Toms River Mom

TRMom.com is continuing on with a fun tradition for the kids of Toms River, we’re hosting the Third Annual Toms River Trike-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  It will be held at Jake’s Branch Park on Sunday, May 20th.  It will be for kids who trike (or bike, or skate board, or scooter) – if you think your child is able to ride around in a circle for a few minutes (as long as you want him/her to) then he/she can participate!  The course is around .2 of a mile.

HOW IT WORKS:

Each child participating will need to raise money, which you will bring with you to the event or raise online.  There are two ways you can do it.

1. You can click here to sign your child up online to email sponsors for donations.
2. You can just show up and donate some money to St. Jude’s at the registration table.  We’re hoping for $10 pp, but whatever you can donate would be very appreciated. Checks should be written out to “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

ALL money raised will go directly to St. Jude’s.  

The track will be open for the participants from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.  Races will start at 10:00 am and every half hour until 12:00 pm.  Come with your friends & have some fun.  There is a fantastic playground with park benches as well as a nature center (a la Cattus Island) to enjoy with a cool tower at the top.  They have picnic tables set up and use their charcoal grills if you want to.  So bring your soccer ball, baseball, kite, picnic basket and sunblock — it’s going to be a great day! Even dogs are allowed – but kept on a leash please! There will hopefully be a Fire Truck there for the kids (and adults!) to climb on!

We were able to get our redemption prizes early this year, so hopefully we will be able to accommodate everyone.

If participants raise:
$35 or more they receive a Trike-A-Thon T-shirt.
$75 or more they get the choice of a bunny or bear stuffed animal and a T-shirt
$100 or more and they get a bear backpack, the choice of a bunny or bear stuffed animal and a T-shirt

It will be first come, first served for:
Trike-A-Thon T-Shirt sized 10-12 (qty 15)
Trike-A-Thon T-Shirt sized 6-8 (qty 45)
Trike-A-Thon T-Shirt sized 4-6 (qty 75)
Bikewell Bear (qty 50)
Petals the Bunny (qty 50)
Teddy Bear Backpack (qty 50)

Once again, Kiddy Parties has been very generous and will be donating the Dora and Boots costumes. They are a HUGE hit with the kids and create some great pictures.

Snazzy Jazzy Faces will be doing face painting again!  They will be at the park until 12:30pm, so make sure your kids get in line in time. We are SO excited!!  They are the best face painters around and we are so excited that they will be joining us!

DIRECTIONS: Parkway South to Exit 80. Stay to the LEFT at the exit. At the T Stop, turn LEFT. It’s up about a mile or so on the RIGHT. Once in the park follow signs for the ball fields.

You can RSVP on the Fan Page on Facebook (TomsRiverMom.com)

TRMom.com is continuing on with a fun tradition for the kids of Toms River, we’re hosting the Third Annual Toms River Trike-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  It will be held at Jake’s Branch Park on Sunday, May 20th.  It will be for kids who trike (or bike, or skate board, or scooter) – if you think your child is able to ride around in a circle for a few minutes (as long as you want him/her to) then he/she can participate!  The course is around .2 of a mile.

HOW IT WORKS:

Each child participating will need to raise money, which you will bring with you to the event or raise online.  There are two ways you can do it.

1. You can click here to sign your child up online to email sponsors for donations.
2. You can just show up and donate some money to St. Jude’s at the registration table.  We’re hoping for $10 pp, but whatever you can donate would be very appreciated. Checks should be written out to “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

ALL money raised will go directly to St. Jude’s.  

The track will be open for the participants from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.  Races will start at 10:00 am and every half hour until 12:00 pm.  Come with your friends & have some fun.  There is a fantastic playground with park benches as well as a nature center (a la Cattus Island) to enjoy with a cool tower at the top.  They have picnic tables set up and use their charcoal grills if you want to.  So bring your soccer ball, baseball, kite, picnic basket and sunblock — it’s going to be a great day! Even dogs are allowed – but kept on a leash please! There will hopefully be a Fire Truck there for the kids (and adults!) to climb on!

We were able to get our redemption prizes early this year, so hopefully we will be able to accommodate everyone.

