Clean Ocean Action to host Family Beach Ball
Clean Ocean Action's (COA) annual seaside fundraiser, FamilyBeachBall for the Ocean, will be held May 18 from3 to 7 p.m. at the ShipAhoyBeachClub in Sea Bright. More than 300 families from across the region will gather to celebrate COA's ocean protection efforts.

"As people are nowbecomingmore aware of environmental issues, it is important for them to know that everyone can participate in some way to make this planet healthier and a better place to live for future generations. The Beach Ball is just one way for our community to gather together and take action for the ocean. Since the ocean covers most of this planet, its state of being should be of prime concern to us all. Everyone can make a difference in some way," said Beach Ball event Chairwoman Louise Hall.

Guests will dance to the reggae music of Random Test and enjoy fresh fare by Gourmet Picnic of Fair Haven, Lusty Lobster of Highlands, and Fishermen's Dock Cooperative of Point Pleasant. Partygoers will also enjoy smoothies by Surf Taco Coastal Cuisine of Manasquan, desserts by The Flaky Tart of Atlantic Highlands and The Sweet Cow of Manasquan, and a tiki bar by Hunterdon Brewing Co. of Philipsburg and the Margarita Man of Monmouth County. Volunteers will enjoy food donated by Butler's Deli of Rumson.

The children's activities are sponsored by Blue Tulip ofMiddletown, LookWhat I Can Do ofRedBank, andMattDeibert SandCreations of Brigantine.

Other fun at the upcoming Family Beach Ball includes a "FlipYour LidMost Creative Hat Contest" for all ages, 50/50 raffle, and chance and silent auctions.Unique prizes include beautiful jewelry by Tiffany & Co., a day for six at Ship Ahoy Beach Club, and catering packages byGourmet Picnic, Lusty Lobster and Ryan Parkes.

Event proceeds benefit Clean Ocean Action's efforts to improve and protect themarine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast through research, education and citizen action. COA was founded in 1984 in direct response to the devastating ocean pollution events of the 1980s.

Today, COAis a coalition of thousands of citizens dedicated to safeguarding the ocean. Currently, COA is engaging citizens and organizations in a campaign to stop the offshore ports for LiquefiedNaturalGas (LNG) being proposed in the ocean off theN.J./N.Y. coast. LNG is a polluting, climate-changing, foreign fossil fuel.

Beach Ball sponsors include:Artistic Tile Inc., Tracy and Nick Brown, Hoagie Haven of Princeton, Medallion Financial Corp., Monmouth Memorial Park Cemetery Association, ShipAhoy BeachClub of SeaBright, Shore Point Distributors, Sperry Tents of Manasquan, Matzel and Mumford, Resources Real Estate, and Casey and James Wolfe.

The Beach Ball CommitteeMembers include: Chair Louise Hall of Rumson; Barbara Bell of Lincroft; Tracy Brown, Linda Decelle, PennyHermann,NickyKelly, Linda Lembeck, Claudia Lucey, Maureen Mac- Neal, Christine O'Rourke, Liz Thees, all of Rumson; Ingrid Justick of Neptune; Stevie Thompson of Guaranteed Plants & Florist, Locust; Marie Jackson and Carolyn Waters of Atlantic Highlands; Sue Weiss of Locust; andMarilyn Price ofMiddletown; and Patty Wolfe of Fair Haven.

The Family Beach Ball for the Ocean is rain or shine- under the big top.Admission is $50 per adult and $25 per child under 12.