Community Bulletin Board
Women pilots of WW II are focus of BCC event

The Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown, will present “The Originals: The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II” Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Warner Student Life Center. More than 1,000 women pilots volunteered to fly military fighters, trainers and bombers from factories to air bases, where they handed them over to combat crews. Author Honey Fulton-Parker will discuss the “originals,” the first 28 women pilots, including her then 15-year-old sister, Dorothy. The fee is $10 for adults and $5 for students, and the event code is XWWTS 130. For more information or to register, call (732) 224-2315.

The Scroll & Pen bookstore at Brookdale will host a voucher fundraiser on behalf of the Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution Feb. 22 and 23 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Vouchers will be available at the store. Individuals purchasing books (other than textbooks) and other items, and completing a copy of the voucher, will be contributing part of the purchase price to the center. George Waple, World War II veteran and author of “A Country Boy Gone Soldiering” will be present to talk about his war experiences and discuss his book. For more information, call (732) 224-2029.

The college is located on Newman Springs Road.

Park system to publish summer/camp directory

The Monmouth County Park System has announced it will publish a camp/swim edition of its activity directory, listing all its summer camps and swim lessons. The directory will be available in most county parks by March 1.

Registration for swim lessons begins March 1, and summer camp via phone-in only on March 12. From March 13 on, residents may register by mail, fax at (732) 842-4162, phone, or in person Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft section of Middletown. Individuals may register up to three campers per program.

The farmhouse at Longstreet Farm, Longstreet Road, Holmdel, will open March 4 following cleaning and maintenance. The farmhouse will be open for guided tours on weekends and holiday afternoons through Dec. 31. The farm is open daily year-round, and hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call the Park System at (732) 842-4000. The TDD number for persons with hearing impairment is 711.

Church slates ‘Battle of the Bands,’ dinners, talks

The Holmdel Community United Church of Christ, 40 Main St., will sponsor its second annual “Battle of the Bands” March 4 from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Local bands will play, with proceeds benefiting Sylvia’s Children, an orphanage in Uganda, Africa. Snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks will be sold by the youth group. Suggested donation is $5.

An introduction to the workshop “Gifts Workshop: Discover Who You Are!” will be held March 5 from 4-6 p.m. The workshop will be held Sundays, March 12-April 30, from 4-6 p.m. Karla Robertson and the Rev. Rusty Eidmann-Hicks will lead the workshop, which is designed to identify and explore what individuals are drawn to in terms of spirituality, tasks and values. Sign-up is required. Classes will only be held if a minimum of eight individuals show.

The annual turkey dinner will be held March 11, with seatings at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit St. Mark’s Kitchen & Pantry, Keansburg, and the Emergency Assistance Fund of the Community Outreach Group, Middletown. The menu will include turkey with all trimmings, vegetables, cranberry relish, and assorted desserts. Sit-down dinners are $12 for adults and $6 for children. Takeout is $12 per dinner and available 4:30-7 p.m. (must be reserved). For dinner or takeout reservations, call Sharon or Paul at (732) 431-2372 or e-mail swe45ssel@aol.com.

A weekly Bible study and discussion group for parents meets Mondays at 10 a.m. Coffee and tea are served, and there is a play area for children (if required).

Seminarian Dana Walsh will give a slide show and talk about her recent trip to rebuild homes in Biloxi, Miss., devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The event will be held March 12 at 11:30 a.m.

A “Ministry Fair” and potluck luncheon will be held March 19 at 11:15 a.m. to celebrate the church’s ministries.

For more information, call (732) 946-8821 or e-mail holmdelchurch@cs.com.

Orientation meeting for CERT Feb. 27

The Aberdeen Township Office of Emergency Management will hold an orientation meeting for individuals interested in volunteering for the town’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building, 1 Aberdeen Square.

The program trains individuals to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in the individual’s community. CERT members can provide critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize volunteers at a disaster site. Participants must be ages 18 or older and must undergo 20 hours of instruction during an eight-week period, from March 7 to May.

For more information, call

Herb Caravella, Aberdeen CERT coordinator, at (732) 583-4200, ext.

799; or Emergency Management Coordinator/Deputy Chief of Police John Powers, (732) 583-4200, ext. 221.

Middletown Library adds new exhibit case

The Middletown Township Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, recently added a large, lighted, glass display case to the lobby area. The case is sponsored by the Two River Community Bank, a corporate donor to the library’s capital campaign.

Small- to medium-size objects of art such as original works of sculpture and collections will be considered for display. Framed art is featured in the library’s gallery and changes on a monthly basis, and therefore is not eligible for exhibit in the enclosed case. Exhibits will be selected based on size, subject matter, interest, quality, and whether the exhibit furthers the library’s goals of meeting the educational, cultural and recreational needs of the community. Exhibits may not promote a commercial or business enterprise and must be appropriate for viewing by all ages.

For more information, call Pam at (732) 671-3700, ext. 324.

Meeting to discuss future of W. Front Street bridge

The Monmouth County Engineering Department, in conjunction with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and the New Jersey Department of Transportation, will hold a public meeting Feb. 27 to discuss the improvement alternatives of the West Front Street Bridge (S-17), which crosses over the Swimming River between the Borough of Red Bank and the Township of Middletown. The public is invited and encouraged to comment on the project.