If participants raise:
$35 or more they receive a Trike-A-Thon T-shirt.
$75 or more they get the choice of a bunny or bear stuffed animal and a T-shirt
$100 or more and they get a bear backpack, the choice of a bunny or bear stuffed animal and a T-shirt

It will be first come, first served for:
Trike-A-Thon T-Shirt sized 10-12 (qty 15)
Trike-A-Thon T-Shirt sized 6-8 (qty 45)
Trike-A-Thon T-Shirt sized 4-6 (qty 75)
Bikewell Bear (qty 50)
Petals the Bunny (qty 50)
Teddy Bear Backpack (qty 50)

Once again, Kiddy Parties has been very generous and will be donating the Dora and Boots costumes. They are a HUGE hit with the kids and create some great pictures.

Snazzy Jazzy Faces will be doing face painting again!  They will be at the park until 12:30pm, so make sure your kids get in line in time. We are SO excited!!  They are the best face painters around and we are so excited that they will be joining us!

DIRECTIONS: Parkway South to Exit 80. Stay to the LEFT at the exit. At the T Stop, turn LEFT. It’s up about a mile or so on the RIGHT. Once in the park follow signs for the ball fields.

You can RSVP on the Fan Page on Facebook (TomsRiverMom.com)

Did you know we have moms group in Toms River? I just found out about it, and thought I’d share. The group is called The Mother’s Center of the Jersey Shore (www.MCJS.org). It’s for parents in Ocean County and the southern part of Monmouth County. It is an established 501(c)(3) that hosts many events during the week and over the weekends each month in an effort to try to get moms to meet other moms – and take advantage of what Toms River has to offer local families. They host a few fundraisers each year, the proceeds of which go to minimize the cost of group trips and help other local charities. A win, win.

Annual membership is $25. However, since this year is half way over, if you join anytime after March 1st, it is $15! A steal for the amount of resources and playdates in your future! Go to the website to learn more about them, and join today, and tell them I sent ya! -Aly Williams

So I’ve come across a few different options for kids Zumba in Toms River. They are below:

Tara Romano – an excellent, local Zumba instructor, is offering kids Zumba in February. It’s at The Baker League on Friday, February 17th AND on Monday February 20th. Classes are broken up by age, so check out the details! It’s at 1 South Main Street, 08756 – the big Plumbing Warehouse next to the brand new Planet Fitness. Check out her calendar at www.GetYourFitOnWithTara.com or find her on Facebook at Get Your Fit On, LLC. Cost is $7 per kid – no registration fees!!

Mattia Fitness on Fisher also has kids Zumba for all ages! It’s on Fridays at 4:45. $10 per class, but they will work with you if you have more than one kid. First class is FREE & you can buy a pack of 10 classes for $80. Check ‘em out – MattiaFitness.com

So, what to do.  It’s getting chilly and the kids are indoors more now.  So, instead of the park – we dance!  This is one I just found on Amazon – you can purchase the MP3 or any other kids song for less than a $1.  Of course, you can use any song or radio station and do the same thing.  I have also found Kids Public Radio (www.KPR.org) – it’s great!!

Or make some use of those musical birthday cards.  My 3 year old is usually in charge of the card  – and loves opening and closing it to make us freeze during the dance party.  Her belly laughs make it all worth it!

It’s no surprise that there aren’t a ton of ‘pick your own’ farms in Toms River, so we’ve branched out a bit.  For fun seasons like Fall, we’re listing the places we’ve found in Ocean County as well as those a little further out.  Hopefully it will be worth the drive during this beautiful time of year.   Please be sure to call ahead and make sure they have what you are looking for!  Some of these also have hayrides and Halloween fun, but we’ll post another article next month with those included.  The hunt is on!  Here is a link with all of the farms in the neighboring countys.  And here is another link with all of the PYO farms in NJ!

