The Marine Corps League Lakeland Detachment #744 is proud to announce its Thirty-Fifth Annual Marine Corps Ball, commemorating the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
The celebration will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Macaluso’s Restaurant in Pompton Lakes, NJ. This milestone event honors the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775 and continues a time-honored tradition of fellowship, pride, and remembrance.
Guests are cordially invited to attend this distinguished evening. The cost is $95.00 per person, payable by check to MCL #744. Reservations must be received no later than October 17, 2025, and should be mailed to:
Marine Corps League #744
P.O. Box 8
Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442-0008
For attendees with dietary restrictions or those seeking additional information, please contact Grace Alvarez at 973-839-5693.
Formal invitations were mailed on August 15, 2025. Members, families, and friends of the Marine Corps League are encouraged to join in marking this historic occasion and celebrating 250 years of Marine Corps legacy.
250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 6PM-11PM
Cocktail hour from 6PM-7PM
Cost $75 per person / Open to the Public!
Razberry’s Banquet Center
834 NJ-12, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
Join the Hunterdon County Bulldogs Marine Corps League for our 250th Marine Corps Birthday Formal Ball with cocktail hour, plated dinner, birthday ceremony, dessert, DJ, dancing & open bar. Backdrop available for taking pictures in your formal wear! Please note, this event is open to all, not just Marines!
All tickets are first come, quantities are limited.
Ball ticket deadline: November 8, 2025
Email birthdayball@hcmcl.org with any questions.
Birthday Ball Celebration Program “AD” Book Advertising Details:
Inside Cover $150.00
Back Cover $150.00
Full Page $100.00
1/2 Page $50.00
1/4 Page $25.00
Business Card $20.00
Booster Name $5.00
NOTE: Inside cover, back cover, first and last page are first come first served so reserve your ad ASAP! Please email first to see if they are still available or if you have any questions or need assistance with your ad.
Please send your “Ad” via email to Chris Soldano at: christopher.soldano@hcmcl.org
Adbook deadline: November 1, 2025
Join the MCA’s Sporting Clay Shoot Competition celebrating 250 years of the Marine Corps. The event will be held on November 21st at the Cedar Creek Sporting Clays at 499 Ramah Road in Millville.
Schedule of Events
8:00am Check-In / Breakfast
9:00am Safety Briefing & Instructions
9:30am Shotgun Start
Lunch & Awards following the shoot
Fill out the Participant Form no later than November 7th. The Liability and Waiver Form can be filled out prior to the shoot for expedited check-in.
The Marine Corps Association supports the professional development, education, and recognition of active-duty and reserve Marines. Through programs such as writing awards, battlefield studies, unit libraries, and leadership seminars, we help Marines grow as leaders and warfighters. Proceeds will directly fund these initiatives ensuring today’s Marines are prepared to lead with confidence and skill on today’s complex battlefields. Cedar Creek’s 15-station course offers a fun, welcoming challenge for all skill levels.
A Medal Ceremony for all area veterans, sponsored by American Legion Post 59, Morristown, is on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at the VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains (45 Tabor Road) beginning at 11 AM.
See the instructions on how to apply. Applications must be received by November 1, 2025 to take part in this event.
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) is staffed to support veterans and their families. Take some time to explore the breadth of opportunities available through their services and described on their website.
We’re starting this year with our Chaplains Training on January 12th, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
Online registration is now available for the Department of New Jersey 22nd Annual Leadership School to be held on Saturday, 14 March 2026. This year we will be following a new format whereas the course materials are to be downloaded from the Department website prior to attending the class. The materials will be under the Leadership School Tab. It is advisable to bring your laptop/tablet for reference.
The course will be conducted at the NJ National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ and will begin at 0800 and conclude at approximately 1630.
Our course outlines and curriculum will facilitate a greater understanding and working knowledge for the attendees while covering general and operational aspects of the Marine
Corps League and its members.
It is strongly encouraged and recommended that all newly elected and or appointed officers attend. The deadline for application is Friday, 6 March 2026.
