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Centrex Sports Club in Middletown is hosting a food drive during the month of November to assist the St. Anthony of Padua Church Food Pantry community service effort.  St. Anthony’s Food Pantry serves low-income area residents and is totally dependent on donations.  Bring your food donation to Centrex Sports Club located at 887 Highway 35, Middletown weekdays from 8:00am to 9:00pm through Sunday, November 22. -  Call (732)796-1155 for more information.

Project Little Soldier
With the massive numbers of New Jersey military personnel being deployed, American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) would like to make their "Little Soldiers" who are left behind smile for the holidays. It is hard enough for them to understand that their parents are away, let alone the thought of spending the holidays without them. Each deployed unit, or battalion, has supplied a wish list for each child. Right now Project Little Soldier has over 8,000 request. 

Some of the Wish List items include:
Gift Cards (Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Toys R Us, Sports Stores)
Footballs, Soccer balls
Cars, trucks, trains
Baby dolls, Barbie dolls
Arts & Crafts Sets
Children’s DVD’s
Electronic toys
Bikes, Scooters
Children's hats. Gloves, clothes

If you or your group can help please contact American Recreational Military Services (ARMS) at 732-890-4914. All checks can be made out to A.R.M.S., and sent to their office ARMS 64 Harding Road, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701. 

Ocean’s Harbor House, the charity dedicated to helping homeless and abused children in Ocean and Monmouth counties, is looking to the community to help make a child smile this holiday season. Every year the charity helps over 8,000 children in our area, providing them with food, shelter, and counseling services. Harbor House needs your help this season to give them an enjoyable holiday with gift donations for both the children (new clothing, holiday presents, gift cards, etc.) and the shelters (toiletries, kitchen items, appliances, etc.). For more detailed list of gifts, call (732) 929-9096 or click oceansharborhouse.org.

Kevin’s Kids - The Manchester Township School District is collecting food, clothing and toys for needy children during their annual Kevin’s Kids Christmas Drive. Donations may be sent to Manchester Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, New Jersey 08759.  Checks should be made payable to Manchester Middle School with a notation of ‘Kevin’s Kids’ in the memo section.  The deadline to donate is Friday, December 12.

Learn firsthand about another culture without leaving the United States and establish a friendship that will last a lifetime. Many local high schools are still open to enrollment and encourage families to get involved. Pacific Intercultural Exchange has international students from more than 40 countries arriving into the area for homestay programs. If you think you may be interested in hosting a foreign teen -- or would like more information about the program -- please call P.I.E. at 1-800-828-9001 or click pieusa.org.

Fighting Hunger In Ocean County - United Way Of Ocean County is collecting food during November for Ocean County Hunger Relief United Way of Ocean County  at  all 25 Ocean County locations of  Sovereign Bank and Comcast.  Requests for food are up 30% over last year with over 50% of people being fed at food pantries all over Ocean County are children. For more information about making a food or monetary donation call (732) 240-0311 or click uwocnj.org/

The Fresh Air Fund’s Northern Monmouth County area committee is currently seeking a new chairperson and additional volunteer members to ensure that summer 2009 is a success for visiting New York City children. Each summer, close to 5,000 Fresh Air children, ages six-to-18, enjoy two-week vacations with volunteer host families in suburban and small town communities across 13 Northeastern states. Fresh Air committee members recruit and interview host families, check references and coordinate program activities in their communities, all of which ensure that Fresh Air children are able to have a fun-filled summer! For more information call (800) 367-0003 ext. 8908 or click freshair.org.

Books For Kids - Ocean County Library will make the holidays a special time for children in the community through its “Books for Kids” program. All twenty one locations of the Ocean County Library are accepting new book donations from the community through December 1. All books collected will be distributed to disadvantaged children in Ocean County. Last year, Ocean County Library teamed up with many community groups and distributed more than 4,000 books. For more information call 732-349-6200.

