PRESS RELEASE:  Red Bank, NJ (May 13, 2013) – Thousands are anticipated to turn out for the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation’s (JSJBF) Jazz and Blues Summer Series Festivals. Each date in the series will feature crowd-pleasing jazz and blues musicians, food, crafters and activities for the entire family. Beer and wine gardens will be featured at Asbury Park and Point Pleasant Borough and fireworks at Long Branch. The festivals are free to the public, dog friendly and all ages are welcome to attend. Each year, sponsor donations from the events raise essential funds for the nonprofit Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation’s operational expenses. Sponsors include Comcast, Investors Bank, Hunterdon Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Alex and Ani.
 
"After much devastation from Sandy, music lovers from across the Jersey Shore are in the mood to celebrate an exciting season of top-notch entertainment seaside. The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation has been honored to present jazz and blues fans, young and old, with our award-winning Jazz and Blues Festivals for 25 years. The events are widely-anticipated by thousands of residents and shore visitors," said Dennis Eschbach, Event Director, Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festivals. "Thanks to the dedication of our 2013 sponsors, musicians and host towns, we anticipate this year's festivals to be bigger and better than ever!” 

Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Summer Series of Music Festivals • 3 Days of Jazz & Blues

Asbury Park Blues and Brews Festival, Bradley Park, Across from the Convention Hall and the Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJSaturday, June 8, Noon – 8:00 p.m.

Headliner: Mikey Jr. & Stone Cold Blues with Special Guest Steve Guyger
Asbury Park Lineup
12:00-1:00p.m. Carlos Colina & Straight Up
1:15- 2:15 p.m.  Slim Chance & The Gamblers
2:30- 3:30 p.m.  Chuck Lambert Band
3:45- 4:45 p.m.  Sandy Mack & Friends
5:00 -6:15 p.m.  Jon Herrington Band (Steely Dan Guitarist)
6:30- 8:00 p.m.  Mikey Jr. & Stone Cold Blues featuring Steve Guyger
 
Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival, Riverfront Park, Corner of Maxson Avenue and River Road, Point Pleasant Borough, NJSaturday, July 20, Noon – 8:00 p.m.

Headliner: The Soul Project featuring Eryn Shewell
Point Pleasant Lineup
12:00-1:00 p.m. Barbecue Bob & The Spareribs
1:15- 2:15 p.m.  Randy Napoleon Band
2:30- 3:30 p.m.  Juke Joint Jonny
3:45- 4:45 p.m.  Sandy Sasso Quartet
5:00 -6:15 p.m.  The Incinerators
6:30- 8:00 p.m.  The Soul Project featuring Eryn Shewell
 
Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival, Great Lawn at the Boardwalk, 28 McKinley Avenue, Long Branch, NJSaturday, August 24, Noon-10:00 p.m. followed by fireworks

Headliner: The Rob Paparozzi AllStarsLong Branch Lineup
1:00- 1:25 p.m.  Gary Wright
1:30- 2:30 p.m.  The Blind Tellers
2:45- 3:45 p.m.  Dorian Parreott Jazz Ensemble
4:00-5:00 p.m.  Bob Del Rosso Band
5:15- 6:15 p.m.  The Long Gone Daddies
6:30-7:30 p.m.  Al Chez & The Brothers of Funk
7:45- 9:15 p.m.  The Rob Paparozzi AllStars

Founded in 1987, the nonprofit Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation remains dedicated to its efforts to preserve, promote and perpetuate jazz and blues on the Jersey Shore through performance and education. Visit www.jsjbf.org  for more information. Connect with the JSJBF on Facebook at Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival and Twitter @JSJazzBluesFest. For information on becoming a festival sponsor, food vendor or crafter, contact Doris Lazur at 732-933-1984 or sponsors@jsjbf.org.

“Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men” Cooks Up Success with Recipes, Tools and Tips for Men at Work in the Kitchen

Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Book Signing and Fundraiser to Benefit Move For Hunger, River Road Books, 759 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ

PRESS RELEASE:  Rumson, NJ (April 25, 2013) – Although male chefs dominate television and the Internet, market research shows the role of cook at home continues to fall on women. Debra Levy Picard of Rumson, NJ found that men have a desire to enter the kitchen, but the motivation, support and resources are just not available. There are dozens of books on outdoor grilling, but Picard saw a real need to write a book that simply got them cooking in the kitchen. Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men offers men an attractive road map of more than 100 recipes, photographs, tools, tips and techniques to navigate around the kitchen.

Tastosterone speaks to men of all ages – the son, husband, father, single guy, newlywed, college student, retiree, divorcé and widower. A man who is confident in the kitchen will find independence, health, sex, nostalgia and love through cooking; and, although a man’s role may change throughout his life, cooking will remain a constant passion and skill. A few chapters in the book include, “Why Should Men Cook?” that explores cooking and the various stages in a man’s life; “Homage to Mom”, which hits on childhood nostalgia with the meats and potatoes of a meal; “Do You Really Need Something on The Side?” enough said; “Happy Endings”, a selection of delectable desserts; “The Dirty Dozen” common cooking mistakes; and “The Real Men Cook Quiz” that tests one’s knowledge of who really cooks among celebrity men.

According to Allrecipes, men enjoy preparing meals more than women (men 82 percent, women 75 percent). Men are also willing to spend more time preparing meals than women with 57 percent of men stating that "40 minutes to as long as it takes" is acceptable, while 52 percent of women prefer to limit cooking time to "0-40 minutes."

“Men love to cook and they’re heating up the kitchen with their confidence and enthusiasm," said Debra Levy Picard, Author, Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men. "Martha Stewart has raised the bar for women in the kitchen for years. Well, I’m lowering it for men, expecting less and getting great results.” 

Tastoserone is available at River Road Books at 759 River Road in Fair Haven, NJ and on www.tastosterone.com and Amazon. Join Debra Levy Picard at River Road Books for her book signing and a sampling of recipes from her cookbook on Wednesday, May 22nd from 7:00-9:00 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 per guest is requested to support the work of Move for Hunger. A representative from the nationally recognized organization will share news about its upcoming projects at the event.

About Deborah Levy Picard

Debra Levy Picard of Rumson, NJ started cooking at the age of 14 to help her busy, working parents get dinner on the table. As a child, she remembers watching Julia Child and writing down her recipes and preparing them for her family. Julia Child’s methods taught Debra how to work around the kitchen and create dishes and presentations to entertain crowds of people. Debra also takes inspiration from TV personality, author and entrepreneur, Bethenny Frankel. She admires her passion for knowing what she wants in life and going for it. Bethenny is the founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails, author of four self-help books and host of the TV series, Bethenny. Like Bethenny, Picard also has a passion – to get guys cooking and feeling confident in the kitchen. Picard blogs at www.tastosterone.com and connects with her fans daily on Facebook at Tastosterone: The Best Cookbook for Men and on Twitter @Tastosterone.

About Move for Hunger

Move For Hunger was established to strengthen the efforts of its communities’ food banks, while actively engaging in America’s hunger fight. By using the nonprofit organization’s unique knowledge and experience, Move For Hunger has leveraged its existing national network of transportation companies to create one of the nation’s largest, year-round service programs. www.moveforhunger.com

PRESS RELEASE:  Fair Haven, NJ (February 18, 2013) – Kick Dance Studios invite families from across Monmouth County to attend “Kick for a Cause” on Sunday, March 10th with performances at 12.30-2:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Two River Theater at 21 Bridge Avenue in Red Bank, NJ. All ticket sales will be donated to the Monmouth Beach Elementary School PTO to purchase books, supplies and school equipment damaged in Superstorm Sandy.

Approximately 310 children from Monmouth Beach Elementary School remain displaced by Superstorm Sandy and currently attend classes at the following host schools: Wolfe Hill School in Oceanport (PreK- Kindergarten), Betty McElmon School in West Long Branch (Grades 1-3), Frank Antonides School in West Long Branch (Grade 4), and Shore Regional High School in Long Branch (Grades 5-8).

