Community Bulletin Board
Holt to hold meeting at Brookdale Oct. 11

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown, will host Congressman Rush Holt holding a town meeting Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at Collins Arena.

High school and college students are encouraged to attend the meeting and ask questions. Congressman Holt is currently serving his fourth term as representative of New Jersey's 12th congressional district, and serves on the House's Education and Workforce Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. For more information, call Jess at (732) 224-2975 or Tom at (732) 224-2708.

The college's visiting writers series will welcome Elizabeth Dewberry and Pulitzer Prize novelist Robert Olen Butler Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Warner Student Life Center. A $3 donation is requested to support the English Club. Dewberry is the author of three novels, with the most recent "His Lovely Wife." Butler is author of 10 novels and three volumes of short fiction, including his Pulitzer collection "A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain." For more information, call Laura at (732) 224-2053 or e-mail her at lmccullough@brookdalecc.edu.

The Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution will host two experts on "The Great Debate: American and Japanese Perspectives on the Use of the Atomic Bombs" Oct. 19 at noon and 7:30 p.m. History professors Dr. Scott Bennett of Georgian Court College, Lakewood, and Brookdale professor Dr. Laura Neitzel will give the presentation. During the latter part of World War II, atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, and questions continue today as to why the bombs were dropped, and whether the use of the bombs was necessary to defeat Japan, save American lives and end the second World War. School and community groups are welcome.

There is a fee for the program, and event code is XWWTS 146. To register, call (732) 224-2315.

Annual Thompson

Park Day Oct. 15

The Monmouth County Park System will hold its annual Thompson Park Day Oct. 15 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the park at 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft section of Middletown.

The event will feature activities such as an "amazing maize maze," climbing wall, wagon rides and pumpkin painting. There will also be golf evaluations, various foods, a children's costume parade, scarecrow contest, and arts and crafts. Children's races feature a diaper derby, tot trot, pee wee run, and sack races.

Friends of the Parks will hold a "Strut Your Mutt" doggie costume contest. Entertainment will be provided by the Navesink Brass, and Project Packman, and there will also be a magic show, stiltwalker, puppet lady, and Macaroni Anne Cheeze.

Admission and parking are free. For more information, call the Park System at (732) 842-4000. The TDD number is 711.

Newcomers' Club Ladies' Night Out Oct. 17

The Middletown Newcomers' Club will have Ladies' Night Out Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Danny's Steakhouse, Sushi & Seafood Grille, 11 Bridge St., Red Bank. Cost is $33 for nonmembers, and $30 for members. For reservations, e-mail catherine1205@comcast.net.

The club is seeking vendors for its annual holiday bazaar and Ladies' Night Out Nov. 15 from 6-10 p.m. at Jacques Reception Center, 500 Palmer Ave., Middletown. The event will feature children's toys, clothing, and other items. Minimum donation for vendors is $25, as well as a commitment of 15 percent of proceeds to benefit the Ashley Lauren Foundation. Cost covers a 6-foot table, two chairs and linens. Registration must be done by Nov. 1. The night out event will feature hors d'oeuvres, dinner, soft drinks and coffee, and cost is $28. E-mail middletownnewcomers@yahoo.com.

Library's 'Enchanted Glass Pumpkin Patch' Oct. 20

The Middletown Public Library Foundation will hold an "Enchanted Glass Pumpkin Patch" preview reception and sale of art glass pumpkins 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 20 at Middletown Township Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Road.

The event will feature approximately 400 glass pumpkins and gourds from approximately 15 studios from several states. Pumpkins range from $25 to several hundred dollars. It will also feature hors d'oeuvres, desserts, nonalcoholic beverages, and piano music. Tickets are $75 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Library Foundation.

The "pumpkin patch" will be open to the public Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the library, if there are pumpkins remaining for sale.

For tickets, call (732) 671-3703. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Visitors invited to

historical society event

The Middletown Township Historical Society will hold its next meeting Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the MacLeod-Rice House at Croydon Hall, Leonardville Road, Leonardo section of Middletown Township.

Presenter will be John Chance, a founder of the Montclair Historical Society, longtime official with the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey, and compiler and photographer of the New Jersey section of the Save Outdoor Sculpture project. He will discuss "The Gallery That Never Closes."

Visitors are welcome, and refreshments will be available.

For information, call (732) 291-2835 or e-mail monmouthhistory@comcast.net.

Arts council to celebrate

35th anniversary Oct. 13

The Monmouth County Arts Council (MCAC) will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a "Celebration of Excellence" Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the home of Holly and Mike Lyttle, overlooking the Shrewsbury River. The event will feature foods provided by Mumford Culinary Center, Tinton Falls, and desserts by Blackwell's Organic, Red Bank. Musical entertainment will be provided by jazz performer Andrea Rienen and guitarist Tony Sloan. There will also be a silent auction, interactive art work by local artist Pinky, and original paintings by Tony Migliaccio of the Plein Air Painters of the Jersey Coast. The cost is $100 per person, with proceeds benefiting the MCAC. For more information, call Mary Eileen at (732) 212-1890.

Sisters of Mercy golf day rescheduled to Oct. 23

The Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey have rescheduled the 12th annual "Gold Classic" golf tournament that was rained out in September.

The new date is Oct. 23 at the Navesink Country Club, Navesink River Road, Navesink section of Middletown. Registration and a luncheon will begin the event, followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.