Krowicki’s Farm Market & Greenhouse
862 Rt. 539, New Egypt, NJ
(609) 758-1133
Open: Daily, April – Oct, 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Asparagus, sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelon, honey dew, apples, cauliflower, pumpkins, winter squash, blueberries, potatoes, strawberries, beans (Lima, string), peas, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, turnips, beets, squash, tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, onions, peppers (bell, fryer, hot), eggplant, plums, nectarines, cherries, apricots, bedding plants, vegetable plants, hanging baskets, potted plants, herbs
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, peaches, apples
Also Available: Straw for wholesale or retail, corn stalks, mums

DeWolf’s Farm
West Colliers Mill Road
New Egypt, NJ
609-758-2424 10

Pick Your Own: strawberries, blackberries, fava beans, apples, peas, snap beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables

Silverton Farm
1520 Silverton Rd., Toms River, NJ
(732) 244-2621
Open: May 15 – November 15, Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
Roadside Market: Fresh organic vegetables, berries
Pick Your Own: Pumpkins, strawberries, flowers
Also Available: Honey, eggs, cut flowers

Emery’s Berry Farm
346 Long Swamp Rd., New Egypt, NJ
(609) 758-8514
Open: March 27 – December 23, Daily, 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Organic berries & vegetables
Pick Your Own: Organic blueberries, organic raspberries, pumpkins
Also Available: Pies, turnovers, muffins, jams, jellies, gift baskets
NOFA certified organic

Hallock’s U-Pick Farm
38 Fischer Road
New Egypt, NJ
609-758-8847

Antonio Casola Farms & Greenhouse
178 Highway 34 & Schank Rd., Holmdel, NJ
(732) 332-1533
Roadside Market: Vegetables; nursery stock; bedding plants; hanging baskets; pottery
Pick Your Own: Vegetables; pumpkins; fall squashes; gourds; corn stalks; hay; straw; flowers
Also Available: Spring planting trips available for schools; corn maze; sun flower maze; hay rides for public, schools, groups; picnic area; special events; night-time haunted hay rides; horse-drawn trolley rides

Atlantic Farms
1506 Atlantic Ave. (Rt. 524) Wall, NJ
(732) 528-8680
Open: Daily, year-round, 9 am – 7 pm
Roadside Market: Broccoli; cabbage; cauliflower; cucumbers; eggplant; herbs; lettuce; melons; peppers (sweet, hot); squash (summer, winter); tomatoes; plum tomatoes; string beans; beets; carrots; sweet corn; onions; pumpkins; radishes; spinach; watermelon
Pick Your Own: Peppers; eggplant; tomatoes; squash; plum tomatoes; cut flowers; pumpkins; mums; hay straw; corn stalks; Christmas trees
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; hay rides during pumpkin season, Christmas, Easter; corn maze; petting farm, school and group farm tours; picnic area; equipment display; special events as advertised.

C. Casola Farms
489 Rt. 520 E., Marlboro, NJ
(732) 946-8588
Open: Apr. 1 – Dec. 25, 9 am – 7 pm
Roadside Market: Sweet corn (July – Nov.); vegetables; melons; strawberries; pumpkins; full line of vegetables & produce
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; pumpkins
Also Available: Flowers; bedding plants; hanging baskets; hay; straw; Christmas trees; nursery; greenhouse; Sept. and Oct. hay rides, pony rides, corn maze

Sunny Acres Pumpkin Patch
Burlington Path Rd., Cream Ridge, NJ
Phone: (609) 758-7817
Open: October
Roadside Market: Pumpkins, Squash
Pick Your Own: Pumpkins, Gourds, Winter Squash, Mums, Cornstalks
Also Available: Hay rides to the pumpkin patch. Indian Corn, Gourds, Mums

Wemrock Orchards
300 Rt. 33 W., Freehold, NJ
(732) 431-2668
Open: Year-round, Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5:30 pm
Roadside Market: Produce; fresh fruit
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; blackberries; raspberries; pumpkins; gourds; Mums; cornstalks; Indian corn
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; fresh baked pies; cider; cider donuts; hay rides through the apple trees and haunted orchards; corn maze in fall; hot air balloon launches; beautiful scenery; winery & wine tasting; gift shop; fresh flowers; mums; bedding plants; Christmas wreaths & blankets; gourmet jellies; school tours; Morning on the Farm Summer Camp Tours

Lee Turkey Farm
201 Hickory Corner Rd, East Windsor, NJ
(609) 448-0629
Open: May – Dec., Mon – Sat. 9 am – 6 pm, Sun. 2 pm – 6 pm
Roadside Market: Apples, cucumbers, cabbage, fruits, vegetables
Pick Your Own: Apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, beans, peas, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, eggplant, peppers, broccoli, pumpkins, other vegetables, flowers
Apple Varieties: Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap
Also Available: Hay rides; walking tours; corn maze; oven-ready turkeys