Adopt-A-Unit - The American Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program supports activities of the military that affect the health, welfare and morale of service members and their families.  Through one of these services, the Central New Jersey Red Cross Chapter sends “Comforts of Home” packages to military units serving overseas.  These packages include basic comfort items such as pocket-sized hand sanitizers, puzzle books, wet wipes and telephone calling cards.  Red Cross volunteers also include letters and cards of encouragement written by local groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and schoolchildren. In June, more than 3,000 military members from New Jersey were deployed overseas, joining hundreds from New Jersey already serving.  The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey hopes to continue and expand sending these packages and is asking the community to help support the effort by joining the Adopt A Unit campaign.  To get involved, contact the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey at 609-951-8550 to register your group and find out what specific items are needed for collection and additional details about how your group can help.  Visit njredcross.org for more detail on the Adopt A Unit campaign.

Rock'n Music Idol 2008-2009 - The deadline to enter Rock'n Music Idol 2008-2009 has been extended from October 17th, 2008 to February 20. , 2009 due to the overwhelming response this season. Rock'n Music Idol is a state-wide search for New Jersey's most impressive musicians ages 7-17 in the categories of guitar, bass, drums, keys/piano, vocals, and vocals/instrument. The competition follows an audition process during which contestants are judged by a panel of professional musicians based on style, technique, and originality. The winners of Rock'n Music Idol receive a unique grand prize that includes professional recording studio time to write and record an original song, the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Stone Pony, and a professional photo shoot with legendary photographer Mark Weiss. Contestants can enter Rock'n Music Idol 2008-2009 online at RocknMusicIdol.com.

Coat Drive - Centrex Sports Club on Rotue 35 in Middletown is collecting reusable coats and jackets weekdays from 8:00am to 9:00pm during the month of October for One Warm Coat. One Warm Coat is a community service effort assisting in the collection of clean, reusable coats and jackets for donation to local individuals free of charge.   Since its inception in 1992, more than 400,000 coats have been provided to those in need at no cost.

Flu Shots - Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) is offering flu and pneumonia immunizations at various locations throughout Monmouth County in October and November. Click vnacj.org/calendar/ for a complete list.  Flu shots are available every Saturday (walk-ins welcome) through November 22 from 9 am - 12 noon at the VNACJ Main Office at 176 Riverside Avenue in Red Bank.  Children's immunizations are available in Red Bank on Thursdays from 2 pm - 4pm by appointment ONLY by calling 732-933-3989.

During the months of October and November, the new OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc.) medical van will be taking healthcare to people who need it by visiting sites in Lakewood, Manchester, and Toms River to provide flu shots, dental screenings, and social services.  The van, a 40-foot handicapped accessible Winnebago, contains two patient exam rooms equipped to handle primary medical services and provide some dental screenings.  It is electronically equipped with computers, printers, a fax machine, and a scanner.  It also contains refrigerated drawers for medications and vaccines. For more information about times and locations of the medical van, contact the Call Center of OHI at 732-363-6655.

The American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter has issued a blood supply alert for New Jersey putting them at risk of not being able to provide enough blood of certain types needed to support patient needs.  All blood types are needed but there there is a critical need for Type O. Call 1(800)GIVE-LIFE or click pleasegiveblood.org to schedule a blood donation.

November

through Sunday, November 23

Apple
The New Jersey Repertory Company located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch presents t the New Jersey premiere of Vern Thiessen's Apple, a powerful play dealing with love, betrayal, and forgiveness. For tickets and additional information call 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org. 

Thursday, November 20 – Saturday, November 22

Godspell
The Our Gang Players present Godspell on Thursday, November 20 – Saturday, November 22 at 7:30PM with a matinee Saturday 11/22 at 2PM at the OceanFirst Theater in Manahawkin. Call 609-597-0553 for tickets and additional information.  

Thursday, November 20

Holiday Gift Auction
The Monmouth/Ocean Chapter of New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO) holds their 11th Annual Holiday Gift Auction on at the Knob Hill Country Club, Route 33 West, Manalapan, at 6 P.M. Click  whoscoming.com/njawbo-monmouthocean or call 732 245 7624 for tickets.