The cost is $350 per golfer or $1,400 per foursome, which covers lunch, dinner reception, driving range, practice green, tee or green and carts. The cost for dinner alone is $75. There will also be a silent auction, giveaways, and a hole-in-one contest with a prize of a 2006 Nissan Altima. Proceeds will benefit the sisters' care.

Sponsorships are still available. For registrations, sponsorships or donations, call Linda at (908) 756-0994, ext. 4006.

Arts council to celebrate

35th anniversary Oct. 13

The Monmouth County Arts Council (MCAC) will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a "Celebration of Excellence" Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the home of Holly and Mike Lyttle, overlooking the Shrewsbury River. The event will feature foods provided by Mumford Culinary Center, Tinton Falls, and desserts by Blackwell's Organic, Red Bank. Musical entertainment will be provided by jazz performer Andrea Rienen and guitarist Tony Sloan. There will also be a silent auction, interactive art work by local artist Pinky, and original paintings by Tony Migliaccio of the Plein Air Painters of the Jersey Coast. The cost is $100 per person, with proceeds benefiting the MCAC. For more information, call Mary Eileen at (732) 212-1890.

Registration under way for Turkey Trot

The borough of Matawan is accepting registrations for the Matawan Turkey Trot 5K and Kiddy Dash through the Borough of Matawan, scheduled for Nov. 25. The event will feature pre-race entertainment and awards to the top finishers in each category. The cost is $20 on race day and $15 before Nov. 1. Proceeds will benefit Matawan Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, call Deborah at (732) 566-3898 or visit www.matawanborough.com.

Group to hold Columbus Day dinner Oct. 13

Matawan Italian American Association will host its 41st annual Columbus Day dinner and dance Oct. 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the banquet center at St. Clement's Church, 172 Freneau Ave., Matawan.

Arthur J. Perri, Matawan, will be honored at Man of the Year.

The cost is $75, which covers a cocktail hour, open bar, four-course sit-down dinner, dessert, and musical entertainment by Cisco's DJs.

For tickets call Faith at (732) 566-3520, or Rose (732) 566-0285.

Free programs at Mat. Library during October

The Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library, 165 Main St., Matawan, will present "Strengthening the Parent/Child Relationship Through Play" Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

"Cyber Lies: When the Truth Matters" will be held Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.,

"Natural Approach to Health" will be held Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. "

Paranormal Investigating" is Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.,

"Virtual Vacation" is Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

All programs are free, but registration is required. To register, call the library at (732) 583-9100.

Fall term classes begin Oct. 12 at Brookdale

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown, has announced its 10-week fall term classes will begin Oct. 12 and run through Dec. 22. A list of courses is online at www.brookdalecc.edu. For more information, call recruitment services at (732) 224-1857.

Slide show on Vietnam Oct. 14 in Holmdel

The Vietnam Era Educational Center, Holmdel, will host a slide show and discussion, "Vietnam: A View You Have Never Seen Before" Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.

School teacher Ken Mayberg, Robbinsville, will present the program, which features original photos taken by Mayberg during a recent trip through the countryside of Vietnam. He will also discuss Vietnamese folk life. The suggested donation is $5, and attendees are asked to R.S.V.P. to (732) 335-0033.

Tickets now available for Duke's Men concert

Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse, 1474 West Front St., Lincroft section of Middletown, will begin its performing arts series with the a cappella group The Duke's Men from Yale in concert Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. The Yale students perform songs such as jazz, pop, soul, classical, world, and show tunes, and have sung in venues such as the White House and for the Mets at Shea Stadium. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, and $12 for students, and standard tickets (less than seven days before the concert) are $25, and $15, respectively. Children younger than age 12 are $5. For tickets or more information, call (732) 747-0707 or visit www.uucmc.org.

Middletown PBA to host annual ball Nov. 18

Reservations are now being accepted for the 43rd annual ball presented by Middletown Township PBA Local 214 Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Shore Casino, Atlantic Highlands. The event will feature a cocktail hour, open bar, gift auction, sports auction, and entertainment by Falling Walls.

Tickets are $70 each, with proceeds benefiting Evan Sullivano, a freshman at Middletown High School North who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For tickets or more information, call (732) 615-2066.

St. Clement's holiday bazaar Oct. 13, 14

St. Clement's Episcopal Church, Church Street and Route 36, Belford section of Middletown, will hold its annual holiday bazaar Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event will feature items for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas; gift items; stocking stuffers; toys; and baked goods. Soup and sandwiches will also be available. Call the church at (732) 787-2374.

Family Awareness Night registration is under way

Registration is now under way for the third annual Family Awareness Night co-sponsored by the Holmdel Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism & Drug Abuse and the Holmdel School District. The event will be held Oct. 26 at Holmdel High School, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and workshops beginning at 7 p.m.

The event is designed for parents and students in grades seven through 12. Workshop topics include protection while online, what to expect from the college interview process, dealing with stress at school, managing friends and cliques, liabilities of underage drinking at home, and how to talk to teens about sex.

To register, go to the Web site at www.holmdelschools.org.

Safety awareness class begins Oct. 16 in Hazlet

The Hazlet Township Police Department in conjunction with Amato's Karate Academy, Hazlet, will sponsor a safety awareness program for women age 16 and older, with classes beginning Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. The six-week classes will be held at West Keansburg Fire Department, 91 Eighth St., West Keansburg section of Hazlet. Sessions are two hours and will provide women with information to raise awareness to minimize chances of being a victim of crime. It will feature lectures and physical exercises. Call the Hazlet Police Department at (732) 264-6565.