Ed foundation bumps comedian off bill
Jokes may not have been suitable for event supporting schools
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

UPPER FREEHOLD - The comedian who was originally scheduled to appear at a fundraiser to help the school district was no laughing matter to one resident.

Resident Gerald Nathanson told the Upper Freehold Regional Board of Education at its May 16 meeting that when he looked up Jeff Norris on the Internet, he saw a video of the comedian telling jokes that he felt would not be suitable for a comedy night used to support the schools.

The Upper Freehold Regional Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funding for programs in the school district, scheduled the night of comedy featuring Norris for June 1 at the Clarksburg Inn in the Clarksburg section of Millstone.

James Derasmo, the president of the education foundation, was not at the meeting in which Nathanson told the board about the comic. However, he provided a statement the day after the board meeting regarding the matter.

"The contract with our originally scheduled comic, Jeff Norris, was terminated after hearing from a concerned citizen that some of his material, as viewed on the Internet, may not be appropriate," Derasmo said.

Derasmo said Norris had been recommended to the education foundation by a third-party agent.

"We had relied on that recommendation," Derasmo said. "However, based on our review of material that we became aware of today, the foundation felt that Mr. Norris' material was not reflective of the solid values of the foundation."

Tom Durnin, who is not only a comedian but also a juggler, magician and ventriloquist, will replace Norris in the upcoming Comedy Night.

"Based on a review of his Web site and a Google search, his material appears to be appropriate for our audience of foundation supporters," Derasmo said of Durnin.

Derasmo said the foundation is grateful for the information neighbors provided on the issue.

The evening of comedy will help the foundation raise funding for grants that will be provided to district schools in the fall. The cost of the event is $25 per person, which includes a night of laughs, appetizers and prizes at the Clarksburg Inn, located at 465 Stagecoach Road in Millstone. There will also be a cash bar.

For more information about the event or the foundation, visit www.ufref.org.