“I was saddened to hear that Monmouth Beach Elementary School, where I fondly remember attending school as a child had more than three feet of water in its classrooms,” said Vanessa Berry, Owner, Kick Dance Studios, Fair Haven and Rumson. “Sandy's flood waters devastated the building, books, supplies and, more importantly, the hearts of its children. My family and Kick's students wanted to help the school with a fundraiser that raised funds for essential school supplies, but also lifted its families and faculty's spirits with music and dance."

More than 150 boys and girls, ages 5-17, from the Kick Dance Studios will showcase their talented moves during a variety of ballet, tap, hip hop, contemporary and Broadway-style dance performances. The show-stopping action will be followed by a special showing of big screen cartoons created by the young producers of the Emmy-Winning Small Factory Productions Studio of Fair Haven. Throughout the day, Monmouth Beach Elementary School students will sell concessions to raise additional funds for the school restoration.

General admission is $15 per adult/child with tickets sold at the door and online at www.kickdancestudios.com. Doors open at 12:00 p.m. Gift card donations to Staples, Target and Barnes & Noble are also greatly appreciated. Children under one are free of charge. Donations can also be mailed to attention: Pam Ruoff, PTO President, Monmouth Beach Elementary School, 14 Cottage Road, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750.

“The Monmouth Beach School District and the entire community is so touched by the generosity of the Kick Dance Studios and alumni Ms. Vanessa Berry for putting this event together. Donating 100% of the proceeds to the Monmouth Beach School will go such a long way in getting student and teacher resources and materials,” said Brian Farrell, Superintendent, Monmouth Beach Elementary School. “Our school has been so blessed with the charity from communities across the United States. What makes this a real special event is that some of our own students will be participating in the show! They are able to give back to their school and community. What can be better than that! ”

About Kick Dance Studios Kick Dance Studios, with locations in Rumson and Fair Haven, offer the highest quality dance and fitness classes for all ages and abilities in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Kick’s instructors teach a wide variety of dance styles as well as classes in acrobatics, acting and vocal lessons. Call 732-212-1322 or visit  www.kickstudio.com for more information.

PRESS RELEASE:  Middletown, NJ (January 11, 2013) – Class registration for Winter through Spring 2013 is now open at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ. The institution is encouraging adults and children of all ages and abilities to make 2013 the year to explore the arts. This past fall left many families with little or no time to spend together, but the Middletown Arts Center invites the public to visit its 23,000 square-foot arts facility for some much needed rest, relaxation and entertainment. Visit www.middletownarts.org for a full listing of classes. 

The Middletown Arts Center’s arts programming allows members and non-members to discover their inner artist, musician or dancer and also offers children unique activities to explore their imagination and express themselves. The classes offered for children include DoOdle Dude’s cartooning and animation, musical theatre fun, puppetry, fashion design, guitar, dance classes for boys and girls, kiddie rock concerts and music lessons with Miss Sherri and much more.  There are also exercise classes available for adults looking to carve out some time to de-stress in the New Year. Classes include Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga, Hula Hooping, authentic Argentine tango, Irish-step, tap and ballroom dance.

For individuals and families in need of financial assistance due to Sandy, please contact Maggie O’Brien, the Middletown Art Center’s Executive Director, at 732-706-4100 and she will discuss opportunities for discounted programming. MAC members also receive discounts on classes and camps throughout the year.

Join the Middletown Arts Center Team The Middletown Arts Center is currently looking for artists and educators to join its team. Individuals who are interested can contact Maggie O’Brien at 732-706-4100. The MAC is currently looking to expand its programing by offering classes in adult crafts such as jewelry, beading, fiber and photography, as well as children’s classes in film making, animation, advanced art, drawing and arts and crafts.

About the Middletown Arts Center The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility run by the nonprofit Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and is dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities. The MAC offers enrichment programs and entertainment for all ages and abilities.  Visit www.middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.

