Matawan. “It’s something I wish I had, so I’m glad to be a part of it now on my end.”

Rian Wallace, a linebacker with the 2005 Super Bowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers, was quick to share Rodgers’ sentiments.

“I really wish we had something like this growing up,” Wallace said. “It’s a way for us to come together, connect with the kids and show them we’re not superhuman, or inaccessible – we’re just regular guys who worked hard to get to where we are now. We can show kids they do it, too, if they live their lives the right way.”

Several kids present during the pre-game VIP event were visibly excited to meet some real life NFL players, and to get their footballs signed by each pro. Mark, Sean and Brian, 4th and 5th graders at Holy Cross School in Rumson, were quick to tell redbankgreen how special this event was to them.

“Finally, I can tell all my friends that I met a real-life NFL players,” Sean said. “Actually, I met a whole bunch now, I guess.”

“I can’t wait to bring this football into school on Monday,” Mark said, “and I’m ready to get out to the gym to watch these guys play some basketball.”

The exhibition matches were surprisingly brisk-paced, and it was clear that the pros and joes weren’t holding anything back, with several fouls called during the opening match between the NFL players and the Lunchbreakers. But according to Allgood, keeping score came second to the overall message of the night.

“It’s not really about who wins or loses tonight,” Allgood said, “It’s about giving these kids positive role models in their life and raise money for some great programs. The Y was a really important part of my life growing up, so I’m glad I can contribute.”

The final funds raised by the Hoops For Hope event figured in at more than $19,000, according to YMCA vice president, Andrea Plaza.

By ALEXIS ORLACCHIO

Shoppers searched the yards of their neighbor’s collectible-littered lawns in pursuit of their perfect possessions Saturday during the sixth annual Red Bank Townwide Yard Sale.

“It is a beautiful day, and people love a good bargain,” said Friends of the Red Bank Public Library President Beth Hanratty.

“We always seem to get a crowd” for the six-hour event, which took place on lawns and in garages throughout the borough,  said Hanratty.  “Red Bank has so many residents who participate in community events – this just another example.”

More than 100 of them, ranging from veteran vendors to novices, registered as sellers for the sale, including Janet Moss.

“We live for this day. We really do,” said the Irving Place resident, who with her husband, George, has been participating in the sale for years, though this year’s was the smallest she had ever held.

“It’s fun. I’ve been in them in the rain, in days like this where you enjoy sitting out,” said Moss. “You get to meet your neighbors and have a sense of community.”

Hanratty said the sale “benefits all who participate.” Maps and pink balloons were provided by the Red Bank Public Library to mark the participating households.  Hunters could also pick up a brochure, which listed the addresses of the vendors and the items they could find on their lawn.

Proceeds from registration fees will help fund the Friends group, which in the past has aided the library with hefty purchases, such as the illuminated marquee in front of the West Front Street.

“It’s just fun,” said Carmelina Macherson, of South Street. “I have the same customers every year and they always come back.”

MacPherson said she always has giveaways, which this year included a box of free CDs with songs written by her husband, Jeff.

She said this yard sale is like a family reunion. “My neighbors and family come over,” she said.  “Some years we dress up and we do it. I make the kids get involved and sell their own stuff. We love it.”

“I believe in community and the Red Bank Library, and this benefits both,” said Hanratty. The Friends of the Red Bank Library also hold other annual fundraising events, such as a book sale.  “We are always looking for people who love the library and want to volunteer,” said Hanratty.

By ALEXIS ORLACCHIO

Friday, April 26:

LINCROFT: Score some points at the “Hoops for Hope” basketball tournament to support the Community YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign and Dreams for Kids at Brookdale Community College.  The night consists of a series of basketball matches between the Dreams for Kids All-star team, featuring current and former NFL players, and community teams including the Red Bank Police Department, Red Bank Charter School, Red Bank Catholic Girls Varsity Basketball Team and the Monmouth University Women’s Basketball Team. Other activities include a VIP reception with the NFL athletes, NFL store, student performers, gift and silent auctions, a 50/50 raffle and community organization booths. Tickets prices vary and family packs are available; purchase them online or at the door. “Hoops for Hope” runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Robert Collins Arena. Newman Springs Road.

