– Congregation to host talk by climate activist
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County will host Harriet Shugarman, who will present, “Women Motivating Climate Hope,” at its 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services on April 26 at 1475 W. Front St., Lincroft.
All are welcome to the services, which will incorporate Earth Day recognition and be led by Unitarian Universalist Ministerial Intern, Craig Rubano, the congregation’s Climate Action Team and music director Louise Chernosky.
Shugarman, founder and executive director of Climate Mama, will discuss how climate disruption affects women and children first and most severely. She was designated the honored speaker for 2015 on behalf of the late Dr. Myra Zinke’s bequest to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation for an annual speaker on women’s issues.
Shugarman is on the board of the North Jersey Public Policy Network as well as her town’s Environmental Commission and other regional and local environmental committees. She has spent much of her professional life as an economist and policy analyst, including 13 years as a representative at the United Nations for the International Monetary Fund. For more information about Shugarman, visit www.climatemama.com.
For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, visit www.uucmc.org.
– Fundraiser walk slated for May 2
The Family Resource Network (FRN) will hold its 11th annual Walk for a Brighter Tomorrow at 11 a.m. May 2 at the intersection of Stockton and Ocean avenues at the Seaside Park boardwalk.
Proceeds will support FRN’s programs and services benefiting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Registration begins 10 a.m. After crossing the finish line, walkers are invited to attend Family Fun Day, which will include free activities, such as music, dancing, games and face painting, for all registered attendees.
For more information or to register a team, contact Dana Leopardi, events coordinator, at 609-392-4900, ext. 119 or visit www.walkforabrightertomorrow.org.
Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church will have meatloaf and fish dinners available for purchase from noon-4 p.m. on May 2 and 9 at 271 South St., Eatontown.
Dinners are $12 and include two sides (collard greens, macaroni and cheese, string beans, yams or potato salad) and bread. Fish sandwiches will be $10. Desserts and beverages can also be purchased. On May 9, rib dinners will also be available.
– Council candidates to debate May 6
Ocean Township candidates for all five seats on the municipal council will debate for 90 minutes beginning at 7:30 p.m. May 6 at 163 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst. The forum, which is sponsored by the nonpartisan Ocean Township League of Women Voters, will begin and end with statements from the candidates and include answering questions by voters.
On May 12, voters will be able to cast ballots for up to five candidates. Christopher Siciliano, William Garofalo, Donna Schepiga, Richard Long and Robert Acerra are running on the One Ocean slate, while Sylvia Sylvia, Robert Angelini, John Stuppi, Gail Matarazzo and Lawrence Mishkin are on the Ocean Together ticket.
Since 1963, Ocean Township has operated under the council-manager form of government. The entire five-member Township Council is chosen every four years in nonpartisan elections. The Council then chooses the mayor. Candidates run “at large,” representing the whole community rather than a section or district. The election is held in May to emphasize its nonpartisan nature and to de-emphasize the party politics associated with November general elections.
The League asked the candidates three questions of public interest and posted their responses at lwvto.org. The website will contain video of the debate after May 6 for those unable to attend. The video will also be shown on Ocean TV.