Donations Raised at the Event will Support Children's Programming at Lunch Break 
Thursday, January 10th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
American Antiques Company, 1318 Corlies Avenue, Neptune, NJ

PRESS RELEASE:  Neptune, NJ  (December 20, 2012) – On Thursday, January 10th, 2013 from 6:30 -8:30 p.m., the American Antiques Company will host a "Designer Night Out" event at its 18,00 square-foot showroom located on 1318 Corlies Avenue in Neptune, NJ. Interior designers, decorators, creative professionals and their guests are invited to enjoy this special evening of good will, fine wine and refreshments.

Throughout the event, the staff of American Antiques will also host private showroom tours and previews of new acquisitions from the American Antiques collection. Many New Jersey treasures will be on view and for sale, including a a Victor-Victrola Talking Machine produced in Camden, New Jersey and a 1920s cast iron fireplace backplate from the former historic Ritz Carlton Hotel Jimmy Diamond Bar in Atlantic City, NJ.

A suggested donation of $10 per guest will be donated to support children's programming at the nonprofit organization Lunch Break. One such program is Lunch Break's Dinner and a Movie Night where  the organization offers a dinner and movie to children of The Red Bank and Asbury Park Boys and Girls Club every fourth Thursday of the month. This two year-old program was inspired by long-time Lunch Break supporters, Mr. and Mrs. Myron and Judith Kaller. The children, ages 5-13 watch a movie while they are served a meal by young men and women volunteers from local schools, many of whom are the same age as the children they serve.

To attend the event,  RSVP to Jennifer Smiga at jen@inbloomcomm.com or call (877) 992-6847.

"All of us at American Antiques Company are honored to gather this region's creative professionals for a special evening of friendship and good will to support children's programming at Lunch Break," said Brian Sheehy, American Antiques Company. "Children are the beating heart of any community, and it's important that we come together to support and fund programs that assist in their emotional and physical wellbeing. "Designer Night Out" is the first of many evenings where we hope to partner with the creative community to help Monmouth County's children."

About American Antiques Company
American Antiques Company is the largest single point antiques store in the NY/NJ/CT Tri-State Area.  Its mission is to preserve history and forge the past, utilizing modern technology to educate the customer and enhance the antique buying and selling experience. American Antiques Company offers its clients the ability to buy and sell the finest art, antiques and jewelry. Visit www.americanantiquescompany.com of visit them on Facebook for more information.

American Antiques Designer Night Out 01-10-13

The Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation is seeking donations to help 62 families directly affected by Hurricane Sandy


PRESS RELEASE - Rumson, NJ (December 9, 2012)- In partnership with the RAINE Foundation, the Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation of Rumson is seeking to raise $10,000 to help 62 Bayshore area families that were directly affected by Superstorm Sandy and are in need of assistance this Christmas.

“The Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation was started in my son Jay's honor to assist children and their families who may have learning disabilities or suffer from depression,” said Jerry Dooley, President, Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation. “If we are able to help one child through these difficulties to reach their full potential in life, then we will have completed our mission. I know that Jay is happy that we are focusing our efforts on children, he wouldn't have it any other way.”

The Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation is constantly helping children and families every day. JDMF’s mission is to address the lack of critical mental and medical health services for families in need and ease the economic burden associated with these services. JDMF provides financial assistance so families can get proper medical diagnosis and treatment for their special needs child. In addition, JDMF funds programs to educate both parents and special needs teachers for the benefit of the children.

The Foundation is asking for a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more for the 62 families in need. Donations can be made online through the Jay Dooley Memorial website at www.jaydooley.com or by mailing a check to the Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 22, Rumson, NJ 07760. Visit the Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation on Facebook and let them know your reason for giving this holiday season.

About the Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation

The Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation (JDMF) is a 501(c)(3) committed to assisting children who may have a learning disability or suffer from depression by assisting their family as well as the educators and schools. JDMF provides resources for health and educational services for children with disabilities as well as for the educators providing in class support, professional training for in class teachers and assistants, and assist with medical and related expenses for those in need with children with special needs. 

