Holmdel Journal Facebook, June 11, 2020
Celebrating the Class of 2020
Holmdel Journal, June 2020 p.41
Winter Activities in Monmouth County
As everyone heads home for the holidays, I wanted to share some local winter festivities that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Despite the cold, there is plenty to do outside. Whether you seek high activity or tranquil bonding time, there truly is something for everyone!
A Present Well Spent: Out-of-the-Box Gift Ideas
As someone who loves the holiday spirit but struggles to think of unique gift ideas, I wanted to help others who experience the same dilemma. Thanks to my creative friends and family, I had an abundance of great gift ideas that I couldn’t wait to share with my local community. These ideas were published in my town’s special holiday section of the November issue and are sure to make your loved ones smile while preventing your wallet from suffering!
Holmdel Journal, November 2019 issue
Grown In Monmouth County Restaurant Week
I’m continually enjoying my job as a staff reporter for my monthly local town magazine, the Journals NJ. This past month’s assignment on my county’s first-ever Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week event was my all-time favorite especially since I’m such a foodie! I was excited to interview restaurant owners and local growers and learn about the many featured delicious dishes containing local farmed ingredients grown in the county.
September 2019 Holmdel issue, p 64 https://www.thejournalnj.com/publications-monmouth-county/holmdel-journal/holmdel-current-issue/
Exploring the Past in Pasture
MY ARTICLE MADE THE COVER STORY & THE COVER PHOTO!!!
I was so surprised and excited to see my article and photograph featured on the July cover of my community news magazine. I recently pursued an internship with The Journal NJ to learn more about journalism by shadowing the staff, sitting in on weekly sales meetings, and working with the Managing Editor on layout and design. For one of my assignments, I chose to visit and research my town’s Longstreet Farm, a 19th century living historical farm, to increase community awareness and promote appreciation for the past. As this was one of my first assignments as an intern, I was shocked that the editors chose my work for the cover.
https://www.thejournalnj.com/publications-monmouth-county/holmdel-journal/holmdel-current-issue/ (page 20)
23 Local Girl Scouts Receive Gold Award
I had the honor of attending the 2019 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Gold Award Ceremony. Not only did I get to witness the many talented Girl Scouts receive their awards, I also had the opportunity to serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. I loved being able to share my experiences as a Girl Scout with the audience to inspire the future generation of leaders. As an intern for The Journal NJ, I was also asked to cover this event. I explained the purpose and function of the Gold Award, interviewed the hosts and guest speakers, and focused on the four Girl Scouts from Monmouth County. My article appears in the July issue of The Journal and highlights the girls’ outstanding achievements.
Pushy Parenting Doesn’t Pay
Girl Scouts- It's a Whole Lot More than Cookies
The Holmdel Journal Publication, December Issue
https://www.thejournalnj.com/columns/teen-scene-emily-chang-girl-scouts-its-a-whole-lot-more-than-cookies/
I am so honored to be selected by the CEO of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore to write an article for the community paper about Girl Scouting and its mission and values. Given the country’s current challenging and hostile environment, it is essential to discuss programs that encourage love, compassion, and giving to promote peace and unity among our fellow citizens.
Guinness Oyster Festival
The warm September air was filled with nothing but laughter, singing and cheers. The usual traffic was replaced with happy families, enjoying delicious food and unique shopping. As summer officially came to a close, the streets of Red Bank came to life.
The ninth annual Guinness Oyster Festival took place on Sept. 30, 2018 from 12-7 p.m. in the White Street Municipal Parking Lot. Modeled after the Galway Oyster Festival to celebrate the beginning of oyster season, this popular street festival in Red Bank was once again a huge success.
The event served as a “culinary feast,” showcasing Red Bank’s restaurant dishes, as well as food from vendors. From lobster rolls to oysters to fried oreos to chocolate bacon, there was an option for everyone. Food vendors were so popular that their lines took up almost the entire width of the street.
One food vendor sold various flavors of gourmet pastry dips. This family business explained how fortunate they were to discover the event through the Internet because it rewarded them with enormous publicity.
“[It was] a very great experience. We’ve had a lot of business and the people were really nice,” said 19-year-old Alyssa Cassisi from East Brunswick, one of the workers running the stand. “We would love to come back next year.”
The festival was also kid-friendly. The roads were closed and guarded with police officers to ensure a safe environment. Freshly painted faces and twisted balloons made frequent appearances as kids excitedly scampered through the streets. They were drawn to carnival rides, a bounce house and for the first time, a petting zoo.
Two stages provided space for live music, seating and dancing. The music consisted of a mix of Irish, blues, funk, pop, rock and roll and more. Vendors also played a major role as people purchased unique items, such as jewelry, clothes, hats and other nick-nacks.
Some stands were designated for good causes. Many charity stands that worked to raise money and raise awareness.
Orphan Outreach solicited donations in order to fund international travel and medical mission trips.
However, not everyone received the desired results. “The people are quite stingy, for whatever reason,” said Dianne Berg, 52, of Toms River, a volunteer for Orphan Outreach.
This festival was so popular that people even crossed state lines to be there. Barry Allen, a 59-year-old from Philadelphia, travelled two hours to attend with his wife. This was his first time and he was incredibly pleased with the experience. “This was a great event,” he said, “with great food and great music.”
National Skating Month
My Very First Journalism Project
I always enjoyed writing since I was young; however, I didn’t know I was an aspiring self-published author until I discovered this family newsletter which I designed when I was only twelve years old!
Check out more…
https://www.figureskatingetc.com/miscell2/2013/7/17/my-very-first-journalism-project
https://www.figureskatingetc.com/miscell2/2019/4/17/one-big-lie
https://www.figureskatingetc.com/miscell2/2010/4/17/a-rabbit-that-got-covered-in-chocolate