Friday, November 21

Spaghetti Dinner
St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Brick holds a  Spaghetti Dinner and Gift Basket Auction Fundraiser for Emmie Mangione from 5 PM to 8 PM to help pay her health care costs. Call 732-477-5533 for reservations and more information.

Wrestling Extravaganza
The Sgt. Pat King Foundation presents a Wrestling Extravaganza at Red Bank Catholic High School beginning at 7PM featuring live music, food and wrestling. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties. For more information call (732)996-3739.

Saturday, November 22

Made For Your Shopping Showcase
The second annual Made For You shopping showcase takes place from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Two River Theater in Red Bank with half of all ticket sales to the Parker Family Health Center of Red Bank. The holiday craft show will feature 21 vendors specializing in handmade items ranging from home goods, stationery, and artwork, to gifts for baby, handbags, and jewelry, to tee shirts and hats. For more information click  madeforyoushowcase.com.

Craft & Vendor Fair
The Shark River Hills Elementary School PTA hosts their 3rd annual Craft and Vendor Fair from 6pm-9pm at the school located at 312 Brighton Avenue in Shark River. Shop for Webkinz, Coach products, skin care, candles, a book fair and more.

Dance Against MS
Several dance schools from around the area will perform at Dance Against MS ,a dance program to raise money and awareness about Multiple Sclerosis being held at Toms River East High School beginning at 7PM. Performing groups include Shore Ballet School, Rhythm Nation Dance Club(from Montclair State University), The Performing Arts Ensemble (Red Bank), Lillian Dean Dance Studio, Once Upon a Dance School, and New York City Performing Arts Centre.  For more information click danceagainstms.weebly.com/.

Remember Jim Floros Day
The Wall Soccer Club Jaguars present  Remember Jim Floros Day  at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como from 2PM-7PM. Enjoy live entertainment, buffet, raffles and more. For tickets and additional information click rememberjimfloros.com.

Bake Sale
New Beginnings Cancer Support Group holds a Bake Sale at Cost Cutters (Kmart Plaza) from 9:30 – 4:00. All proceeds benefit cancer patients. For more information call (732) 905-9265 or Liz at 732-864-7639.  Thank you for your support.

Masterworks Series
The Garden State Philharmonic returns for the second installment of its Masterworks Series:  Elemental Music at 8:00PM at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue in Lakewood.  Artistic Director & Conductor Anthony Lag Ruth leads the Philharmonic in works by Handel, Barber, Copland, and Haydn.  Barber's Capricorn Concerto and Copland's Quiet City will feature soloists from the Garden State Philharmonic.  Handel's Water Music Suite and Haydn's Symphony No. 43 will feature the Philharmonic as a whole in these Baroque and Classical masterpieces. Tickets can be purchased by calling 732.451.0064 or clicking gardenstatephilharmonic.org

Harvest Fair
Lacey United Methodist Church hosts their annual Harvest Fest from 10AM-3PM at the Church with a craft show, homemade soups and baked goods and a Gingerbread House contest. For more information call 609-693-5222.

Caring For The Caregiver
The American Red Cross has teamed up with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, NJ Metro Chapter to hold a Family Care giving Seminar on Caring for the Caregiver from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Jersey Coast Chapter Headquarters of the Red Cross, 1540 West Park Avenue, Tinton Falls. A day in the life of a caregiver is full, to say the least.  For most caregivers, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done.  Chances are your daily schedule could benefit from time-saving tips that can help make your care giving responsibilities a little easier. Click jerseycoast-redcross.org, or call 732-493-9100, ext. 1255 by November 12 to register.

Sunday, November 23

Thanksgiving Celebration
The Historic Village at Allaire hosts their 19th century Thanksgiving Celebration with authentically clad villagers from 12 noon to 3 pm in their restored iron-works company town, decorated for the occasion. Historically clad interpreters will demonstrate how a Thanksgiving feast was prepared in the early 19th century and there will be hands-on demonstrations of cider pressing, and opportunities to join in some 19th century games.  Artisans will be in their shops to demonstrate and explain the arts of Blacksmithing, For more information call 732-919-3500 or click   allairevillage.org.

