Campbell Soup Co. is recalling 15 million pounds of SpaghettiOs with meatballs after a cooker malfunctioned at one of the company’s plants in Texas and left the meat undercooked.

The Agriculture Department announced the recall late Thursday. Campbell is recalling certain lots of the product manufactured since December 2008 “out of an abundance of caution” because officials don’t know exactly when the cooker at the Paris, Texas, plant malfunctioned. Officials believe it happened recently but aren’t sure, he said.

The meatballs that went through the cooker did not get the requisite amount of heat, according to the company.

Recalled are certain lots of three varieties of the pasta product often consumed by children: SpaghettiOs with Meatballs, SpaghettiOs A to Z with Meatballs, and SpaghettiOs Fun Shapes with Meatballs (Cars).

The recalled products have “EST 4K,” as well as a use-by date between June 2010 and December 2011 printed on the bottom of the can. The products were manufactured between December 2008 and June 2010 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

Consumers with questions about the recall can call Campbell’s Hotline at (866) 495-3774.

Character Party Meals

Food + Characters = Fun!

By Tricia Berwick

Between school, work, and after school activities, many area families have hectic, crazy weeks.  After rushing around from dance class to soccer practice, sometimes preparing a family meal becomes a dreaded chore.  Instead of stressing over what to feed the troops, pile everyone into the car and head to “Kid’s Night” at Perkins or Boston’s Gourmet Pizza.  Your whole family can enjoy a tasty meal together, while the kids will be entertained with characters and games.

On Wednesday evenings from 5-8 pm at Perkins Restaurants in Wall Township, Toms River, and Lacey Township, kids will have the opportunity to visit with some of their favorite cartoon characters, like Elmo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Boots from Dora the Explorer.

Jamie Deleo, the General Manager of Perkins Restaurant in Wall, says the kids really look forward to meeting the stars from their favorite television shows and movies.

“Having this type of night really brings the kids into the restaurant and they are so happy while they are here,” says Deleo.  “We usually have the same customers come in every week.  Since the characters change every Wednesday, it’s always something different for the kids.  The schedule is usually booked two months in advance, so the customers can call in advance to see who will be appearing.”

Deleo says that kids are also treated to a free balloon, cookie, and a small toy, such as a stuffed animal or puzzle.

On Tuesday nights at Boston’s Gourmet Pizza in Neptune and Toms River, kids will enjoy a similar type of experience.  Your little ones will be able to high five a costumed character, watch a balloon animal being made, and even have their faces painted.  Plus, kids eat free with each paid adult entrée.

Toms River Manager Katie Driscoll says the “Kid’s Night” program has been very successful since it began when the restaurant opened its doors over a year ago.

“The kids are encouraged to get up from the tables and talk to the characters and interact with them,” says Driscoll.  “They’re also encouraged to make friends with the other kids.  The parents love it because they get to sit down and eat while the kids are being entertained.  They can relax for a little while.”

The entertainment at both of these establishments is provided by Kiddy Parties which brings quality children’s entertainment to families in the Jersey Shore area.

The strength of this company, which has been in business for over ten years, is its founder, Lory Bradford.  This mom of two is a natural-born performer and loves being able to bring smiles to children’s faces.  After working in children’s community theatre for a few years, one of Bradford’s colleagues approached her with the idea of hosting private parties for kids.

“At the end of the children’s shows, kids were allowed to ask the performers questions,” says Bradford who has taken numerous professional acting classes.  “The kids always seemed to gravitate to me.  They liked to talk and to ask about the performances.  One of my friends noticed this and then put the idea in my head that I might be good at entertaining children for private parties.  She got me started doing my first party and the parents loved me so much they gave me a very generous tip.”

After that successful first party, Bradford was able to book another party and then yet another.   Word quickly spread that Bradford had a talent for making kids happy.  And, when it comes to making kids happy at parties, parents are willing to pay for good, quality entertainment.  After an assortment of referrals and positive recommendations, Bradford decided to launch her own business.

