Good morning Monmouth County! If you’re feeling hungry for knowledge this week, Monmouth Buzz is brimming with educational fun. Time to break a mental sweat!

🐰 Easter Fun

🚓 Long Branch Gets Electric Police Vehicle

🍅 Chef David Viana on Food Network

💃 Salsa & Bachata Monday

🐩 Pet Pantry Drive

🍎 Bell Works Fresh Farmers Market

☀ Senior Section

👩‍🚀 On a Mission: The History of U.S. Women Astronauts

🎸 Collective Soul

🏸 Jersey Pickleball Club

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

Long Branch has officially integrated its first fully electric police vehicle into the municipal fleet, a milestone achieved through a competitive state grant focused on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions. This new addition will be dedicated to community policing efforts, serving as a visible symbol of the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and modernized public safety. Mayor John Pallone noted that the move is a multifaceted win for the area, as it simultaneously reduces the city’s environmental footprint and lowers long-term operational costs by utilizing cutting-edge technology that requires less maintenance than traditional internal combustion engines. You can find more official info regarding this transition on the city's website.

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) allows Long Branch to join a growing number of New Jersey municipalities prioritizing fiscal responsibility and improved air quality. Because these vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and have significantly lower fuel requirements, they ensure that taxpayer dollars are used more efficiently while contributing to broader climate goals. As the department begins integrating the car into daily operations, residents can expect to see the new EV patrolling local neighborhoods in the coming weeks. This initiative aligns with the city's broader strategy to serve as a forward-thinking model for the region, proving that public safety and green innovation can effectively go hand in hand.

Painting with Princesses: Easter Eggs | 4/1 4:30pm-5:30pm | Poricy Park (Middletown) | info

Egg Hunt - Atl. Highlands | 4/2 3:30pm-4:30pm | Atl. Highlands Library (Atl. Highlands) | info

Middletown's Mystery Egg Hunt - Residents Only | 4/2 5pm | TBA (Middletown) | info

Manasquan Easter Egg Hunt | 4/2 6pm | Manasquan Elementary School, Back Fields (Manasquan) | info

Eyes of the Wild Live Animal Show | 3/30 2pm-3pm | Middletown Public Library (Middletown) | info

Spring Break Extended Hours at iPlay America | 3/30-4/2 11am-9pm | iPlay America (Freehold) | info

Passover Celebration | 4/1 11am | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Salsa & Bachata Monday | 3/30 7pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Allentown Library Book Sale | 4/1-4/30 M-S Varies | Allentown Library (Allentown) | info

April Pet Pantry Drive | 4/1-4/2 10am-2pm | Lunch Break (Red Bank) | info

Seashore Open House | 4/1 1pm-4pm | Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park (Long Branch) | info

Holmdel Chess Club | 4/2 5pm-8pm | Holmdel Library (Holmdel) | info

Middletown AARP Tax Prep | 3/30-4/2 9am-9pm | Middletown Public Library (Middletown) | info

Wall 2026 AARP Tax Aide | 3/30-3/31 1pm-4pm | Wall Library (Wall) | info

Hazlet 2026 AARP Tax Aide | 3/30 1pm-5pm | Hazlet Library (Hazlet) | info

Learn to Play Bridge | 3/30 6pm-8:30pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Free Line Dancing Classes | 3/30 6pm-8pm | Asbury Park Senior Center (Asbury Park) | info

Shrewsbury 2026 AARP Tax Aide | 3/31 & 4/2 9am-5pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

US Retirement Education Association | 3/31 5:30pm-7:30pm | Middletown Public Library (Middletown) | info

Marlboro 2026 AARP Tax Aide | 4/1-4/2 10am-2:30pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

Bridge at W. Long Branch | 4/1 11am-1pm | W. Long Branch Library (W. Long Branch) | info

Learn to Play Duplicate Bridge | 4/1 12pm-4:45pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Learn to Play Bridge | 4/2 9:30am-12pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Social Dance Club | 4/2 12pm-1:30pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Holmdel Mah Jongg Club | 4/2 1pm-4pm | Holmdel Library (Holmdel) | info

Chef David Viana, the culinary force behind Monmouth County favorites like Lita and Judy & Harry’s, recently showcased his skills on the national stage during Tournament of Champions VII. In the first-round battles that aired in late March 2026, the James Beard-nominated chef entered the arena as a No. 6 seed to face off against the formidable No. 3 seed and veteran competitor, Marcel Vigneron. The high-stakes matchup was defined by a particularly difficult "Randomizer" spin that required the chefs to incorporate Manila clams, butternut squash, a microwave, and glazed elements into a cohesive dish. Utilizing a "move one down" wildcard to swap the clams for pork blade steak, Viana impressed the judges with a grilled blade steak accompanied by a butternut squash glaze and glazed walnuts, a plate that was praised for its technical execution and depth of flavor.