Stephen Sprague Memorial Run
The Stephen Sprague Memorial Run takes place at Toms River East High School with a fun run at 9AM and the 5K Run/Walk beginning at 9:30AM. On October 16th Steven Sprague, age 28, was killed while working the night shift for his construction company on the New Jersey Turnpike. All procedes from this event will be donated to his daughter Abigail's scholarship fund. Click stevenspraguememorialrun.com/index.html for more information.

Brian Brennan Fundraiser
A fundraiser for 1st Lieutenant Brian Brennan takes place at O’Neill’s Bar & Guesthouse on Main Street in Manasquan from 1PM-5PM. While serving our country in Afghanistan, the Howell resident received life threatening injuries from an Improvised Explosion Device. The IED explosion resulted in Brian losing both legs, suffering acute brain injury and multiple fractures. While the Federal Government will support Brian medically, there are many quality of life issues that need to be addressed. Brian’s home in Howell requires substantial renovations to make it handicapped accessible. For tickets and additional information call (732)528-1989.

Antique Toy Train Display
The Sunrise Optimist Club hosts an Antique Toy Train Display at the Knob Hill Country Club Golf Course on Route 33 in Manalapan from 10AM-3PM to benefit the Open Door of Freehold. Admission is a food or monetary donation to benefit their food bank. See over 1000 antique toy trains from the 1890’s to the 1950’s. Call (732)462-3710 for more information.

All-You-Can-Eat Flapjack Breakfast
The Pleasant Plains Fire Company hosts its 51st annual All-You-Can-Eat Flapjack Breakfast at the Firehouse on Clayton Avenue in Toms River from 7AM-12noon. For more information call (732) 961 – 9816 …..

All U Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
Howell Boy Scout Troop 156 holds an All U Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
From 8 am-noons at the Southard Fire Department on Route 9 north and New Friendship Rd.  Proceeds go to benefit the needs of the troop by utilizing funds for outdoor equipment/camping needs.

Bridges Of Peace Concert
Bridges Of Peace holds their Jersey Shore Jam Benefit Concert featuring Gary US Bonds, Bob Bruger and special guests at the Headliner from 3PM-8PM. For more information click bridgepeace.org.

Monday, November 24 – Friday, December 19

Toys For Tots
The Allenhurst Police will collect new, unwrapped toys for the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program at the Allenhurst Post Office, the Wesley Nursery School, Fratelli's Barber Shop, Allenhurst Cleaners and Bank of America. The toys will also be accepted at police headquarters 24 hours a day.  For more information call 732-531-2255.

Thursday, November 27

Thanksgiving Dinner
Lacey United Methodist Church holds a free Family Style Community Thanksgiving Dinner on at 1:00 pm. Please register so they can plan accordingly by calling 609-693-5222.

Saturday, November 29 & Sunday, November 30

Sundaes With Santa
The Parent Teacher Student Association of Lacey Township High School presents Sundaes With Santa Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30 from 11 am to 4 pm.   Children (and adults)) can enjoy a delicious made-to-order Ice Cream Sundae and have their picture taken with Santa. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Lacey Food Bank and receive a coupon for a free face painting or tattoo.  Proceeds benefit Scholarships and Programs. For more information click lthsptsa.com

Saturday, November 29

Food Drive
The Jersey Shore Roller Girls end their season at  Asbury Park’s Convention Hall with a Food Drive to benefit the FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties as part of their final bout.  Click  www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net for tickets and more information.

