Community Bulletin Board
Fort Hancock Christmas in the 1940s Dec. 9

Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area will hold its annual open house, "Fort Hancock Christmas in the 1940s," Dec. 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Fort Hancock.

The event will feature music by The Starlite Quartet and refreshments. Santa Claus will available for photo ops at History House Dec. 10 from noon-4 p.m. The John Doe Trio will perform '40s and holiday music Dec. 16 from 2-4 p.m. A children's Christmas craft workshop will be held Dec. 17 from 1-4 p.m. Children will create paper chains and snowflakes and popcorn garland similar to decorations from the 1940s.

The fort's decorated History House will also be open Dec. 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20 and 27 from 1-5 p.m. Fort Hancock "Holiday Walks" will be Dec. 10 and 17 beginning at 2 p.m. at the fort's Post Theater and end at History House with hot cider.

All activities are free. For more information, call (732) 872-5970 or visit www.nps.gov/gate.

Annual Festival of Trees slated for Dec. 12

Amanda's Easel Art Therapy Program, a service of 180, Turning Lives Around Inc., Hazlet, along with other area nonprofits, will present The Festival of Trees Dec. 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the main lobby at the Sheraton Hotel, Route 35 and Industrial Way west, Eatontown.

The fundraiser will feature a gift auction to benefit the participating nonprofits. The Amanda's Easel tree display showcases ornaments hand-crafted by the children and families participating in the art therapy program. The holiday tree displays will be exhibited until Dec. 31.

For more information on the festival or to make a contribution, call 180 at (732) 264-9114.

Arcadian Chorale's 'Make We Merry' Dec. 16

The Arcadian Chorale, Matawan, will present "Make We Merry" Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. The performance will feature Christmas music featuring works by contemporary British and American composers.

Works include "A Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten, "Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest" by Conrad Susa, and the Scottish "Hebrides Lullaby." The 60-voice Chorale will also sing versions of familiar carols.

Tickets are $22, $20 for seniors, and $12 for students (group rates available). For more information, call (732) 583-4007 or visit www.arcadianchorale.org.

Carol sing at St. John's Church Dec. 10

St. John's United Methodist Church (UMC), 2000 Florence Ave., Hazlet, will hold a carol sing Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

The church's Chancel and youth choirs accompanied by a string quartet will perform Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.; the church's contemporary praise team will perform "Everything Glorious" Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Also featured during December is a live Nativity scene outside the church, along with a "sights and sound" show, children's video show, and coffee house. There are also tours of the church with a replica of Herod's temple, and a 40-foot model of Israel depicting the first Christmas with more than 120 lighting changes.

For information, call Debbie at (732) 264-1236 or visit www.stjohnshazlet.org.

Rotary's reverse raffle, holiday dinner Dec. 7

The Matawan Rotary Club will hold its annual reverse raffle and holiday dinner Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at Buttonwood Manor, Route 34, Matawan.

Cost is $50 for the dinner, and $100 for a raffle tickets. Half of the ticket proceeds distributed as prizes for the raffle, and the remainder to local area charities.

For more information, call Dave at (732) 290-6678 or 583-7425.

Local children in 'Toys Take Over Christmas'

Union Beach Firehouse, 1110 Union Ave., will present "The Toys Take Over Christmas" Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. (general admission), and Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. (reservations required).

The play follows the adventures of a rag doll brought to life by the toymaker. Local residents performing are Steve Boyd and Megan Lenehan, Matawan, and Tia Romeo, Hazlet.

All tickets are $10, and first aid, law enforcement and active military receive a 20-percent discount on up to four tickets. For tickets, call (732) 471-8268.

Holiday fair at St. Mary's School Dec. 10

St. Mary's School, 538 Church St., New Monmouth section of Middletown, will hold a holiday craft fair Dec. 10 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the school's Euphemia Hall. The event is free. For more information, call Cheryl at (732) 530-6627.

MacLeod-Rice House holiday event Dec. 10

The Friends of the MacLeod-Rice House at Croydon Hall and the Middletown Township Historical Society will hold a holiday get together Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m. at MacLeod-Rice House 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo section of Middletown Township. Attendees may view the society's exhibit and view the house. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, e-mail monmouthhistory @comcast.net or call (732) 291-2835.