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ
(609) 924-2310
Open: Year-round, Daily, Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Various fresh fruits & vegetables
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, cherries (sweet, sour), blackberries, peaches, pumpkins, flowers
Apple Varieties: Braeburn, Cameo, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Jonamac, Jonathan, Liberty, Macoun, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Suncrisp, Stayman/Winesap
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook, cider, pies, donuts, fresh-made bakery items, dairy items (cheese, milk, eggs, etc.), salsa & chips, jams, jellies, glazes, spring garden plants & herbs

Conte Farm
299 Flyatt Rd., Tabernacle, NJ
(609) 268-1010
Open: Mid-April – Thanksgiving, 8 AM – 6 PM
Roadside Market: Apples, pumpkins, vegetables
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, apples, peppers, peas, lima beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, vegetables
Apple Varieties: Empire, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, Red Delicious
Also Available: Cider, pies, retail market, bedding flowers, hanging baskets, bakery, fruit baskets

Emmons Dairy
201 Pointville Rd., Pemberton, NJ
(609) 894-2305
Available: Harvest time Pumpkin picking and hay rides; all year Jersey Fresh milk; goats milk; petting zoo; farm tours

Johnson’s Corner Farm
133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ
(609) 654-8643
Open: Daily, 2 weeks before Easter – Christmas Eve, 8 am – 8 pm
Roadside Market: Strawberries; sweet corn; peaches; nectarines; sweet cherries; apples; pumpkins; cantaloupes; popcorn; peanuts
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; sweet corn; peaches; nectarines; sweet cherries; apples; pumpkins
Also Available: Farm-baked pies; pot pies; sandwiches; salads; dips; ice cream; Italian ice; donuts; cookies; candy; quiches; soups

Robson Farm Market
505 Monmouth Rd., Rt. 537, Wrightstown
(609) 758-2068
Open: April – December, Daily
Roadside Market: Asparagus, strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, green beans, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pumpkins
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins – with hay ride to pumpkin patch
Apple Varieties: Braeburn, Crispin, Empire, Fugi, Gala, Golden Delicious, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Rome, Stayman
Also Available: Bedding plants, flowering hanging baskets, nursery stock, ornamental fall items, poinsettias, grave blankets, wreaths

Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm
310 Extonville Rd., Chesterfield, NJ
(609) 259-3684
Open: Daily, May – Dec., 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Apples; fruits; vegetables
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; blackberries; peaches; nectarines; peas; apples; raspberries; pumpkins; bush limas
Apple Varieties: Cortland, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; cider; candied apples; jams; jellies; hay rides; educational school tours in spring & fall; corn maze; call for information

Mattia Fitness is a personal training and group fitness studio located on Fischer Blvd. in Toms River. Throughout the summer of 2011 we will be promoting our “Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities” program by donating a portion of our proceeds to local schools. It is our goal to raise awareness about the importance of health and fitness and the positive impact it has on our children, families, and community.

In addition to our adult program, we currently offer Zumba classes for children (ages 4-8) and tweens (ages 9-13) and will soon begin to offer kids’ bootcamp (ages 6-13). The days of the week of these classes and times are flexible to meet the needs of parents. The classes are pay-as-you-go, and cost $10 per class. For every class a child attends, Mattia Fitness will donate $2 to his/her school.

Separately, Mattia Fitness is offering Family Zumba on the J. Street beach in Seaside Park. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Although this is not part of the fundraiser, it is a great way to start the day and spend time together as a family. These classes are offered every Friday morning at 7:30, and can be purchased at either Mattia Fitness or the Seaside Park Recreation Department.

For more information please contact us at 732-415-2122 or e-mail at mattiafitness@yahoo.com.

Fisher-Price Recalls to Repair Little People Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagons due to Laceration Hazard

This recall involves the Fisher Price’s Little People® Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagon model number P8977. The product includes a red wagon with a yellow handle, multi-colored plastic blocks and a dog figure. The model number is located on the bottom of the wagon. “Little People® Builders” is found on a label on the side of the wagon and “Fisher Price” is embossed on the handle. Wagons with green handles are not included in this recall.