🍔 Committed Pig's "OG" Best in NJ!!

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Good morning Monmouth County! We all know how good Monmouth County food is. But it’s still fun to see it recognized on a national scale. According to Lovefood.com, The Committed Pig’s “OG” pork roll sandwich is the best fast food dish in New Jersey. No big deal.

TODAY’S BUZZ 🐝 

📰 Candid Access at Monmouth County Library HQ

⚕️ Medicare 101

🍷 Paint & Sip Classes

🌮 Food Trucks at Bakes Brewing 🍔

🦪 Shuck ‘n Sip at 3BR Distillery

🎭️ Comedy Night at Twin Lights Brewing

🎻 Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen & The Beatles

🏀 Monmouth U. Women’s Basketball vs NC Wilmington

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

📰 NEWS

Jazz Arts Project Mural Reveal

The Jazz Arts Project recently marked a historic milestone in its 20-year history by unveiling a striking new mural at its first dedicated home, located at 50 White Street in Red Bank. Created by local artist Michael White, the doorway mural features a bold, high-contrast orange-and-black portrait of jazz legend Miles Davis, capturing the "cool confidence" of the bebop era. The reveal took place during a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 6, where Jazz Arts Project founder Joe Muccioli, local officials, and community members gathered to welcome the nonprofit into its new brick-and-mortar complex. The event was further brought to life by the sounds of student musicians from the Jazz Arts Academy performing on the sidewalk, underscoring the organization's mission to provide a permanent "vibrant hub" for jazz education and performance in Monmouth County.

Registration Open for Stars & Strides 5k & 1 Mile Walk

Registration for the MonmouthNJ 250 Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk officially opened on January 1, inviting residents to participate in a historic celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at Bell Works in Holmdel, this "once-in-a-lifetime" event encourages participants to wear their best red, white, and blue as they honor the nation's milestone and Monmouth County’s pivotal role in the fight for independence. Early registrants can secure their spot for $30—a rate that increases after May 14—with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Monmouth County Park System to enhance local historical and natural resources. Organized by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, the high-energy morning will feature both a timed 5K and a non-timed family walk, serving as a signature event in a year-long schedule of patriotic programs designed to bring the community together through wellness and history. info

🥳 FAMILY FUN!

Family Movie Night: Toy Story | 1/9 6pm-8pm | Freehold YMCA (Freehold) | info 

Tiny Hands Studio | 1/10 10am | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info 

Frozen Character Brunch | 1/11 11am-2pm | The Bistro - iPlay America (Freehold) | info

📍 LOCAL EVENTS

Middletown Outdoor Winter Wonderland | 1/9-1/11 11am-7:30pm | Middletown Sports Complex (Middletown) | info 

In The Words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King: Where Do We Go From Here | 1/10 3pm-6pm | Two River Theater (Red Bank) | info 

Bridal Show | 1/11 1pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

🍔 FOOD & 🍹 DRINK

🍔 The Committed Pig’s “OG” Pork Roll & Cheese is Best in NJ

The Committed Pig has officially solidified its reputation as a culinary powerhouse after being recognized this week for serving one of the best fast-casual dishes in New Jersey. info According to a recent report by LoveFood, the restaurant’s legendary "OG" Pork Roll and Cheese was crowned the top fast-food pick in the state, celebrated for its perfect execution of the iconic Jersey staple on a toasted brioche bun. While the restaurant is widely known for its creative burger blends and all-day brunch, this latest accolade highlights its ability to elevate simple, local flavors into a must-try destination dish. With locations in Manasquan, Morristown, and Summit, the flagship Manasquan spot continues to draw massive crowds looking for that award-winning combination of melty American cheese and fried Taylor pork roll. info

Couples: Dinner on the Italian Rivera Class | 1/9 6:30pm-9pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info 

Mexi Boys Food Truck | 1/10 2pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info 

Winter Fresh Farmers Market | 1/11 10am-1pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info 

Let's Eat Cake! Cake Decorating Crash Course | 1/11 11am-2pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info 

Tall Oaks 2nd Anniversary | 1/11 12pm-7pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info 

Shuck 'N Sip | 1/11 12pm-3pm | 3BR Distillery (Keyport) | info 

Smash N Grab Burger | 1/11 1pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info 

Sunday Steakhouse: Timeless Classics Class | 1/11 3:30pm-6pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info

🎨 ART, HISTORY & EDUCATION

Medicare 101 | 1/9 10:30am-11:30am | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info 