Bradford and her staff have a blast entertaining children in many ways.  In addition to being dressed as your child’s favorite costumed character, the entertainers will engage the kids in face painting, tattoos, make-up and glitter, play games with all of the children, pose for pictures, blow out the candles, and even stay for some scrumptious birthday cake.  Even while Bradford and her staff is busy painting silly shapes and colorful designs onto kids’ faces, they are still working the crowd by singing songs and telling funny jokes to the little ones.

When kids see a costumed character walk into a party or a restaurant, their eyes always widen in amazement and wonder as they flock to get closer to their beloved superhero or favorite princess.  Parents rush to grab their cameras and snap pictures of the kids as their eyes are glued to these larger than life characters.  However, there’s always one kid in the bunch who isn’t very happy to see this added person on the guest list.   Maybe he or she is shy and off in a corner or nervous about seeing the characters up close.  That’s when Bradford works her magic.

“There’s always one child who is off on his own and isn’t too interested in the characters,” says Bradford.  “But, by the time the party is over, that child is smiling, participating in the other activities, and having fun with all of the kids.  As the saying goes, the show must go on!”

With so many characters and activities to choose from, it’s hard to imagine anyone not having a good time.  Between the special guests, fun games, and lots of singing, there’s always something going on to keep the kids happy.  Even if a person is not in the best of spirits before the start of the party, it’s difficult not to have a smile on your face by cake-cutting time.

“I like that no matter what type of mood I’m in before the party, when I’m finished, I’m in a terrific mood,” says Bradford.  “I just love to watch all of the kids’ faces and to make people laugh.  I really enjoy making the all of the kids giggle at these parties.  That’s the best part for me.”

If you would like to experience Bradford’s magic and her talent for making children happy, check out one of the “Kid’s Night” programs at either Boston’s or Perkins Restaurants.

If your child has a birthday coming up and you’re not sure what to plan for this year’s celebration, surprise your child with something special.  Browse through the Kiddy Parties website www.kiddyparties1.com and design your own party package.  Let the experts entertain all of your party guests this year. For more information, you can also give them a call at 732-202-9449.

In an article on AOL.Com, it was reported that sunscreens may actually cause cancer instead of  protecting your children.

Almost half of the 500 most popular sunscreen products may actually increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer because they contain vitamin A or its derivatives, according to an evaluation of those products released today.

Source: http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/study-many-sunscreens-may-be-accelerating-cancer/19488158

June 4
Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, 2305 Grand Central Ave. (Route 35 north). Shows start at 6 pm. A Broadway cabaret comes with the sundae. Information: 732-854-2779 – www.njmusicman.com – LAVALLETTE

Scouting Night, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. 5 pm – 11 pm. 2-for-1 Admission to the Fun House, Cast-a-way Cove and Aquarium. Family Happy Hour Specials & $5 off the wristband in Amusement Park. All Offers Available with Participation in Each Week’s Themed Organization, bring your sash/shirt/vest. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com
- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

June 5
Bay Head’s Town-Wide Garage Sale. Rain date June 6th. Information: www.bayheadnj.org/bhnj – BAY HEAD

Trail Exploration Day, Forest Resource Education Center, 370 E. Veterans Highway. 10 am – 2 pm. Includes one hour guided hikes, arboretum, sensory awareness, forest discovery, swamp life, bluebird trail, forest products.irewise trail and changing forest hike, free Information: www.njforestrycenter.org – JACKSON

One Fish, Two Fish: World Ocean Day, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. All day. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of fun in the sea with Dr. Seuss and learn how to ensure the health of our oceans. Included with general admission. Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com
- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Toms River Founders Day, downtown, Washington St. Parade start at 11 am. Festival ends at 4:30 pm. Annual event is moving from an early to mid-morning opening. Event will be highlighted with an encampment featuring the Second Brigade of New Jersey Civil War reenactors, and celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the election of Abraham Lincoln with a street fair and beer garden and bands through the afternoon. Raindate June 9. Information: 732-341-1000,
732-349-0220 – TOMS RIVER