The existing bridge deck was replaced with a temporary prefabricated truss superstructure in 2004 to maintain public safety and transportation needs. The bridge is about 85 years old.

The Public Information Center meeting will be held Feb. 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. at River Plaza School, Hubbard Avenue, Middletown.

Fire company’s sports card show Feb. 26

Holmdel Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Main Street, will hold a sports card and collectibles show Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will feature sports and vintage cards, supplies, memorabilia, autographs, and figurines.

For more information, call Bob at (732) 780-2581.

MJMOM meeting slated for Feb. 28 in Matawan

The nonprofit Mid-Jersey Mothers of Multiples, Inc. (MJMOM), Matawan, will hold its next general meeting Feb. 28 at the Jackson Street Firehouse, Matawan. Doors will open by 7:40 p.m. and the meeting will begin promptly at 8 p.m.

The featured speaker will be Ted Friedli, owner of Excel Travel, Long Branch. He will discuss how reading brochures and determining which information to trust or discard can save individuals planning a vacation trouble in the long run.

MJMOM provides support and a social outlet for mothers of twins and other multiples. Mothers or expectant mothers of twins or other multiples are welcome to attend a meeting as a guest. For more information, visit www.midjerseymoms.org.

‘Bowl for Kids’ Sake’ rescheduled to March 19

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Monmouth County, Eatontown, has rescheduled its Feb. 12 “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” which was canceled due to the snowstorm, to March 19. Fort Monmouth Bowling Lanes has allowed BBBS to reschedule.

Registered individuals who are able to participate March 19 are asked to e-mail dheptig@bbbsmonmouth.org, or call (732) 544-2224, ext. 19. Individuals registered with a team should tell the team captain, and the captain may call the BBBS office. Bowlers are asked to hold onto the official Fort Monmouth passes, because passes are needed along with a photo ID to enter the base.

Individuals may also still register, and must get a minimum of $100 in pledges. In addition to the free bowling, there will be a raffle, prizes, and refreshments from Whole Foods, Pizza Hut, Vitamin Water, Pepsi and other suppliers.

For more information, call BBBS at (732) 544-2224.

Hazlet Auxiliary seeking vendors for craft show

The Ladies Auxiliary of Hazlet Fire Company No. 1 is seeking vendors of crafts and new merchandise for its craft show scheduled for March 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the firehouse, 570 Holmdel Road. The cost is $25 for an 8-foot space. For information or to reserve a space, call Linda at (732) 264-1863.

Hazlet Rec. offering beginner yoga for adults

A new beginner adult yoga program for individuals ages 18 and older will be held Fridays 10-11 a.m. beginning March 3. The cost is $50 for the six-week program; a mat or towel is required. For more information, call recreation at (732) 739-0653.

Volunteers sought for front desk at agency

180 Turning Lives Around Inc., Hazlet, is seeking front desk volunteers for its main office. Volunteers will work a half-day a week. Duties include answering phones, greeting clients and general clerical duties. A commitment of six months to one year is requested, and training will be provided.

For more information, call Jacki at (732) 264-4111, ext. 103.

Vendors sought for Ladies Auxiliary’s show

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Hazlet Fire Company No. 1 is seeking crafts and new merchandise vendors for its craft show scheduled for March 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be at the firehouse at 570 Holmdel Road. Cost is $25 for an eight-foot space. To reserve a space, call Linda at (732) 264-1863.

Beers Street School

to hold carnival Feb. 25

The Beers Street Elementary School, Hazlet, will hold its annual carnival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at the school, 610 Beers Street.

All children and their parents are welcome. The event will include games, including a fun house and obstacle course; crafts, such as spin art, sand art and sandy candy; other activities; and plenty of food. Tickets are four for $1 and may be purchased at the carnival. For more information, call Rebecca Schaumloffel, carnival chairperson, at (732) 977-8131.

Blood Center of New Jersey drive Feb. 25

The Blood Center of New Jersey, East Orange, will hold a blood drive Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Ice Cream Palace, 1059 Route 34, Aberdeen.

Donors must be age 17 or older, know their Social Security number, and bring a signed or picture form of identification.

For more information or to sign up to hold a blood drive, call the center at 1-800-652-5663, ext. 140.

Pasta, pancake suppers slated at Keyport church

St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, 8 E. Front St., Keyport, will host a pasta festival 2-4 p.m. Feb. 26. The menu will include various pasta dishes and dessert. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door.

A Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be held 5-7 p.m. Feb. 28. The cost is $3, with proceeds benefiting the Keyport Food Pantry.

For more information, call (732) 264-2229.

Ham radio license class, test to be held Feb. 25

The Middletown Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) will conduct a one-day technician class for ham radio license and test session on Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Middletown Senior Center, Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo section of Middletown.

There is a $14 fee to take the test, and space is limited but still available. Before taking the class, participants should study from the American Radio Relay League book “Now You’re Talking” (technician class), and should study for at least four weeks before the class.

For more information, call (732) 615-2129 or visit www.arrl.org.

SPCA to benefit from library’s ‘garage’ sale

The Teen Advisory Council of the Middletown Library will hold a garage sale Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the meeting room of the library, 55 New Monmouth Road. Proceeds will benefit the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

More information may be obtained by sending an e-mail to: pwolfe@mtpl.org.