Despite a stellar performance that earned a high score of 81, Viana ultimately fell short of advancing as Vigneron secured a 87-point victory. The battle was a highlight of the episode, with judge Scott Conant famously throwing down his napkin in excitement after tasting the competition's output, signaling the elite level of cooking present in the bracket.Although his run in the seventh season of Guy Fieri’s culinary gauntlet came to an early end, Viana’s appearance further cemented his reputation as one of New Jersey's premier chefs. Fresh off his 2026 James Beard semifinalist nomination, he remains a central figure in the Garden State's dining scene, continuing to lead his Good Trouble Hospitality group and its celebrated collection of restaurants across Monmouth County.

Bell Works Fresh- Farmers & Makers Market | 4/1 11am-4pm | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

A TIme Within a Time: Juried Art Exhibition | 3/15-5/10 T-Su 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Val Dyshlov Reflection Exhibit | 3/15-5/10 T-Su 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Blossoms & Wings: A Spring Reverie | 3/8-3/31 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Women Air Force Service Pilots | 3/30 6:30pm-7:30pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Living with Herbs Lecture | 3/30 7pm-8pm | Middletown Public Library (Middletown) | info

Oldies But Goodies Exhibit | 3/30-4/4 9am-9pm | Middletown Public Library (Middletown) | info

Tech Tuesday-Internet Basics and Online Safety | 3/31 2:30pm-3:30pm | Middletown Public Library (Middletown) | info

Pysanky: Learn the Art of Ukranian Egg Decorating | 3/31 6pm | Bey Hall-Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Spring Wreath Workshop with Amber & Earth | 3/31 6pm-7:30pm | The Asbury Hotel (Asbury Park) | info

Early Allentown: Ready to Aid the Revolution | 3/31 6:30pm-7:30pm | Allentown Library (Allentown) | info

Street Life Exhibit | 3/31 & 4/2 12pm-4pm | ArtSpace (Red Bank) | info

April is National Poetry Month | 4/1-4/30 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Genealogy Club | 4/1 2pm-3pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Visionary Tales Book Discussion | 4/2 10:30am-11:30am | Ocean Twp Library (Ocean) | info

On a Mission: The History of U.S. Women Astronauts | 4/2 2pm-3pm | Middletown Public Library (Middletown) | info

Cloisonne Bookmark | 4/2 On Demand | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Staged Reading: Shake Rag Hollow | 3/30 7pm | NJ Repertory Co. (Long Branch) | info

Peppa Pig- My First Concert | 4/1 6pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

Ruth State Presents: "Night of January 16th" by Ayn Rand | 4/2 7pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info

River Jams Music Streams | 3/31 7:30pm-9pm | Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel (Asbury Park) | info

Pop Evil: The What Remains Tour | 4/2 6:30pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Collective Soul | 4/2 8pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

WONKYWILLA- Live! | 4/2 8pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

The fast-growing popularity of pickleball continues to make its mark in Monmouth County with the recent opening of Jersey Pickleball Club info at Bell Works in Holmdel. This new indoor facility offers dedicated courts, programming, and open play opportunities for players of all skill levels, creating a year-round destination for one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. Its arrival at Bell Works—already a hub for dining, retail, and community events—adds another dynamic recreational option to the complex while drawing both casual players and competitive enthusiasts. As pickleball continues to surge in popularity nationwide, the Jersey Pickleball Club is poised to become a central gathering place for the local community, blending fitness, social connection, and accessible fun under one roof.

Brookdale Baseball vs Mercer County Community College | 3/30 3pm | Brookdale CC (Lincroft) | info

Brookdale Men's Volleyball vs Ocean County Community College | 3/30 6pm | Brookdale CC (Lincroft) | info

Monmouth U. Baseball vs St. Peter's | 3/31 3pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Men's Tennis vs Temple | 4/1 2pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Men's Soccer vs Alumni | 4/1 7pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Mon 3/30: High 5:36am | Low 11:34am | High 6:05pm | Low 11:38pm | Sunrise 6:44am | Sunset 7:17pm
Tue 3/31: High 6:31am | Low 12:25am | High 6:59pm | Low 12:27pm | Sunrise 6:42am | Sunset 7:18pm
Wed 4/1: High 7:27am | Low 1:13am | High 7:54pm | Low 1:19pm | Sunrise 6:41am | Sunset 7:19pm
Thu 4/2: High 8:24am | Low 2:02am | High 8:50pm | Low 2:12pm | Sunrise 6:39am | Sunset 7:20pm| Sunset 7:16pm