About the RAINE Foundation

The RAINE Foundation is based in Hazlet and consists of compassionate, caring individuals striving to make a difference in the lives of others.  Since its beginnings, RAINE has positively impacted the communities of Hazlet, Aberdeen, Matawan, Keyport, Union Beach, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands by providing food, clothing and assistance during the holidays, as well as various other necessities for families in crisis. Visit http://rainefoundation.com for more information.

New Jersey is known for turning out some amazing things – from Taylor Ham to Jon Bon Jovi.  We’ve got everything from music to food pretty well-covered.  Given recent events where the world’s eyes were all on the real Jersey shore in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, I thought it was only fitting that I focus on a real Jersey girl who’s got it goin’ on.

When you first read that Kerri Edelman is a forensic psychologist, you might be thinking along the lines that her life mirrors Jodie Foster’s starring role in Silence of the Lambs.  While Edelman’s day job in a maximum security correctional setting doesn’t contain as much drama, it’s what she does on the side that’s grabbing everyone’s attention.

Edelman grew up on the Jersey shore.  She’s a true surfer girl, and has remained coastal her whole life.  Right before I was ready to write this article, I spoke with her and she told me that she had to evacuate her seaside home during the hurricane and had lost much of what she had, too.  It seems no one was immune to Sandy’s wrath.  For as much as the ocean has caused Edelman recent repercussions, she still longs to ride the waves and will be up and at ‘em again in true Jersey unbroken spirit.

Edelman is a petite five foot tall package of power. When she’s not at work, she’s wearing 4 or 5 inch heels (my kind of girl!)  She jokes she usually opts for skirts and dresses because she can’t find pants that fit without getting them altered.  When she makes it big she says, “The first thing I would want is an amazing tailor!” since many of the clothes she likes just don’t fit. They are either too long or too big; but that doesn’t stop her from looking fabulous.

You might be wondering what is so intriguing about this particular Jersey girl.  Well, first of all, fame is in her genes.   She’s the niece of composer Randy Edelman, known for music in the movies: Gettysburg, The Last of the Mohicans and My Cousin Vinny.  She’s also the niece of singer/songwriter Jackie DeShannon, who you would recognize for “What the World Needs Now is Love” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”.  So you can say music is in Edelman’s blood, literally. 

“I think genetically there is something there.  That’s why when I started getting into music, it was easy for me to have a sense of what I want,” Edelman elaborates. “I didn’t start singing until about 2006.  I didn’t get into it until I was into my Masters program.  I started writing melodies and dabbling in a few projects and working with my first hard rock band. We did some shows at The Stone Pony and other venues,” explains Edelman.

Her musical talent lies with writing lyrics and melodies.  She doesn’t play instruments, but she intuitively knows she wants heavy guitar or more keyboard when composing something new.  As many musically gifted people born with talent, she doesn’t write music scores; she just gets a tune in her head.  So you might be wondering where you can hear her musical talent.  In 2009 she released her debut album Leave It All Behind.  Edelman’s sound is a blend of The Cranberries, Evanescence and Paramore, both musically and vocally. 

The songs on Leave It All Behind are about leaving things about her life behind – the former band music life, or people in the past who have told her she can’t do something. 

“People said to me that I can’t do that.  I wanted to prove them wrong. That’s the stuff that’s always pushed me, too.  I’m going to prove them wrong.  I was a girl surfer when it wasn’t a big thing.  But it was something I was so passionate about.  That was one of the things I was really just so in love with. That’s all I did all summer long in middle school and high school. I was out there all day long.”

I can relate to her drive; when you are passionate about something you don’t stop.  When naysayers express discouragement, it almost makes you want to follow your path even more with resilience and strength.

“Everything I do centers around hard work, perseverance, motivation, and dedication coupled with supporting others when it comes to the entertainment aspect of myself.  Nothing has come easy for me and everything I have accomplished, I have done on my own,” says Edelman. 