June 6
Let Your Spirits Soar – Preview for 2nd Annual International Film Festival, Daddy O, Long Beach Blvd. 6:30 pm – 9 pm. Cost includes food, wine and door prizes. Information: 609-361-1668, 609-494-7211 or www.LighthousefilmFestival.org – BRANT BEACH/LONG BEACH ISLAND

Open House and Half Hour Sailing Adventure, Nelson Sailing Center, 12 Lake Dr. 11 am – 3:30 pm. In conjunction with the Barnegat Bay Festival, Nelson Sailing Center will host an Open House featuring a half hour Sailing Adventures (the “green” way of boating) $. Free shuttle connects festival with sailing dock. Information: 732-270-6510 or www.nelsonsailingcenter.com
- ISLAND HEIGHTS

Lighthouse International Film Festival, VariousTimes/Locations. Dedicated to showcasing new and innovative films and fostering the next generation of filmmakers. Films, panels, Q&A’s, networking, parties and surfing, drawing film critics, producers and distributors. $ Information and schedule: 609-494-7211 or lighthousefilmfestival.org
- LONG BEACH ISLAND

June 8
Bed & Breakfast Tours, The Sand Castle, 710 Bayview Ave & Minerva’s, 13 W. 7th St. Noon – 1 pm. B & B tours. Information: 609-361-CONE or www.barnegatlight.org – BARNEGAT LIGHT

June 9
Celebrate Jersey Fresh Fruits: Strawberries, Toms River Farmers Market, Huddy Park, on Water Street. 11 am – 5 pm. Rain or shine. 1st Wednesday of each month from June 9 – October 27. Enter to win a basket of Jersey Fresh produce! Farmers & vendors will feature the fruit of the month. Demonstrations & sampling by Downtown restaurants and businesses. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com
- TOMS RIVER

Cruisin’ Downtown 2010, downtown Toms River, Washington St. 6-9 pm. Live Bands & Entertainment, street vendors, contests along with classic cars & motorcycles. Information: 732-341-8738 orwww.address.com – TOMS RIVER

June 11
Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, 2305 Grand Central Ave. (Route 35 north). Shows start at 6 pm. A Broadway cabaret comes with the sundae. Information: 732-854-2779 – www.njmusicman.com – LAVALLETTE

Teacher & School Administration and Staff Appreciation Night, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. 5 pm – 11 pm. 2-for-1 Admission to the Fun House, Cast-a-way Cove and Aquarium. Family Happy Hour Specials & $5 off the wristband in Amusement Park. All Offers Available with Participation in Each Week’s Themed Organization, bring your ID or proof of employment. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com
- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

June 12

LBIFest, Bayview Park & Long Beach Township Complex, 6805 Long Beach Blvd. 11 am – 6 pm. Free family fun in support of Re-Clam the Bay, local food, merchants, beer, music, local art, fun and games. Information: 609-494-3555 or www.LBIfest.com – BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

ONE-DAY Boating Safety Certificate Course, SOCH Ocean Club/Family Resource Center, 700 South Route 9. 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Course stresses safe boating practice and boating rules. As of June 1, 2009, NJ Law requires all boaters 16 and older obtain a Boating Safety Certificate. Information or pre-registration: 609-597-4876 or 609-597-1295 – MANAHAWKIN

June 15
Free Wellness Moms America meeting,
All moms are invited including new and expecting moms, and moms interested in maximizing their kids immune and brain function. Great topics and networking. Next meeting is Tuesday,
June 15th 7:00pm at 3201 Bridge Ave. Point Pleasant. For more information call 732-295-0707 or email drswarner@aol.com

June 18
“A” on your Report Card, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. 5 pm – 11 pm. 2-for-1 Admission to the Fun House, Cast-a-way Cove and Aquarium. Family Happy Hour Specials & $5 off the wristband in Amusement Park. All Offers Available with Participation in Each Week’s Themed Organization, bring any report card from the 2009-2010 school year with an A on it. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

