Star Trek&rsquo;s 60th Anniversary to be Celebrated in Seaside Heights
JERSEY SHORE &ndash; The Jersey Shore Chapter of Starfleet: The International Star Trek Fan Association (SFI) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Star Trek on August 30 on the boardwalk and oceanfront of Seaside Heights from 5 to 10 p.m.
The Star Trek franchise has inspired generations through its innovative storytelling, multiple series, films and books - to count only a few of the medias it has touched since 1966.! SFI has been a part of that 
adventure since 1975, founded by enthusiastic Star Trek fans across the globe from its foundations in the United States across to Europe and out to Japan and Australia. There are very few places (if any) that this iconic show hasn&rsquo;t been experienced. 
The USS Challenger formed in 1988 and meets monthly in Seaside Heights and is made up primarily of fans in Ocean and Monmouth counties. The Challenger is among the 200 SFI chapters and is among 4,700 members of the international organization. 
Chapters are actively putting together their own program of events this year to mark the celebration and the USS Challenger, in partnership with the Borough of Seaside Heights is hosting a Star Trek 60 Celebration with the screening of a science fiction film that in its own way serves as a tribute to the franchise despite not actually being one a dozen Star Trek feature films.
On August 23 there will be vendors on the boardwalk near the Franklin Avenue stage that will feature comic book and science fiction inspired merchandise as well as a table featuring members of the USS Challenger. Brick Township resident Steven Lance, who appeared as an extra in the very first Star Trek feature film released in 1979, &ldquo;Star Trek: The Motion Picture&rdquo; will be a special guest and will sign autographs and talk to Star Trek fans about his experience on the set of the film and his friendships with cast members as well as his years hosting the early Star Trek fan conventions.
Due to the franchise&rsquo;s milestone year, Star Trek films were not available for rental screening by municipalities that host free films at their parks, beaches and other venues such as the Seaside Heights free movies on the boardwalk at dusk series that has been screening classics like &ldquo;Jaws&rdquo;, &ldquo;Zootopia 2&rdquo;, &ldquo;Back To The Future&rdquo;, &ldquo;Lilo &amp; Stitch&rdquo;, &ldquo;E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial&rdquo; and &ldquo;How to Train Your Dragon.&rdquo;
At dusk around 8:15 p.m. the film &ldquo;Galaxy Quest&rdquo; a 1999 American satirical science fiction comedy film directed by Dean Parisot and written by David Howard and Robert Gordon will be screened (enter at the Fremont Avenue dune crossover). 
The plot concerns the cast of the 1980s space-adventure series Galaxy Quest attending fan conventions and trivial promotional appearances. Former star, Jason Nesmith played by Tim Allen, thrives on the attention, his co-stars resent him and their stalled careers. At a convention, a group calling themselves Thermians approach him for help. He believes they want him for a promotional appearance but he doesn&rsquo;t realize they are actual aliens who believe his adventures on the TV series are real. 
The film also stars Sigourney Weaver as Gwen DeMarco, Alan Rickman as Alexander Dane, and Tony Shalhoub as Fred Kwan. The original spec script by David Howard was titled Captain Starshine. Howard stated he got the idea while at an IMAX presentation, where one of the trailers for an upcoming &ldquo;Americans in Space&rdquo; film was narrated by Leonard Nimoy, a leading actor from Star Trek. 
The trailer got Howard thinking about how the other Star Trek actors had become pigeonholed in these roles since the cancellation of Star Trek, and he then came up with the idea of &ldquo;What if there were real aliens involved?&rdquo;
 Toms River resident Bob Vosseller has served as the chapter chairman or &ldquo;captain&rdquo; of the USS Challenger chapter for all 38 years of its existence and is a lifelong Star Trek fan. &ldquo;This is an incredible time to be a fan of Star Trek and everything that it represents. Gene Roddenberry created an enduring and positive view of the future which has attracted worldwide praise and interest. Through SFI and our chapter we are able to celebrate its legacy as one giant global community.&rdquo; 
 &ldquo;Star Trek fans are a truly welcoming community of diverse individuals and there is something for 
everyone whether they&rsquo;re a life-long fan who was there from the beginning or a young cadet taking their first Star Trek steps alongside a Trekking parent,&rdquo; Vosseller said. &ldquo;We thank the Borough of Seaside Heights for providing this special venue and allowing us to bring this fandom celebration to the Jersey Shore on August 30.&rdquo; For information about the event visit usschallenger.org, email <a href="mailto:usschallengerco@gmail.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">usschallengerco@gmail.com</a>
or check out the USS Challenger Facebook page. You can also visit the Seaside Heights website at <a href="https://www.seaside-heightsnj.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.seaside-heightsnj.org/</a>

Ocean County

Karen Wall

New York City Metropolitan Area

Manchester

New Jersey

Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary to be Celebrated...

Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary to be Celebrated in Seaside Heights...

Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary to be Celebrated in Seaside Heights

<dl><dt>Sun, Aug 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM</dt><dt><a target="_blank" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?z=10&amp;t=m&amp;q=Seaside%20Heights%20Boardwalk,%20Boardwalk,%20Seaside%20Heights,%20NJ,%2008751" rel="noopener nofollow">Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ, 08751 </a></dt><dt><a target="_blank" href="https://www.usschallenger.org/" rel="noopener nofollow">More info here</a></dt></dl>
Challengers Big Potluck Picnic Day
By Communications Officer/Recording Secretary Heide Dziardziel
Challengers BBQ on August 1st was better than expected because we enjoyed the company of our fellow Starfleet members who came from the USS Sovereign in Philadelphia, USS Abraham Lincoln from New York and the USS New Jersey in South Jersey. It was also noted that our chapter had turned 38 years old last month.
Bob Vosseller, commanding officer of the Challenger, made this event possible, and we appreciate his determination in making this event a great success.
Sovereign First Officer Jay Ansky, Lincoln Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Keith Shikowitz, members of his crew and new USS New Jersey Captain Monika Reinholz joined us in a delicious spread that was not only delicious but voluminous in selections.
Challenger members created many outstanding, delicious dishes, including an assortment of BBQ ribs, salads, beans, and too many to mention. We had to take some home.
The dessert table included three delicious pies, cakes, cookies, fruits, cheesecake, and pastries.
The socializing of more than 30 individuals was fantastic, as occupational backgrounds made conversations interesting.
A new member, Elizabeth de Carvalho, from Freehold joined Challenger that day and was very excited. She stated that she had a long-time interest in Starfleet but didn&rsquo;t know how to join until she met Bill Schmidt, the recruiter, at a presentation. She is a connoisseur of antiques at Red Bank Antique Center. Her background is very impressive in business.
Our Asst. Medical Chief Dr. Stephen Vetrano, a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathy who works in an Emergency medical setup and urgent care, has been a member for the past 5 years. He confirmed that Sci-Fi has always interested him.
Keith has led the Lincoln for the past 17 years, had an interesting induction to Starfleet. His son, Adam, initiated the interest. Since Dad wanted to accommodate his child, the relationship with Starfleet began. His first officer, Andrew Sterman, a Lincoln member since 2009, joined to socialize and learn more about Starfleet.
Our Ops Chief Christine Ruff has been a member for 10 years and enjoys socializing while Patrick Comune started as a member of the USS Avenger for five years before joining the Challenger. He has been a member for more than 30 years and enjoys socializing.
Samantha Heer, of Middletown, N.J., joined Challenger in 2001 when she noticed a posting.
Kevin Victor our Security Chief was a member of the Jersey City Police Department. He&rsquo;s been a member for many years and joined when his wife, Julia Victor became a member. They have been, married for 30 years and enjoy the Challenger socializing.
Monica has loved sci-fi for a long time. She was a member of Starfleet in Colorado and, after 22 years relocated to New Jersey.
One of our newest members is Linda MacKenzie who read an article in the Crestwood Sun in Whiting, a section of Manchester Township and decided to join, knowing that it offered a safe fun environment.
Medical Officer Melissa Walker, a member for 2 years, was referred to Challenger by her friend Stephen Vetrano.
Sam Saporite discovered the Challenger at an American Legion meeting with Bill Schmidt, our recruiting officer. If want to join us Call: 732-575-6904 or email @ <a href="mailto:BillSchmidt1000@aol.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">BillSchmidt1000@aol.com</a> &amp; take a look at our website @ <a href="http://www.usschallenger.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.usschallenger.org/</a>. Sam has always been interested in Star Trek throughout his youth, Next USS Challenger meeting will be on August 30, 2026, starting at 4: PM, Sunday on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk vendors wanted and a Movie on the beach as well (Star Trek 60, Anniversary.)
Jim Pecora, a prominent actor who appeared on TV and in movies, delighted us with an interesting conversation about his legacy. In addition to his many talents, he has also been a member of the American Legion for 14 years.
Julia Victor serves as our long-time financial officer and always protects our interests.
An award ceremony was held at the event, officially promoting Emily Daly, our assistant communications chief, to Lieutenant Junior Grade, with a certificate of appreciation. Fellow communications officer Heide Dziardziel was promoted to Ensign 1st class.
Bill Schmidt also serves as the chapter&rsquo;s Chaplain, and he is always gracious to assist anyone in need.
Ship&rsquo;s counselor Emily Vosseller was there with some kind words and several entrees food including macaroni and cheese and a broccoli salad.
It is pretty obvious why the members remain with Challenger: great socializing, good food, and many things to learn.

(Star Trek 60, Anniversary.)

Sun, Aug 30, 2026 at 4:00 PMSeaside Heights Boardwalk, Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ, 08751More info here...