Her combination of brains and beauty allows her to balance the seriousness of her career as a forensic psychologist and her academic accomplishments such as graduating with high honors with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Loyola University in Maryland, with the exciting world of entertainment and music.

Right now Edelman is focusing more on studio work as a solo artist and will be doing featured artist work with some national bands, but she isn’t able to release the information at this time as the scheduling is still in the works.

“It’s hard to find people who are motivated and have the same pride and dedication as you.  People have jobs, and people are married, so it’s hard to find those who want the same exact thing.  I was finding it more interesting and stimulating to do things on my own.  So that’s why I started pursuing my radio show.  People think that this is a glamorous lifestyle. I did all of my managing and promoting, and in reality I’m working hard.  I was living and breathing this [the music business].  I couldn’t personally keep up with it.”

“If I had the right people with the same drive and ideas that I had, I could do it.  But the issue is I learned this isn’t really what I wanted.  When you are in the trenches by yourself, you ask yourself if you really want this lifestyle.  I’m not a partier.  I’ve never done drugs or drank in my life.  Living on a tour bus – I don’t know if I could do it.  I know myself, and I know what my strengths are and the areas I need to grow in as a person.  I would need my own quiet space.  I love being around people but I need to have my own time and be independent and have my own thing,” she explains.

As a part of discovering who she was and what she wanted, she started The Kerri Edelman Show and has been broadcasting for a year and a half on radio.  With music and entertainment in her blood, she’s also undertaken her first role as an executive producer for a web series called “We Approved This Message?”  It was a comedic series of absurd campaign ads that starred the most recognizable Barack Obama impersonator, Reggie Brown, and comedian Mike Cote as Mitt Romney. 

The series was written and produced by two former staff writers for The Tonight Show, Jim Shaughnessy and Richard Marcus, and by Jerrod Cardwell, a writer for George Lopez, Arsenio Hall and numerous national touring standup comedians.  Jim Shaughnessy, Richard Marcus and Kerri Edelman worked together as executive producers.

“There were a bunch of people working on it.  I met Jim Shaughnessy on my radio show. He was the creator of this series and is a former writer of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.   It’s really funny stuff.  It’s comical satire making fun of the different candidates, having fun and doing some comedy. I’ve really gotten involved with comedy because it’s helped me with my own frustrations in my life, and I just love to laugh.”

Edelman is very comfortable with behind-the-scenes television work, too.

“I love to get involved with TV and film, not necessarily as an actor, but developing characters and personalities.  I found that I like doing voice over work. I’ve done a couple commercials.  I was a zombie voice and a creepy baby doll voice for a company called “Creepy Collections”.  They do all of the things for haunted houses and creepy things.”

When Edelman told me she is known for a creepy little girl movie voice, I had to ask how she deals with the fame for making the hairs stand up on the back of people’s necks.

“I laugh at that.  I say, ‘Ok thanks!’  I had a fun time doing it.”

She definitely has a sense of humor about it. 

“I would love to be a voice over cartoon character,” Edelman continued.

Speaking of cartoons, there’s another big project she is working on with Richard Sirgiovanni.  Sirgiovanni is the is the creator of an original animated kids rock n’ roll TV series called The Grimps.  As it states on the website: The Grimps is a new phenomenon in children’s animation coming soon as a TV series and major motion picture.  Definitely cool.

“I’m going to be working with him and I get to do the voice of an animated character!  This is in development and I’m looking forward to working with him,” she enthusiastically promotes.

“We are planning to get in the studio soon to start recording and developing the sound of the band.  My intention is to present The Grimps to the public as a legitimate rock band besides the show. Jack Douglas will be producing the music in the studio. Jack is a Grammy award winning producer who has worked with Cheap Trick, John Lennon and Aerosmith to name a few. Jack just produced Aerosmith’s latest album,” says Sirgiovanni.

Well, that’s certainly a lot of star power behind that production.

In Kerri Edelman’s  “spare time”, she is a contributing writer for Talent Spotlight Magazine and Really Great Magazine.  She also continues to write song lyrics and is part of irocktv.co  - a website for independent artists.  Her song “Vanilla Skies” is currently used in the commercial promotion of Flirt Energy Drink, too.