RED BANK: “The Electric Baby” continues its run at Two River Theater.  The drama follows three pairs – a middle-aged couple, a hopelessly devoted lover and the apple of her eye, and a Romanian mother and Nigerian father caring for their child – who discover the ways in which their lives are connected. The play, by Stefanie Zadravec, runs through May 5. Tickets are $24-$42 and the show begins at 8 p.m. 21 Bridge Avenue.

RED BANK: Sing your heart out at “Rock N Roll Karaoke,” a weekly happening hosted by the band from NYC’s Arlene’s Grocery. Attempt to master the vocals and music of classic rock favorites at The Downtown. The event begins at 10 p.m. 10 West Front Street.

RED BANK: Gallery U is proud to present “an evening of spoken word by local writers” in the latest edition of its monthly series, Poetry U. Scheduled readers include Tony Ciavolella, Jennifer Cory, Laury Egan, Robert P. Langdon and others. The event runs from 8 to 10 p.m.  80 Broad Street.

RED BANK: Come relax at the monthly BYOB house party at the old Anthony Reckless Estate, presented by the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation to benefit the scholarship programs of the JSJBF and the Woman’s Club.  A $10 donation is encouraged. The party runs from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. 164 Broad Street.

Saturday, April 27:

RED BANK: The town of Red Bank turns into a dream for bargain hunters at the sixth annual daylong “Wide Yard Sale.”  As of Thursday, 85 households had signed up to participate in the sale, with proceeds going to the Friends of the Red Bank Public Library. Register and look up participating addresses here. The Yard Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Red Bank Library and other locations.

LOCATIONS VARY: Clean Ocean Action presents the 28^th Annual Spring Beach Sweeps, in which volunteers take part in beach cleanup operations at several Monmouth County sites, including one on the Swimming River at the western end of Drs. James Parker Boulevard in Red Bank. Register here. The cleanup runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

RED BANK:  Spend Saturday learning about your health the fun way at YMCA’s “Healthy Kids Day,” a free community event for kids and families across Monmouth County. Make your own trail mix, learn about nutrition and take a guided walking tour of Red Bank. Kids who finish the walk have a chance at receiving a jump rope (while supplies last).  The event is free and runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. 166 Maple Avenue

RED BANK:  “Anything Goes” at the old fashioned classic musical appearing at Count Basie. Directed by Gary Shaffer, the show is filled with laughs, love, and Cole Porter favorites. Tickets are $22, $26, or $32.  99 Monmouth Street.

MIDDLETOWN:  Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Tatum Park activity center will be selling unique, handcrafted gifts at the Spring Craft Show.  The Craft Show runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 151 Red Hill Road.

TINTON FALLS:  The Jersey Shore Rose Society gathers for its monthly meeting. There will be a beginner’s clinic followed by the main meeting with speaker JSRS President Leslie Cox. The meeting runs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 864 Shrewsbury Ave.

RED BANK:  Red Bank Library hosts “Acoustic Saturdays,” hosted by Anton Daub.  The monthly series invites local musicians to perform; this month welcomes vocalist, pianist, and guitarist Mary Koth Lutton. The concert is free and runs from 2 to 4 p.m.  84 West Front Street.

RED BANK:  Let children learn about the craft of collage and create their own Earth Day inspired pieces at the “Artsy Smartsy,” an event hosted at the Red Bank Library. The free program runs from 2 to 3 p.m. 84 West Front Street.

SHREWSBURY:  April is National Poetry Month, so celebrate a late 20^th century American poet, May Swenson at “Come What May,” a free event held at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library. Scheduled guest speakers include poets Joan Larkin, Timothy Liu, Grace Schulman and editor Andrew Rubenfeld. The celebration begins at 2 p.m. 1001 Route 35 North.

MIDDLETOWN:  Laura McCullough, published poet and Brookdale Community College faculty member, reads from her most recent work, “Rigger Death and Hoist Another,” at the Middletown Main Library. The reading begins at 2 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.

LINCROFT:  Pianist and Brookdale Community College professor Joe Accurso leads the school’s house band in a return to the Lincroft campus Performing Arts Center.  Tickets are $15 or $17, the concert runs from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Newman Springs Road.

