Current Press Release

LAVALLETTE –  Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by exploring a significant cultural component of the Far East. The Ocean County Library Upper Shores Branch is pleased to present Judith Krall-Russo’s program, “The Asian Tea Experience: China and Japan,” 2 PM Tuesday, May 16.

The historian, educator, and restaurant consultant will display authentic Asian implements, demonstrate the making of a bowl of matcha, and describe China’s intricate Gong Fu Cha tea presentation ritual along with Japan’s honored Chanoyu tea ceremony.

Learn how tea ceremonies incorporate principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility established by Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), and become familiar with preparation items such as the chawan, chasaku, and natsume.

The New Jersey native is certified as a Tea Specialist by The Tea School in Pomfret, Connecticut, and by the Specialty Tea Institute of New York. She is studying the Japanese Tea Ceremony in New Jersey’s Boukakuan Tea House, and has conducted research at New York City’s Urasenke Chanoyu Center.

She also collects historical artifacts related to tea, including a broad assortment of English and Turkish tea kettles, Russian samovars and Japanese accoutrements.

Krall-Russo’s popular presentations about New Jersey cranberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and more, stem from her independent research of agriculture, foods, and epicurean trends in the Garden State. Her website contains dozens of tea, food, historical, Victorian and Edwardian programs, and recipes.

Please register at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events to attend this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Shores Branch. For more information, visit the OCL Upper Shores Branch, 112 Jersey City Avenue, Lavallette, or call (732) 793-3996.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

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