“I’m so selfless in terms I always want to help people, but this is hard work.  This is not something you can do once, and stuff just happens.  I write about marketing and promoting and include psychology so people can avoid being manipulated in the industry. Relationships and the dynamics of people are so important to hopefully get more opportunities,” she speaks of how her background in clinical and forensic psychology even helps her in the entertainment industry.  Who knew!

“I’m not the person who is the kind to leave my job and do something random. I do love my job in the clinical and forensic psychology world, and I like the challenge of figuring out what’s going on with people.”

Edelman’s future aspirations include becoming involved in a TV project or collaborating with a nationally-known band.

“…not to go on the road, but to have a band feature me so I can still have my job and ‘get my fix’.  Your past leads you to really interesting roads that you thought you might never venture down,” she shares.

To those aspiring to get their own “fix” in life, Edelman recommends, “You have to try everything and anything.  You just never know what you may really like.”

You can catch up with Kerri Edelman by listening to The Kerri Edelman Show, connecting with her on Facebook, or following her on Twitter @kerriedelman

You can also download Leave It All Behind on iTunes.

To see what’s happing with The Grimps, check them out on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter @TheGrimps.

This blog was also published via Patch Media at the above links.

PRESS RELEASE: Duck into American Antiques Company on Thursday, December 6th at 6:30 p.m. “The Boys” are hosting an evening of appraisals and a Q&A with Jon Frank of Frank & Frank Sporting Collectibles. Jon is a leading national authority on duck decoys and is an appraiser for the auction houses of Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Freeman’s. Email jen@inbloomcomm.com to RSVP for the event.

On Jan. 18, 2003, Jon Frank assisted in the Christie’s New York Russell B. Aitken Sale, which resulted in a record bid of $801,500 for a Preening Pin Tail Drake by A. Elmer Crowell of East Harwich, Massachusetts c. 1915. Additionally, a pair of Red Breast Mergansers made by Lothrop Holmes of Kingston, Massachusetts c. 1870 sold for $394,500 at the same sale. Numerous other decoys fell into the $100,000 area.

DUCK DECOY COLLECTING PRESENTED BY AMERICAN ANTIQUES COMPANY AND FRANK OF FRANK & FRANK SPORTING COLLECTIBLES

The early NJ decoy carvers were not actual artists that were making decoys as decorative objects. Decoys were made by hunters to trap and hunt ducks as well as to train hunting dogs to retrieve the birds they shoot. Condition, paint quality and form are the things most often looked at first by top collectors. Many decoys achieve value because they were made by a carver with a highly regarded reputation. Each decoy carver left an unconscious individual signature on his decoys through certain details with the knife or brush. Even though carvers sometimes make different styles like preeners, sleepers or swimmers, the carving details found on the bills and tails hardly change. When a maker can establish a unique signature trait in his carving or painting, identification of his decoys becomes more reliable.

In order to evaluate and select NJ’s best decoy makers, two distinct waterfowling periods are identified- period one, the time before 1920, and period two, the time after 1920. Those producing most of their decoys before 1920 are considered first generation carvers, and those making most of their decoys after 1920 are recognized as second-generation carvers. The year 1920 was chosen to separate the distinct waterfowling period because market hunting was coming to a close around then, which changed the need for hand-made decoys and the practice of decoy carving.

DUCK DECOY CARVING: A NEW JERSEY TRADITION

New Jersey has long been known to decoy collectors all over the country for its rich history of waterfowling. New Jersey carvers developed a tradition of hollowing out decoys to reduce the weight of the boat’s gear. These Barnegat decoys are known as “dugouts” and except for the early types, all are hollowed white cedar. The abundant supply of white cedar trees in the local swamps provided soft lightweight and rot-resistant wood for carving.