Comedy Night
Freehold Elks Lodge #1454 holds a Comedy Night at their Lodge located at 73 East Main Street in Freehold beginning at 7PM  featuring Wid & Friends
of TV and Comedy Club fame, Philadelphia’s funniest comedians. Proceeds benefit Elks Charities including Special Needs Kids, Veterans and Troops, Scholarships and community assistance. Call (732) 685-9493 for tickets or further information

Gift Auction
The Whiting Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary hosts a Gift Auction at the Whiting Fire House located at 120 Lacey Road in Whiting. For more information and to donate a gift call (732)350-4441.

December

Thursday, December 4

Distinguished Citizens Awards
The Brick Township Chamber of Commerce honors the recipients of their prestigious Distinguished Citizens Awards for outstanding community service with a special awards dinner in their honor at the Crystal Point Yacht Club, Point Pleasant.  For more information or reservations, please call 732-477-4949

Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6

Holiday Wreath Sale
The Lavallette Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary holds their Holiday Wreath Sale at the Firehouse on Washington Avenue from 10AM-12noon each day.  To pre-order and for additional information call (732)854-9724.

The Laramie Project
The Lakewood High School Drama Department presents the controversial drama, The Laramie Project, on Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6 at 7:00 PM in their theatre. The play, written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tetronic Theatre Project, is based on interviews which chronicle the aftermath of the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a twenty-one year old gay college student. For further information call 732-905-3519. Due to explicit language, parental discretion is advised.

Friday, December 5

VNACJ Holiday House Tour
The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey presents their Holiday House Tour of 4 distinctive homes in the Two Rivers area from 10AM-4PM. Tickets may be purchased in advance or on the day of the tour at the VNA of Central Jersey Development Office, 176 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. For tickets and additional information, contact the VNACJ Special Events Office at 732-224-6791.

Robotics Race
The Ocean County Tech Prep Consortium presents a Robotics Race from 8AM-12 noon in the Ocean County College Gymnasium. Students from Ocean County’s school districts will build robots using Legos, program them with computers, and then race! For more information call 732.255.0326.

Fashion Show
Monsignor Donovan High School hosts an evening of fun and fashion from 5PM-9PM for Breast Cancer Awareness with speakers, prizes and  Meridian Hospital with Breast Cancer Awareness information.

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey presents Scrooge: A Christmas Carol at the Strand Theater in Lakewood with dinner at 6PM and the show at 7:45PM.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, a non profit organization that provides free services to Ocean County senior citizens. For tickets and additional call 732-505-2273 ext. 209 or click caregivervolunteers.org .

Holly Jolly Christmas Party
The Holy Family PTA holds their annual Holly Jolly Christmas Party and Raffle, at 8PM at the school on Route 36 in Hazlet.  Enjoy a night out with music, dancing, beer, wine hot & cold hors d'oeuvres and holiday cheer with family and friends. For more information and tickets call (732)264-9549.

Saturday, December 6

Cookie Walk
The Barnegat Firehouse located on Birdsall Street hosts a Cookie Walk from 10AM-1PM featuring a wide assortment of home baked cookies, brownies, tarts chocolate covered treats and cakes.

Sundaes With Santa
Kidz-4-Kids hosts Sundaes With Santa from 2PM-5PM at the Civic Center Plaza on Chambersbridge Road in Brick to benefit the Ashley Lauren Foundation. Activities include photos with Santa, crafts, entertainment by Kidz-4-Kids and make your own sundaes. For more information call (732)414-1625.

Oyster Supper
Lavallette Volunteer Fire Company #1 holds their annual Oyster Supper at the Lavallette Fire House on Washington Avenue from 4PM-8PM. Ham dinner also available. For tickets and additional information call (732)793-6900.

Holiday House Tour Dinner Dance
The VNA of Central Jersey Hospice Program holds their Holiday House Tour Dinner Dance at Spring Lake Golf Club from 6:30PM-10:30PM featuring music by Pat Roddy. Call 732-219-6605 for more information.

Brielle Holiday Kitchen Tour
The Brielle PTO holds their Kitchen Tour of unique and festively decorated kitchens from 10AM-3PM to benefit the Brielle School Education & Technological Enrichment Programs. For more information click briellekitchentour.com.