Writers Workshop | 1/9 10:30am-12pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info 

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend | 1/9-3/1 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info 

Members Showcase: Celebrating Creativity | 1/9-1/11 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info 

Paint & Sip Class: Rainbow Winter | 1/9 7pm | Uncorked WIne Inspired Creations (Asbury Park) | info 

Zen Doodle: Meditative Drawing | 1/10 10:00 AM | Over the Moon Art Studios (Asbury Park) | info 

Winter Beach Walk at Fisherman's Cove | 1/10 11am-12:30pm | Fisherman's Cove (Manasquan) | info 

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather | 1/10 12pm-2:30pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info 

Paint & Sip Class: Asbury Carousel in Monnlight | 1/10 3:30pm | Uncorked WIne Inspired Creations (Asbury Park) | info 

Paint & Sip Class: Magical Rainbow Moon | 1/10 7pm | Uncorked WIne Inspired Creations (Asbury Park) | info 

Under the Winter Stars | 1/10 7:30pm-8:30pm | Dorbrook Recreation Area (Colts Neck) | info 

Meet the Author: Jennifer S. Brown | 1/11 11am | Congregation Torat El (Oakhurst) | info 

Make-and-Take Victorian Dolls | 1/11 11am-2pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info 

Paint & Sip Class: Winter Wonderland | 1/11 12pm | Uncorked WIne Inspired Creations (Asbury Park) | info 

Friendly Rivals: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr at Monmouth (2nd Sunday Lecture) | 1/11 2pm | Monmouth Battlefield Stater Park Visitor Center (Manalapan) | info 

Paint & Sip Class: Times Square | 1/11 3:00 PM | Uncorked WIne Inspired Creations (Asbury Park) | info

🎭️ THEATER, CINEMA, & COMEDY

Art & Cheer: A Holiday Exhibition | 1/9-1/17 8am-4pm (M/W/Th/F) & 8am-9pm (T) | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info 

Comedy Night: Hosted by Next Stop Comedy | 1/9 7:00 PM | Twin Lights Brewing (Tinton Falls) | info 

ComedySportz: Live Improv...Played as a Sport | 1/10 7pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info 

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (Cinema) | 1/10 7:30 PM | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info 

Angels Among Us: A Spiritual Evening with Gail Lionetti | 1/10 7:30pm-9:30pm | First Ave Playhouse (Atl. Highlands) | info

🎸 LIVE MUSIC 🥁 

Slippery When Wet NJ (Bon Jovi Tribute) | 1/9 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info 

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen & The Beatles | 1/9 7pm-9pm | Pollak Theater (W. Long Branch) | info 

Luciano "Reggae Night" | 1/9 7:00 PM | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info 

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - I Puritani | 1/10 1pm | Pollak Theater (W. Long Branch) | info 

APMF Showcase with Des, Renee, Blaise, and Internaitonal Superstar Robin | 1/10 4:00 PM | Transparent Clinch Gallery (Asbury Park) | info 

The E Street Shuffle | 1/10 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info 

Let's Sing Taylor: An Unofficial Live Tribute Show | 1/10 7pm | Count Basie-HMH Theater (Red Bank) | info 

RAEL: The Music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel | 1/10 7:30 PM | Count Basie-The Vogel (Red Bank) | info 

The Last Waltz Celebration | 1/11 3:00 PM | Axelrod PAC (Deal) | info 

Asbury Park & Me with James Dalton | 1/11 5pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info 

Swinging Sundays: Jazz Night | 1/11 7pm-10pm | The Asbury Hotel (Asbury Park) | info

⚾️ SPORTS & FITNESS 🏃‍♂️ 

Monmouth U. Women's Basketball vs North Carolina Wilmington | 1/9 2:00 PM | OceanFirst Bank Center (W. Long Branch) | info

🌊 ☀️ BEACH

Asbury Park - Ocean Temp. 39°F 

Fri 1/9: Low 5:25 am | High 11:44 am | Low 5:52 pm | Sunrise 7:19 am | Sunset 4:48 pm

Sat 1/10: High 12:25 am | Low 6:24 am | High 12:33 am | Low 6:44 pm | Sunrise 7:19 am | Sunset 4:49 pm

Sun 1/11: High 1:13 am | Low 7:27 am | High 1:23 am | Low 7:37 pm | Sunrise 7:17 am | Sunset 4:50 pm