The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has announced the return of Made in Monmouth, which will be held on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College on Arena Drive, Lincroft.
The event is free for vendors and visitors. All of the vendors who participate in the event manufacture their products in Monmouth County. More than 120 vendors will showcase a variety of jewelry, art, food and drink, accessories, home decor, and much more, according to a press release.
Made in Monmouth is organized by the Grow Monmouth team in the county’s Division of Economic Development. To learn more about the Made in Monmouth program and to view a directory of more than 200 vendors who have participated in program events, visit www.MadeinMonmouth.com
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has announced a new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for small businesses, microenterprises and nonprofit organizations that are located in or provide services to eligible low-income or moderate-income areas throughout the county.
The CDBG-CV program will provide up to $20,000 per business or organization for the reimbursement of eligible expenses associated with preparing, preventing and/or responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release.
“We are proud to be able to provide additional financial support to our small business and nonprofit communities in Monmouth County and help them as they continue to recover from the devastating impact of COVID-19,” Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said. “The board encourages all small businesses and nonprofits to see if your organization is eligible by visiting www.monmouthcountynj-cdbgcv.org.”
“These CDBG-CV grants will cover costs including but not limited to staffing, rent, operating expenses, materials and supplies, utilities and/or renovations to facilities for the protection of employees, customers, clients and patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley said. “These grants will offer organizations an opportunity to recover eligible expenses and continue to serve our communities.”
The county has received direct funding in the amount of $7.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Funds will be administered through the county’s Community Development Block Grant program and are subject to HUD program rules and requirements, according to the press release.
Small businesses, microenterprises and nonprofits in Asbury Park, Long Branch and Middletown are not eligible for the CDBG-CV program at this time as all three communities have their own separate and distinct CDBG grant program, according to the press release.
For more information, visit www.monmouthcountynj-cdbgcv.org or call 732-624-6570.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 13, the Monmouth County Park System will host its fall craft show at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. This seasonal craft show features the work of local artists and crafters.
Items include: doll clothes, holiday ornaments and decorations, jewelry, sea glass art, needlework, candles, paintings, decoupaged plates, pottery, home décor, greeting cards and more.
For more information about this event or the Monmouth County Park System, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the park system TTY/TDD number is 711.
Students throughout New Jersey will have the chance to express their feelings of living and learning through the coronavirus pandemic by participating in the New Jersey Department of Education’s “Hope, Healing and Resilience Through the COVID-19 Pandemic” showcase and arts installation project.
The department announced the program by inviting New Jersey students from preschool to 12th grade (ages 3 to 21) to submit a photo of original artwork created after March 2020. Selected artwork will be displayed as part of a digital library on the department’s website and will also be placed in department offices, according to a press release.
The department is accepting photos of artwork through March 31, 2022 that conveys positive messages of hope, healing and resilience.
Students may submit their own artwork, or educators, parents or guardians may submit artwork on behalf of the student. Example media types for submission include paintings, drawings, photography, digital designs, or other similar 2-D media that do not exceed 1 inch in depth, according to the press release.
“Art allows students to express themselves during difficult times,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “I am proud New Jersey has 100% of our public schools offering arts programs and we must continue to allow students opportunities to participate in rich and engaging art projects. I cannot wait to see artwork from our talented students on display.”
More information, including the selection criteria, submission survey and contact information, can be found at the “Hope, Healing and Resilience Through the COVID 19 Pandemic” website at https://www.state.nj.us/education/standards/artinstallation.shtml