Ensemble to perform 'Nutcracker' Dec. 8-10

The Performing Arts Ensemble, Middletown, will perform "The Nutcracker" during its 25th anniversary tour Dec. 8 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 9 and 10 at 1 and 4 p.m. at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. For more information, call the theater at (732) 345-1400.

Brass, choirs at Middletown Library Dec. 10, 13

Middletown Township Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, will welcome the Navesink Brass Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m.

The classical brass quintet features Thomas Bender and Donald Swinchoski on trumpet, Nancy Shavlatis on horn, Daniel Carver on trombone, and Paul Eschelbach on tuba. The group will perform classical, popular and jazz music at the free concert.

The youth and children's chorus of the Monmouth Conservatory of Music, Red Bank, will perform a free concert of holiday music at the library Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The children and teens are under the direction of Marissa Rosen. Refreshments will be served.

For more information or to reserve a seat, call the library at (732) 671-3700, ext. 333 or e-mail programs@mtpl.org.

Concordia Chorales in concert Dec. 10

Middletown United Methodist Church, 924 Middletown Lincroft Road, will welcome the Concordia Chorale and Concordia Youth Chorale performing a holiday concert Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

The Chorale will perform Mozart's "Solemn Vespers," and the Youth Chorale selections from its recent performance at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Both groups will perform "Hope for Resolution" which celebrates the work of Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk.

A free-will offering will be taken. For more information, call the church at (732) 671-0707.

Half Century Club slates A.C. trip, classes, party

The Holmdel Half Century Club will host a trip to see "Holiday Cabaret" at the Tropicana in Atlantic City Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. The cost is $40 for bus transportation, buffet coupon, $5 coin return, a free gift and the show. The bus will depart from the senior center.

A cooking class will be offered Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. Attendees will prepare zeppoli, and the cost is $3 per person.

Drop-in Day will take place Dec. 14 beginning at 9 a.m. (no line dancing during Drop-in Day in December).

A holiday party will be held Dec. 19 at noon at Lakeside Manor, 410 Route 36, Hazlet. The cost is $40 for nonmembers, and $23 for members, and includes choice of chicken, roast beef or tilapia, and a glass of wine or mixed drink. There will also be music, a show and dancing. For more information, call Agnes at (732) 264-4131.

Holmdel K of C breakfast with Santa Claus Dec. 10

The St. Benedict's Knights of Columbus Council No. 11349 will sponsor breakfast with Santa Dec. 10 from 9-11:30 a.m. at St. Benedict's Parish Hall, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel. The menu will feature pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee. Cost is $5, $4 for children, and $15 per family. Pictures with Santa will also be available. For more information, call Rich at (732) 739-9249.

Holmdel CILU meeting slated for Dec. 11

Holmdel Citizens for Informed Land Use (CILU) will hold its next meeting Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Holmdel Senior Center, Crawfords Corner Road. William H. Pearce, senior environmental engineer with New Jersey American Water, will present "Our Drinking Water." He will give a presentation on where water is obtained, how it is tested, salt water intrusion, the impact of contaminates, and other information. For more information, call Carol at (732) 946-9064.

Keyport K of C breakfast slated for Dec. 10

Knights of Columbus (K of C) St. Joseph's Council No. 3402, 54 Route 35 north, Keyport, will hold a "Second Sunday Breakfast - Family Style" Dec. 10 from 8:30-11 a.m.

The menu for the all-you-can-eat breakfast will include omelets, eggs, pancakes, French toast and other items. Cost is $5, $4 for seniors and children younger than age 10, and free for children younger than age 5.

For more information, call Bob at (732) 583-4440 or the Hall at (732) 264-9729.

Tickets now available for candlelight house tour

The Keyport Historical Society will present the 2006 "Candlelight House Trolley Tour" Dec. 9 from 4-9 p.m.

The tour will feature several of Keyport's Victorian-era homes, museums, churches and properties will be open for the tour. Two vintage trolleys with guides will transport ticketholders to tour stops, and the tour will be held rain or shine. Downtown stores will be open late during the tour, and some will be serving refreshments.

Tickets are $18 in advance, and $20 day of event. For ticket locations or more information, call (732) 739-6390, or visit www.keyportonline.com.

