NOTES Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, head of school at Ranney School, Tinton Falls, and Ranney's Upper School administration and the college office will host "The Evolving Landscape of College Admissions," an evening with Dr. Jeffrey Brenzel, Yale University's dean of undergraduate admissions, Nov. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the Ranney commons. Brenzel will discuss college admissions in today's world, financial aid, SAT prep and other topics, and answer questions about the college application process. American Legion Post 321, 524 Front St., Union Beach, will host a spaghetti dinner benefit for Sgt. Michael Minard, Hazlet, Dec. 1 from 1-8 p.m. Sgt. Minard was deployed in Iraq the third time on combat patrol in early October when his vehicle rolled over an IED, and doctors had to amputate both of his legs. Awaiting his return are his 4-year-old daughter and pregnant wife. Donation is $10, and $7 for children younger than age 12. The meal includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread and dessert. There will also be a DJ and gift baskets. For more information, call Comm. Ron Zimmerman or Steve Smith at (732) 888-0861. ***** Matawan Aberdeen Public Library, 165 Main St., Matawan, will present "Strengthening the Parent/Child Relationship Through Play," Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for the free program and may be done by calling the library at (732) 583-9100. ***** The seventh annual "United We Sing" Thanksgiving celebration will be Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse, 1475 W. Front St., Lincroft. The artistic presentation of music, dance and verse brings together representatives of traditions from religions such as Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist. The free performance will be followed by light refreshments. For more information, call Esmat at (732) 371-5412. ***** The Hobby Shop, Aberdeen Town Square Shopping Center, 1077 Route 34, will host a "Toys That Teach" information night for parents of children with special needs Nov. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. To RSVP, call (732) 583-0505. ***** Holmdel Half Century Club will meet Nov. 8 and Nov. 20 at noon. The nominating committee will present its nominated officers for 2008. The club's Thanksgiving luncheon at Shore Casino, Atlantic Highlands, will be Nov. 14 at noon. Cost is $15. Drop-in Day will be Nov. 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by line dancing from 2-3 p.m. at the senior center. For more information, call Agnes at (732) 264-4131. ***** Hazlet Recreation will sponsor a trip Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m. (5 p.m. show) to see "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at St. James Theatre, New York City. Cost is $75 for bus transportation and balcony seating. The bus will depart the overflow parking lot at Hazlet Library, Middle Road. For tickets, call (732) 739-0653. ***** The German School of Monmouth County at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 112 Middletown Road, Holmdel, will celebrate the "Festival of Lanterns," St. Martin's Day, Nov. 11. There will be a homemade lantern craft project for children from 3-5 p.m., followed by the children's procession of lights at 5 p.m. Free coffee and cake will be served. For more information, visit www.germanschoolmc.org. ***** St. Joseph's School, 376 Maple Place, Keyport, will hold a "Stealing Bingo Party," Nov. 16 from 6-10 p.m. at the school auditorium. The game combines bingo with a twist in which winners steal prizes from the other players at the table. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $8 plus a $10 wrapped gift, and includes one bingo board. For more information, call (732) 264-2114. ***** Young Israel of Aberdeen, 479 Lloyd Road, will present Israeli Night Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. The event will feature live music and food provided by The Falafel Factory. Cost is $25 per couple, or $15 per person. For more information, call (732) 583-6262 or visit www.Ylaberdeen.com. ***** Keyport First Aid Auxiliary will sponsor a holiday cash and carry Nov. 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the first aid building at 1927 Atlantic St. The event will also feature a home baked goods raffle. For more information, call JoAnn at (732) 739-1863. ***** Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, 95 Cambridge Drive, Aberdeen, will hold a senior adult holiday luncheon Nov. 19 at noon prepared by chef Chris Hayward. Donation is $7 and the event includes entertainment. Seating is limited to 50. Reservations may be made by calling (732) 583-1118.