Sunday, April 28:

RED BANK:  Twenty five of Red Bank’s restaurants and food purveyors come together for the International Flavour Festival. Come make the second annual event as successful as the first. With two stages, there will be plenty of live music to provide a soundtrack for the party.  Dine on delicious food, sip some international beer and wine, and dance this lazy Sunday away. Proceeds benefit the Monmouth Day Care Center, Red Bank RiverCenter and the Red Bank Regional Buccaneers Athletics Foundation. Rain or shine, the festival runs from 12 to 7 p.m. The event is a $5, children ages 10 and under are free. White Street Municipal Parking Lot.

RUMSON:  New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites you to “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” at the Molly Maguire’s Black Point Inn. The fundraiser includes a rockin’ musical line up of musicians Poppa John, Gary Wright, The Wag & more. Fill your tummy with baked ziti and salad from the free buffet. Suggested admission is $12 and the concert runs from 1 to 5 p.m. 132 East River Road.

LINCROFT:  Radio pop star and American Idol Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips visits the Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale. The doors open at 4:30 p.m., the show begins at 5:30 p.m. This concert is sold out. Newman Springs Road.

RED BANK:  Take a 2.5 Minute Ride to Two River Theater to see a funny and moving autobiographical story. The story focuses on the relationship between author and storyteller Lisa Kron and her Holocaust survivor father.  Tickets are $24 – $42.  The one-woman show begins at 8 p.m. 21 Bridge Ave.

By WIL FULTON

Former NFL wide receiver Lonnie Allgood is one of the select few: a Red Bank kid who had the talent and drive to live out the big league dream.

But he didn’t get there on his own, he says. Long retired from the limelight after seven years in the league, he still considers the experiences and people he met at the Community YMCA in his hometown an integral part of his character.

“I spent a lot of time at the Y when I was growing up in west Red Bank,” Allgood told redbankgreen, “and I met a lot of great role models there who really helped me while I was younger.”

Now, he’s trying to give back to the community that made him who he is by inspiring kids to live their lives the right way. On Friday night, the YMCA and Allgood’s charity foundation, Dreams for Kids, are teaming up for their first ever Hoops for Hope event, a basketball tournament featuring Allgood’s professional gridiron star friends squaring off against local hoopsters – including members of the Red Bank PBA, students from Red Bank Charter School, and Monmouth University Women’s Basketball team – all in the name of charity.

Allgood, born in North Carolina, moved with his family to Red Bank while in grammar school. He played for Red Bank Regional before moving on to Syracuse University and eventually the NFL, suiting up for the Cincinnati Bengals – who drafted him in 1976 – the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints.

Allgood said he founded Dreams for Kids 12 years ago, and that he has been doing at least 20 charity events a year, including flag-football matches, golf outings and bowling tournaments.

Current and former NFL athletes who will be taking part in this tournament include: Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles; Joey Porter, Oakland Raiders; Rian Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers; Darnell Stapleton, Pittsburgh Steelers; Brandon Bing, New York Giants; J’Vonne Parker, Denver Broncos; Kareem Huggins, New York Jets; Charlie Rogers, Miami Dolphins; and, Troy Logan, New England Patriots.

“What my charity and this Hoops For Hope Tournament is all about is bringing these great athletes – who are also great role models – in contact with the kids,” said Allgood, who now lives in East Brunswick. “The players in this game are smoke-free, drug-free, college-educated, and successful athletes. I think it’s important to get kids up-close to these guys, as well as promote and help the YMCA at the same time,” he added.

Rhonda Anderson, the Y’s president and CEO – and a standout hoopster at Cornell – said she’s thrilled to work with Allgood and his charity because she believes his mission is similar to hers.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that the YMCA is, in fact, a non-profit charity organization,” said Anderson. “Just like Lonnie, we’re all about promoting healthy kids, and this is a great way to raise funds and awareness for the Y and our cause. We both care so much about serving the community with our resources, and we’re happy to be able to help each other.

“Plus, don’t forget that basketball was invented inside a YMCA, so there’s a bit of history here,” Anderson said.

The tournament, which will be held at Brookedale Community College’s Collins Gymnasium in Lincroft, starts at 7 pm on Friday. In addition to the basketball games, there will be a VIP reception, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a halftime show featuring Zoomba dancers and the US Army Color Guard beginning at 6 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will go towards Dreams for Kids and the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, which provides local families with discounts and scholarships for Y memberships and programs.