Sunday, December 7

Santa Run 2008
Area bikers and their families will ride in the annual Santa’s Run through Barnegat beginning at 1PM  with tossing candy canes & spreading the Christmas spirit accompanied by Santa and a police escort. The Run ends at Fay’s Harbor Inn with live music; admission is an unwrapped toy.  For more information call 732-684-0663.

Breakfast With Santa
The Jackson Memorial High School Cheerleaders host Breakfast with Santa at the North County Line Road Firehouse from 8AM-2PM. Enjoy breakfast, a visit with St. Nick (photos available) and crafts.

Wednesday, December 10

Chilrden’s Holiday Party
OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc.) of Lakewood and Toms River, and Yoga & U Foundation, Pt. Pleasant Beach, sponsor an annual Children’s Holiday Party at First Energy Park, home of the Lakewood Blue Claws. Last year close to 1000 children and their parents attended, and everyone received a holiday gift. Please send or deliver new unwrapped toys or monetary donations by Monday, November 24;  the address is Ocean Health Initiatives, Attention: Children’s Holiday Party, 500 River Road, Suite 200, Lakewood, N.J. 08701.  For more information call (732) 719-9022.

Friday, December 12

Kevin’s Kids Karaoke
The Manchester Middle School PEPP Club presents Karaoke for Kevin’s Kids, a fundraiser to benefit the school district’s Kevin’s Kids Holiday Drive from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Manchester Township Fire House on Commonwealth Blvd in Pine Lake Park. For tickets and additional information call (732)657-1717.

Saturday, December 13

Jingle Bell Walk for Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation holds their Jingle Bell Walk for Arthritis at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como.   Feel the spirit of the holiday season and join others who are running and walking to find a cure for the more than 46 million Americans who have arthritis, almost 300,000 of whom are children. Click  here for more information.

Holiday Craft Fair
The Brick Township High School Marching Dragon Caravan holds their 29th Annual Holiday Craft Fair from 9am to 4pm at Brick Township High School 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick Township. For more information on vending please call (732) 920-8634.

Sunday, December 14 and Monday, December 15

The Sword In The Stone
Monmouth University presents the Running Rabbit Family Theatre production of The Sword in the Stone on Sunday, December 14 and Monday, December 15 at the Pollak Theatre. A young boy befriends a magician named Merlyn. Together they explore life’s lessons through extraordinary adventures, in order for the boy to reach the ultimate goal. By pulling the sword from the stone, the boy will fulfill the sword's prophecy and make himself the King of England.  For more information call 732-263-5114 or visit online at .monmouth.edu/art

Sunday, December 14

Holiday Concert
Liberty Oak Chorus, an award winning chapter of Sweet Adelines International presents their holiday concert ay Belmar Elementary School, 1101 Main St, Belmar beginning at 2:30PM.  Click libertyoakchorus.org for more information.

January

Sunday, January 25

Sunday Smilers
The Monmouth County Park System presents their Sunday Smilers performances for children and their families at the Tatum Park Red Hill Activity Center, Red Hill Road, Middletown from 2-2:45pm. Super Circus Stuff hits the stage filled with exciting circus routines, this dynamic performance is sure to banish the wintertime blues.  For more information call (732) 842-4000.

February

Sunday, February 22

Sunday Smilers
The Monmouth County Park System presents their Sunday Smilers performances for children and their families at the Tatum Park Red Hill Activity Center, Red Hill Road, Middletown from 2-2:45pm. Pinocchio is the beloved story of the little wooden puppet who wishes to become a real boy is lovingly told with spirited music and warm humor. For more information call (732) 842-4000.

Friday, February 27

Voices For Children Gala
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children holds their 4th annual "Voices for Children" Gala at Jacques Reception Center in Middletown from 7:00 pm -11:00 pm. The evening features dinner, silent auction and live entertainment from Brian Kirk and the Jirks! The night’s festivities will help raise funds to help CASA for Children continue to serve the abused and neglected children of Monmouth County.  For more information call 732-460-9100