Artists' reception at Keyport gallery Dec. 9

Mitchell Sanborn Gallery, 46 W. Front St., Keyport, will hold an artists' reception Dec. 9 from 5-7 p.m. for its all-Keyport show scheduled for January. The show will feature approximately 30 painters, sculptors and photographers. For more information, call the gallery at (732) 888-0048, or visit www.mitchellsanborngallery.com.

Sale now under way at Keyport church gift shop

Community Church of Keyport, Warren Street, has announced its Heavenly Treasures gift shop is closing Dec. 17, and all items will be offered at sale prices. The shop is open Thursdays from noon-3 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon.

For more information, call the church office at (732) 264-1198 or Marge at (732) 264-9295.

'Amahl & Night Visitors' at church Dec. 9, 10

St. Joseph's Church, 36 Maple Place, Keyport, will present "Amahl and the Night Visitors" Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. The event is a sing-along of Christmas carols and will feature the choirs of the church, as well as guest musicians.

Suggested donation is $10, and $5 for children. For more information, call (732) 264-0322.

Calvary UMC to take part in tour Dec. 9

Calvary United Methodist Church (UMC), Third and Osborn streets, Keyport, will take part in the Keyport "Candlelight Tour" Dec. 9 from 4-9 p.m. The public is invited to visit and tour the approximately 150-year-old church decorated for the holidays.

For more information, call the church at (732) 264-1492.

Reservations taken for PTO's 'Night of Comedy'

Strathmore School PTO, Aberdeen, is now accepting reservations for its "Night of Comedy" Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at Jacques Catering Hall, 500 Palmer Ave., Middletown.

Cost is $50 per person before Dec. 15, and $60 thereafter. The sit-down dinner menu will include a choice of prime rib, chicken or salmon; beer; wine; soda and dessert. Featured comic will be Joseph Anthony, and music will be by Joe D'Angelo. There will also be a basket auction and raffle. For more information, call Amy at (732) 290-7843.

VFW No. 4745 pancake breakfast Dec. 10

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 4745, 699 Cliffwood Ave., Cliffwood section of Aberdeen, will hold a pancake breakfast Dec. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The menu will include eggs, pancakes, potatoes, French toast, sausage, coffee, and other items. Cost is $6, $3 for children age 5-12, and free for children younger than age 5.

For more information, call the post at (732) 566-9725.

'Kids Rock for Kids' at Middletown school Dec. 8

Rockit for Kids will present "Kids Rock for Kids" Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the auditorium at Middletown High School South, 501 Nutswamp Road. The fundraiser concert is held in conjunction with Middletown Schools and The Middletown Dance Academy. Rockit will donate all ticket proceeds to the Valerie Center for Children with Cancer & Blood Disorders at the Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, visit www.rockitforkids.org.

Shop 'Til You Drop

at Hazlet school Dec. 6

The Beers Street Elementary School PTO will present its annual "Shop 'Til You Drop" Dec. 6 from 6-9 p.m. at Beers Street Elementary School, 610 N. Beers St., Hazlet. The event will offer skin care items, home furnishings, pocketbooks, candles, jewelry, scarves/stoles, toys, Christmas crafts and other items. Refreshments available.

For more information, call Vicki at (732) 203-1434.

Matawan Historical Society musicale Dec. 10

The Matawan Historical Society will hold its annual Christmas musicale Dec. 10 from 1-4 p.m. at the Burrowes Mansion, 94 Main St., Matawan. The free musicale will feature members of the Jersey Shore-based Irish band Trinity performing traditional Christmas standards. Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon. For more information, call (732) 583-1736.

Register now for Hazlet family programs

Hazlet Recreation is sponsoring "Mommy/Dad and Me" for parents and 2-year-olds for six Wednesdays beginning Dec. 13 from 10-11 a.m.

Cost is $40, with a $15 late fee after Dec. 12. The classes will feature play, crafts, games and songs. "Tots, Toddlers, and Mom" for mothers and children age 10-23 months will be offered for 10 Tuesdays beginning Jan. 23 from 10:45-11:30 a.m. Cost is $50, with a $15 late fee after Jan. 22. The program will include open play, songs and games. Both programs are at James J. Cullen Center, 1776 Union Ave.

For more information, call Recreation at (732) 739-0653.