The New Jersey Sire Stakes (NJSS) 2007 Pari-Mutuel racing season is scheduled to begin May 18 at The Meadowlands, one week later than in 2006. New Jersey-sired 3-year-old filly pacers will open the schedule with the first of three preliminary legs. New Jersey-sired 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings will begin their racing program the following night on May 19.
The NJSS schedule at The Meadowlands runs until July 19. Sire Stakes racing resumes at Freehold Raceway with the Green Acres series starting on Aug. 9 and ending Oct. 11, and the Pari-Mutuel series starting on Aug. 11 and closing Oct. 27. Copies of the complete NJSS schedule brochure is expected to be available in January. For further information, contact Leon Zimmerman at (609) 394-8303.
Nancy Webster Peck has been selected to head a newly formed New Owners and Marketing Program under the auspices of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ).
Peck will focus on developing marketing strategies, materials, seminars and events to educate and entertain those considering joining or rejoining the harness racing industry. It is expected that she will begin regular educational seminars at various sites in New Jersey starting in 2007. Additionally, she will arrange for farm and training center tours, implement a phone hotline, and make available materials for prospective owners through the SBOANJ Web site. The SBOANJ’s goal is for more New Jerseyans to buy and race standardbred horses in New Jersey.
Peck’s appointment is expected to make this effort a reality. For more information contact Leo McNamara at the SBOANJ, (732) 462-2357.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium will offer half-price admission on weekdays for the month of January. Visit Tux, the newest addition to the African penguin colony, and the rest of the penguins as they swim around their exhibit. All adult senior and child general admissions are half-price. Weekends are excluded. The half-price admission is not valid on groups, birthday parties or educational programs. Jenkinson’s Aquarium is at 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, and is open daily. Regular admission prices are $9 for adults; $6 for children ages 3-12; children 2 and under are free; $6 for seniors age 62 and older. For more information call (732) 899-1212.
The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group (40 and under) will hold a networking event Jan. 25 from 6-9 p.m. at the Grape Beginnings Wine School, 54 West Main St., Freehold. Winemakers will give a tour and discuss the wine-making process. There will be hors d’oeuvres and five sample wines. Cost is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Bring business cards. Details: (732) 462-3030. www.wmchamber.com.
Central Jersey Business Professionals is an independent, formal networking group that meets in Freehold every Tuesday at 8 a.m. The organization accepts one person per occupation and is looking for new members. Details: Aaron Niederman, (732) 922-6300, ext. 35.