The Cohort will be limited to 40 members. Should an opening become available, accommodations will be made on a first come first served basis.
It is advisable to register early as the class fills up quickly.
The cost is $40.00 and is Non-Refundable upon commitment.
Register Online here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dept-of-nj-mcl-leadership-school-application
Or Download the application below and mail in your payment.
Download announcement:
Download application:
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and camaraderie at the Cpl. William H. Smith Detachment Annual Veterans Dance!
🎟 Limited Seating – Reserve Early!
Enjoy a fantastic night featuring:
✨ A delicious hot buffet dinner
🥗 Fresh salad & rolls
🥤 Soda, coffee & tea
🍰 Assorted desserts
🍸 Cash bar available
🎶 Live music and dancing with DJ Don Pesce
This special evening brings together veterans, families, and friends for great food, great music, and even better company. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and support our veterans in a fun, welcoming atmosphere!
📞 Reserve Your Spot Today!
Contact:
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Bob Meola – 732-674-7504
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Bill Pivarnick – 848-240-0102
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Angel Vegara – 609-622-9065
📥 Download the flier here:
Smith-Detachment-Dance.jpeg (0 downloads )
April 27th 2026, Pebble Creek Golf Course in Tinton Falls hosted by Cpl Reynolds Det. from Freehold. POC: Ray Tweten 732-740-7310 or ray.tweten@verizon.net
The Cape-Atlantic Detachment of the Marine Corps League will host its annual “World Famous” Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the organization’s headquarters, known as “The Bunker,” located at 731 Great Creek Road in Galloway Township, New Jersey.
The popular community event invites residents to enjoy a classic spaghetti dinner while supporting the local Marine Corps League and its mission of assisting veterans and their families throughout the region. The dinner is open to the public, and takeout will also be available for those who prefer to bring their meals home.
Dinner prices are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 12 and under, making the event an affordable night out for families.
Organizers say the annual spaghetti dinner has become a community favorite, bringing together local residents, veterans, and supporters for an evening of good food and camaraderie while helping fund programs that honor and support those who served in the U.S. military.
Placemat Advertising Opportunities Available
Organizers are also inviting the community to help support the event through placemat advertising, which helps raise additional funds for the Cape-Atlantic Marine Corps League.
“Veterans organizations are the link between America’s patriotic past and our future leaders,” organizers said, encouraging the public and local businesses to take part.
Advertising options include:
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One-line Booster – $10
(Your name or the name of someone you would like to honor) -
Business card-size ad – $35
Businesses can submit their card, message, or request the same ad used in previous years by contacting tomwalshusmc@gmail.com.
Payments can be made by:
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Mail:
CAMCL
P.O. Box 118
Absecon, NJ 08201 -
Venmo:
Send payment to @capeatlanticmcl194 and include “Spaghetti ad” in the memo. -
Cash:
Cash payments may be given directly in an envelope with your name included.
Organizers say the best way to support the effort is to attend the dinner and enjoy the evening with the community.
For more information about the dinner, call 609-517-6466.
Download flier:
Celebrated local watercolor artist Dennis Cantrella will host a special one‑day Art Show and Sale on May 3, 2026, offering the public a rare opportunity to view and purchase from a collection of more than 300 original watercolor paintings. The event will take place at The Clubhouse, 100 Lydia Lane, Mahwah, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cantrella, widely admired for his expressive technique and compelling landscapes, brings a unique blend of artistic mastery and distinguished military service. A retired U.S. Navy Special Reconnaissance Corpsman for the SEAL Teams and Fleet Marine Force, he also served as a military instructor for the Combat Lifesaver Course and Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) training for deploying NJARNG troops.
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to service, a portion of all art sales will be donated to Marine Corps League Chapter 744, supporting veterans in need.
Event Highlights
- Over 300 original watercolor paintings
- Signed works available for purchase
- Ideal for home décor, office spaces, and meaningful gifts
- Opportunity to meet the artist and learn about his creative process
- Charitable support for local veterans
“This event brings together art, community, and service,” organizers noted. “Dennis’s work reflects both his talent and his dedication to giving back.”