June 19
Look Who’s Cooking, Christ Episcopal Church, Washington Street. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. This event features more than 50 Men of Distinction who will offer up their culinary specialties for an evening of tasting, elegance, and good will. Door Prizes, 50/50 Cash Raffle. Fundraiser for the Family Planning Center of Ocean County. Cost includes complimentary Wine and Beer. Information: 732-364-9696 or 609-242-6927 – TOMS RIVER
Behind the Scenes Tours, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. 9:30 am – 11 am. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at their aquarium while you tour the building front top to bottom. Sneakers required. Pre-register. Ages 5 and up. $ Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

18th Annual Baymen’s Seafood Music Festival, Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. 11 am – 5 pm. Enjoy delicious Jersey fresh clams, crabs, scallops and shrimp from the finest local seafood purveyors while listening to Shorty Long and The Jersey Horns. Speak with commercial fishermen to learn about occupations on the bay or take a clam shucking class. Crafters, vendors, music, food, refreshments, family activities, demonstrations, boat rides. New for 2010… Mermaid and King Neptune contests! So bring the family and plan to spend the whole day. $ Information: 609-296-8868 or www.tuckertonseaport.org – TUCKERTON

June 20
Outdoor Concerts 2010: Festive Flutes, The Amphitheater, Drum Point School, Drum Point Rd. 7 pm. Free. Information: 732-262-1044 – BRICK

Fathers Day, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. All Day. Dads free with paid child admission. Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

June 24
HANNAH BANANA, game show edition, Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, 2305 Grand Central Ave. (Route 35 north). 5 pm. Featuring songs from Hannah Montana. When you purchase sundae the show is FREE. Reservations Required. Information: 732-854-2779 or www.njmusicman.com – LAVALLETTE

June 26
Concert: Rock N’ on the River, Huddy Park, Water St. 5 pm – 9 pm. Summer concert presented by The Music Academy. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com
- TOMS RIVER

June 27
A Taste of the Island Porch Party, Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Engleside & Beach Aves. 5 – 7 pm. Cost includes appetizers from Island Restaurants & wine. $ Information: 609-492-0700 or www.lbimuseum.org – BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

Children’s Theatre: The Princess and the Pea, Surflight Theatre, Engleside & Beach. 6:00 p.m. $ Information: 609-492-9477 or www.surflight.org – BEACH HAVEN/LONG BEACH ISLAND

Twelfth Annual Pine Beach 5k Run and 1-Mile Riverside Run, Vista Park, Riverside Dr. 1-mile run starts at 8:15 am, 5k Race starts at 9 am. Cash prizes. Proceeds from the Pine Beach 5K will benefit local charities. Information: 732-349-6425 or www.pinebeachborough.us
- PINE BEACH

June 29
Dissection Workshop, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. 9:30 am – 11 am. Get your hands dirty dissecting a fish and squid and learn the differences between the two animals. Ages 12 and up. $ Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com
- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

We shot at Forge Pond just off Rt. 70 in Brick this month featuring Jersey Paddlers’ very own kids Adam, Megan & Katie. It wasn’t the warmest day, and they were good sports about wearing summer clothing for the shoot. The biggest challenge was to get them all together in their kayaks so we could fit the image on the cover! They were very good paddlers though.

Well, believe it or not, the summer is upon us! School will be out soon and now I get to do what I love most – family portraits on the BEACH! My calendar is already buzzing so don’t delay in calling to book something. The best time is in June and July to avoid the crazy rush in late summer and early fall.

Think about getting the whole extended family together this year… from babies to grandparents. I do many large groups like this and along with the group shots, you can get your own family done at the same time. This is a great gift for parents or grandparents wedding anniversaries and birthdays!

My job is social, fun, artistic, creative, challenging and rewarding. It’s wonderful to be able to do what you love and have others love what you do! Take time from your busy lives this summer to celebrate the love of family in portraiture. Preserve those memories for a lifetime and call Sue’s Point of View to capture timeless memories that you can cherish forever. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Sue Gerard
Sue’s Point of View
Children & Family Portraits
www.suespointofview.com
732-899-3049

By Tricia Berwick

Dr. Michael Bleiman wishes he could go back.   The pediatrician from Southern Ocean County Hospital in Stafford wants to return to Haiti.
 
