Press Releases

Manasquan, NJ - Patrick O�Hagan, Executive Director of Algonquin Arts, has announced the appointment of area residents Christine Carlson, Jason Eckman, Jane Lightbody, and John Newman to its Board of Trustees. Each new board member hails from diverse career backgrounds and will serve as an integral part of this nonprofit organization.

Christine Carlson, a Manasquan resident, has been the Superintendent at the Brielle School District since January 2008. Prior to her current position, she received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College, and worked as a teacher, advisor, and coach for many years at Ocean Township High School. Ms. Carlson was also previously the Vice Principal at Howell Township School District and the Principal, Assistant, Superintendent, and Interim Superintendent at Plumsted School District. Christine is a member of the Foundation of Educational Administrators and the NJ Association of School Administrators.

A graduate of the University of Oregon and a resident of Brielle, Jason Eckman, has a diverse background in education, business, and adventure travel. He is the proud owner of Longacre Expeditions, an international outdoor adventure travel program for students. For over fifteen years, he has worked as a wilderness guide, environmental educator, outdoor program director and high school teacher. Jason comes to the Algonquin with a passion for the arts, a dedication to the environment, and a desire to improve the lives of young people through out-reach and experiential education. He is an active member of the Surfrider Foundation and has been involved in the �greening� of several organizations.

Jane Lightbody, a resident of Neptune, is a retired teacher, who worked for the Brielle Board of Education for thirty-seven years. Prior to her career as a teacher, Jane received a B.A. in Elementary Education from the College of New Jersey. While working as a teacher, Jane enjoyed a secondary career as a realtor for Ward Wight Realty. Now that she is retired, she currently works as a substitute teacher in Brielle and still works as a realtor for Ward Wight Realty. Jane is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Manasquan where she is also a fourth grade Sunday school teacher. In her spare time away from work, Jane enjoys traveling and reading.

John Newman, a life-long resident of Wall Township, is the owner of Bouquets to Remember, a flower & gift shop in Manasquan. John graduated from The American University with a B.A. in Communications. He has served as president of the Manasquan Chamber of Commerce for the past four years. John has also been involved with Prevention First where he served on their annual fund raising committee and as Gala chairperson. He is active in the Manasquan United Methodist Church and has held various positions in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the Methodist church. John has also appeared on local stages in community theatre productions as well as solo cabaret performances. He studied both acting and voice in New York City.

O�Hagan stated that, �These new trustees bring added strength to our leadership at a time when Algonquin Arts is trying to set a new standard in providing top-quality performances and programs to our patrons. Their presence on the board also provides us with greater representation from the various communities we hope to serve.�

Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit corporation to provide cultural enrichment and educational enhancement of the highest quality for the residents of New Jersey�s central region. Programming of Algonquin Arts is made possible as a result of the continued philanthropic support of private citizens and organizations such as New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, PNC Foundation, Manasquan Savings Bank, Woman�s Club of Brielle, Bank of America, Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation, Investors Savings Bank Charitable Fund, Verizon Foundation, Plangere Foundation, as well as many generous individuals and local businesses.