New Jersey contemporary carvers carry out the tradition of making decoys in two pieces, with hollowed carved bodies and attached pine heads. Jersey hunters used a shallow draft boat known as the Barnegat Bay sneak box, which was designed for excursions over the shallow saltwater bays. Weight is an important factor when loading a boat with a dog, a weapon, ammunition, food, a decoy rig, so hollowing out the decoys reduces some of this weight. The carving technique also adds value for collectors because of the extra work and skill it requires.

A serious collector realizes that while thousands of decoys were made, few survive today in original condition. Jersey decoys were heavily used, and the salt water attacked their paint from the time they were tossed overboard. The common practice of repainting them after each hunting season makes it challenging to find examples of original paint. Few were used as decoration and when market hunting came to an end, thousands were used as firewood or thrown away.

A VARIETY OF DUCK DECOYS: A DUCK ISN’T JUST A DUCK

The variety of decoys produced in any given region is related to the species of birds that migrate there. Usually, the more northern the origin of a decoy, the greater its size and flatter its bottom. The flat bottoms on the decoys from the upper coast allow them to ride heavy seas with much less roll than one that has a round bottom.

Though many bird species migrate to New Jersey, the majority hunted along the coast are geese, brant, black duck and broadbill. Though oldsquaw, merganser, goldeneye and bufflehead can be found in the area, it is rare to find their decoys. Early carvers like Joe King, Mark English and Harry V. Shourds were among the few who made oldsquaw decoys in New Jersey. Large numbers of mallard decoys were used in the Midwest, but very few were made by New Jersey coastal carvers.

READ ABOUT DUCK DECOYS AT AUCTION: BIDS WORTH QUACKING ABOUT

The $800,000 Duck Decoy, Wall Street Journal

Duck! That Decoy Costs $800,000, New York Magazine

PRESS RELEASE: Middletown, NJ (November 21st, 2012) – On Sunday, December 2nd, 2012 starting at 5:00 p.m. the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ, will host its “Holiday Extravaganza”. The day’s FREE art activities and entertainment will be enjoyed by hundreds of local families, and features New Jersey’s only TubaChristmas performance, tree lighting, visit from Santa, carols, children’s crafts, and a 50/50 raffle. Holiday refreshments will be provided by the American Antiques Company. Funded and managed by the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council, a volunteer non-profit
organization established in 2001 to promote the arts throughout Middletown, the Middletown Arts Center offers affordable classes and free programming and events to more than 40,000 visitors annually.

The Holiday Extravaganza will begin at 5:00 p.m. with caroling and Middletown’s traditional tree lighting on the MAC grounds. During the tree lighting, Santa will arrive by fire truck, and then proceed to his secret workshop in the MAC where he will pose for pictures with the children. Parents are requested to bring their own camera, as a photographer will not be present to take photos. At 6:00 p.m., TubaChristmas, an exciting ensemble of tuba and euphonium players from across the community, will perform traditional holiday songs in the MAC theatre. The MAC’s TubaChristmas performance, conducted by Joseph Lawlor, is New Jersey’s only TubaChristmas event and one of over 200 concerts across the country. The event is a tribute to the late artist/teacher William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day 1902. Tuba and euphonium players of all ages are invited to perform in TubaChristmas. Contact Maggie O’Brien at 732-706-4100 for more information. Guests will also enjoy a tap performance by Miss Deena and the MACettes in the theatre at 6:30 p.m.

“The Middletown Arts Center is honored to host Middletown’s annual “Holiday Extravaganza”. The event has become a holiday tradition for hundreds of local families. Meet our talented instructors and enjoy an exciting day of free art activities and entertainment,” said Maggie O’Brien, Executive Director.

Tickets to the Middletown Arts Center’s 50/50 raffle fundraiser will be on sale for $5 each throughout the evening. Jolly Santa himself will pull the winning ticket at the end of the evening.  Visit
www.middletownarts.org or call 732-706-4100 for more information.

About the Middletown Arts Center The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award winning, state-of-the-art facility run by the nonprofit Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities. The MAC offers enrichment programs and entertainment for all ages and abilities. Visit www.middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.

This blog was also published via Patch Media at the above links and went national on The Vine.