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about my experience there,” reflects Dr. Bleiman, who spent almost two weeks on a mission to support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.  “I would go back in a minute if I could.  When I was offered the chance to help, it was an easy decision to make.”

 After a powerful earthquake shook the small Caribbean nation on January 12, Dr. Bleiman was drawn to the media coverage of the devastation and felt compelled to use his training as a doctor to help as many victims as possible.  Along with a team of physicians and nurses from Meridian Health, Dr. Bleiman traveled as a member of a partnership with the CRUDEM Foundation, an American nonprofit organization that supports Hôpital Sacré Coeur, a healthcare clinic in Milot, Haiti.

This team of American medical professionals worked day and night to help the earthquake’s victims.  They had limited supplies and medicines available, but they did the best they could with what was available to them.  While on their mission, the doctors and nurses worked long hours to treat as many patients as possible.  An average day began at 7 AM and the doctors usually treated patients until 9 or 10 o’clock at night.  The staff was provided with basic accommodations; they slept on cots in tents, and ate three meals a day which mainly consisted of rice and beans.  British and German doctors were also a part of the relief effort, but Dr. Bleiman says that the majority of physicians and volunteers were from the United States.

 Even though the earthquake’s victims were suffering through an extremely emotional and physical ordeal, they still took the time to express their deep sense of gratitude to the volunteers for all of their heroic efforts.
 
 “All of the Haitian people were very respectful and incredibly thankful and appreciative for all of the assistance being given to them,” says Dr. Bleiman.
 
In fact, Dr. Bleiman says that even with all of the destruction and many of the victims suffering devastating injuries, including becoming amputees, they still managed to remain upbeat and optimistic.

“They were always smiling and happy,” says Dr. Bleiman.  “They are a religious–based people with a lot of faith.  They found comfort in taking care of one another; a community of victims.  They were just happy to be alive and were thankful for the meals and shelter provided to them.  They knew that more challenging times would be ahead.”

Technology played a large role in providing the best care for each of the victims.  Even though Dr. Bleiman was many miles from home, thanks to cell phones and a Blackberry he really wasn’t that far away.   The doctor was able to call colleagues in the United States and ask their opinions about different methods of treatment.  In a country with limited resources, Dr. Bleiman found this to be extremely advantageous. 
“It was very helpful to have the technology because I did a lot of phone consults and would call back to the States for advice,” says Dr. Bleiman.  “For example, I called a few infectious disease specialists about which antibiotics to use on various patients.  I used my Blackberry every day and sent text messages, a journal of my experiences, and pictures back home on a daily basis,” says Dr. Bleiman.   It’s unbelievable but my cell phone actually worked better there than here in Manahawkin.”

Now that he is back in the States, Dr. Bleiman says he has a new appreciation for the resources and medical supplies that Americans take for granted.  He immediately noticed the difference between living in a Third World country and living in America as soon as he returned from his mission.
 
“After I returned from Haiti, I did a c-section and noticed that there were no flies in the operating room,” says Dr. Bleiman.  “I realized how nice it is to be back and it makes you appreciate what we have here.  My friend says that being born in America is like winning the lottery.  I agree with that because we have so many advantages here.  Americans may experience certain issues on a daily basis like getting to work on time or road rage amongst drivers.  But for the Haitian people, they are just trying to survive and feed their families.”

As for the future of Haiti, Dr. Bleiman knows there is a long road ahead for its people.  It’s been a few months now since the earthquake hit and some of the most prevalent concerns are post-traumatic stress and the need for additional money to purchase more sophisticated medical equipment.
 
“There’s a lot of work to be done in Haiti, and it’s not just medical concerns,” says

If anyone would like to volunteer their time donate money, they can visit the website, www.crudem.org.