Lanoka Harbor Walmart #5414 gets an Award
By Heide Dziardziel
The 142,000-square-foot Ocean County supermarket that employs over 375 associates in Lanoka Harbor (580 US Rt. 9, Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey 08734) was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation on July 24, 2026, for assisting the American Legion Post 517 in raising donations by offering poppies on May 16th and 17th for Veterans.
 William Ferguson, the Manager of the supermarket, a very patriotic individual agreed to have the event made public, where the funds were, generated with great success.
 Mr. Ferguson is very conscious about hiring veterans that are currently working there, as he gives them priority and recognizes the importance of their contribution to America.
 What is impressive is that Christine, Vassallo, the Assistant Manager and Fashion Coordinator, of the supermarket, also contributed to making this event possible, because without their approval, the event would not have occurred.
 We are looking forward to continuing raising funds for veterans with the cooperation of Bill Schmidt, Commander of the Lacey Township Memorial Post 517. Post address is 15 Lacey Road, Forked River, New Jersey 08731. Cell phone number 732-575-6904 email at <a href="mailto:BillSchmidt1000@aol.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">BillSchmidt1000@aol.com </a>&nbsp;Our meetings are held once a month on the first Monday at 12: noon. Our next meeting is on September 14, 2026, at 12: noon, and his post members consisting of Sam Saporite, 2 Vice Commander. Nick Carabetta, Chairperson of the Americanism Committee, who in the future will supply and promote veterans' events such as this, which will contribute to the next successful poppy offering next year at the Lanoka Harbor Walmart and any other fundraising opportunities as well.
 Also, we must acknowledge, Kerry Cornelius, Jr., 1 Vice Commander, Kerry Cornelius Sr., Emily Daly, Pat Carabetta and many other members for devoting their time &amp; effort to make this event today happen.
 This is one way to make America Great.

Lanoka Harbor Walmart #5414 gets an Award!

Lanoka Harbor Walmart #5414 gets an Award...

<dl><dt>Mon, Sep 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM</dt><dt><a target="_blank" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?z=10&amp;t=m&amp;q=15%20E%20Lacey%20Rd,%20Lacey%20Township,%20NJ,%2008731" rel="noopener nofollow">15 E Lacey Rd, Lacey Township, NJ, 08731 </a></dt></dl>
Heritage Family Restaurant Honors Veterans
By Heide Dziardziel
Nick Bokhari, owner of the Heritage Family Restaurant at 108 Lacey Road, Ste.8, Whiting, N.J., phone number 732-350-9700, was honored with a certificate of appreciation on July 24, 2026, by Commander Bill Schmidt of the American Legion Lacey Township Memorial Post 517, Post Address 15 East Lacey Road, Forked River, New Jersey.
Nick wants to keep alive the memory of veterans who are Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW MIA) by displaying a Missing Man table at the Restaurant's foyer entrance.He wants customers to feel at home and respect American values as he honors his dear friend who lost his life in the Army.
Customers not only enjoy the home-like atmosphere while eating, but they also enjoy Nick's cuisine
Commander Bill Schmidt invites veterans to socialize and benefit from the information available at his post. He can be contacted at phone number 732-575-6904 &amp; email at <a href="mailto:BillSchmidt1000@aol.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">BillSchmidt1000@aol.com</a>.
Meetings are held once a month on the first Monday of each month at 12: noon At the post. The next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 12: noon, for his patriotism.
By joining, this will keep America Great.

Heritage Family Restaurant Honors Veterans!

Mon, Sep 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM15 E Lacey Rd, Lacey Township, NJ, 08731...

<dl><dt>Mon, Sep 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM</dt><dt><a target="_blank" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?z=10&amp;t=m&amp;q=CHARLES%20A%20SMITH%20COMMUNITY%20CENTER,%2015%20E%20Lacey%20Rd,%20Lacey%20Township,%20NJ,%2008731" rel="noopener nofollow">CHARLES A SMITH COMMUNITY CENTER, 15 E Lacey Rd, Lacey Township, NJ, 08731 </a></dt></dl>
Join the American Legion Post # 517 we want YOU!
Charles A. Smith Community Center, 15 East Lacey Road, Forked River, N.J. 08731. For more Information: please call Bill Schmidt, Post Commander at 732-575-6904 or email at <a href="mailto:BillSchmidt1000@aol.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">BillSchmidt1000@aol.com</a>. Just tell us you want to join the American Legion Post 517. Give us a call &amp; we will help you sign up for membership in the American Legion Lacey Township Memorial Post 517. Bring your (DD 214) discharge papers with you (Copy only Please). American Legion Post # 517 Lacey Township, we have a great support system in Ocean County, you name it we are one of the best posts in Ocean County New Jersey. Can&rsquo;t wait to (MEET YOU IN PERSON.) Meetings are on the first (1st) Monday of each month at 12: noon. Still working &amp; you are not able to make a meeting on a weekday then we will start a first Saturday each month meeting will start at 12: noon. Next Meeting September 14, 2026, at 12: noon.

Join the American Legion Post # 517 we want YOU!

Mon, Sep 14, 2026, at 12:00 PMCHARLES A SMITH COMMUNITY CENTER, 15 E Lacey Rd, Lacey Township, NJ, 08731...

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Manchester, NJ|Local Classified|Announcement|Aug 7