Toms River, NJ|News|
Christmas Tree Lighting, Winter Wonderland Set In Toms River
Toms River's downtown holiday celebration is ready to bring joy to young and old.

My email is karen.wall@patch.com and I welcome your questions, concerns and news tips. I do my best to answer all reader emails. I cover Brick, Toms River, Manchester, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, and Lakewood and do my best to keep readers informed on what's happening in their towns. I have been with Patch full-time since July 2014 but have more than 35 years in journalism, including 20 years at the Asbury Park Press. I love sports and fishing (and yes, I bait my own hook); I was the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker for four years. I have lived at the Jersey Shore since August 1979, with the exception of my college years and an 18-month stint in Northern California. I'm a Brick Township High School graduate and have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Toms River's downtown holiday celebration is ready to bring joy to young and old.

The Recreation Department has a connection to get your kids' letters to Santa answered. See how you can participate.
The Manchester Recreation Department has connections to get Santa to answer letters from your children. Here's how you can participate.
The Point Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee will be awarding prizes in multiple categories.
The restaurant aims to welcome people of all ages with reasonable prices and an upbeat, fun atmosphere. Take a sneak peek inside.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area, police said.
The Brick Township Police Benevolent Association is conducting its annual gift collection drive for needy kids in town.
Police were chasing a stolen vehicle, the reports said.
The 19-year-old woman was killed in the crash northwest of State College, the reports said.
The closure is for work on the pedestrian bridge that crosses the road, authorities said.
The following homes are anticipated to be holding garage sales this weekend, for all you bargain hunters.
The race, organized by the Ocean County Sheriff's Office, honors local law enforcement officers who have died by suicide and their families.
If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community.
If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community.
If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community.
If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community.
If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community.
If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community.
Brick police and school district officials said the threat was reported Wednesday afternoon.
The Brick man did not suffer serious injuries, police said. A Point Pleasant Beach man is charged with aggravated assault, police said.