NOTES AROUND TOWN

Members of the Middletown HS South JV and Varsity basketball teams participated in a free program to learn adult CPR, taught byAmerican Heart Association certified instructors. The program, held in the school library, taught the skills necessary to save a life in the event of choking or cardiac arrest. TheMiddletown Township Education Association co-sponsored the program with Meridian Health.

Due to a critical blood shortage, a drive to benefit the Central Jersey Blood Center will be hosted at the Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 20 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel, March 15 from9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Donors should bring signature ID. Donors may be age 17-71, be healthy andweigh at least 110 pounds. All donors get a free T-shirt, and a chance to win NBA basketball tickets. For more information or an appointment, call (732) 796-1006.

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The Baha'i Communities of Monmouth andOcean countieswill celebrate the Baha'i New Year, Naw-Ruz, March 22 at 6 p.m. at the Old Bridge Community Center, Route 516. The celebration alsomarks the end of a period of fasting. The partywill include dinner, DJ and dancing, a children's craft table and clown. Tickets are $20, $10 for children ages 10-14, $5 for age 3-9, and free for age 3 and younger. For tickets or more information, call Jen at (732) 441-9724.

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The Irish Federation of Monmouth CountyHeritage Serieswill sponsor free instruction in Irish folk dancing, language, games and other activitiesApril 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; andMay 6, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Catherine's ParishHall, BrayAvenue,Middletown. Ceilis are also held the third Sunday of the month from 5-8 p.m. at the church at a fee of $7. Refreshments are served. For more information, call Pat at (732) 671-5967.

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Special Olympics New Jersey is seeking volunteers for the 2008 Central Bowling Sectional March 15 at Strathmore Lanes, 1061 Route 34, Aberdeen. Juniors competition for age 8-21 is 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and seniors age 22 and older from 1:30-5 p.m. Athletes placing first, second or third advance to the spring sports festival bowling competition March 29 and 30. For more information, call Doreen at (609) 896-8000, ext 274 or visit www.sonj.org.

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Aberdeen Township Recreation Department has scheduled a trip to see "Kiss Me Kate - A Cole Porter Musical," May 14 at PaperMill Playhouse,Millburn.Deadline to register is April 1. The trip is open to Aberdeen seniors age 55 and older. Nonresidents may sign up after April 1 if space is available. Cost for transportation and show is $56 for residents and $61 for nonresidents. Lunch will be available for purchase. Buses will depart at 11 a.m. at the parking lot at A&P, Route 35, Cliffwood section of Aberdeen; and 11:30 a.m. from Temple Shalom, Ayrmont Lane and Church Street, Aberdeen. Buses will return at 5 p.m. (approximate). Formore information, call (732) 583-4200, ext. 129.

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Matawan-Aberdeen Chapter of Hadassah will sponsor a tricky tray March 18 at Memorial School, 225 Morningside Ave., Union Beach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the drawing is at 8 p.m. Admission is $5, and includes a starter ticket, cake and coffee. There will also be door prizes and a 50/50. Formore information, call (732) 583- 2779.

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The Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) announced that Caitlyn Hoeflin, a seventh-grade student at Oak Hill Academy in Lincroft, is the winner of the chapter's American history essay contest. Her essay will be entered in the DAR state competition.

TheNational Society of theDaughters of the American Revolution sponsors the American history essay contest every year. This year's topic was "I Spy - Espionage During theAmerican Revolution." The contest is first held at the local chapter level, where winners at each grade level (grades five through eight) then advance to the state competition. The state winners' essays are judged within their division, and winners advance to the national competition.

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The board of trustees of Middletown Public Library will hold its regularmeeting March 19 at 7 p.m. at the library at 55 New Monmouth Road. Formore information, call the library at (732) 671-3700.

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To recognize itsmen andwomen actively serving in the military, Keyport Recreation Commission will create an "Honor Roll of Heroes." Residents may send photos and a biography, which should include soldier's name, rank,military branch, location, Keyport address, local school attended, etc.Mail submissions (with contact name and phone number) to Keyport Recreation Commission, Attn.:George Strang, Chairman, 70W. Front St., Keyport, NJ 07735 or drop at the municipal clerk's office. For more information, call George Strang at (732) 598-2675.

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The nonprofit Rainbow Foundation, Middletown, will hold a fashion show luncheon April 5 at 11:30 a.m. at Shore Casino,Marina Drive,Atlantic Highlands. Cost is $45 per person for the event featuring a show by Journey Productions, and gift auction. For more information, call Peggy at (732) 671-4343.

***** The 17th annual Youth Job Fair will be held April 16 from 7-9 p.m. at the Middletown High School North, located at 33 Tindall Road. The event, which is organized by the Middletown Community Affairs Council, is free for students and employers. Employers located in Middletown and the surrounding area are invited to participate. Contact Mitch Gotesky at (732) 915-2445 or John Giordano at (732) 996-7495 for details.

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The Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce will host the seventh annual Business Expo at the Reception Center at St. Clement Church on Route 79, Tuesday, March 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event is open to the surrounding communities to meet the local business owners and professionals from the area.

WRAT 95.9 FM will provide DJ entertainment and a light buffet will be served. There will be free door prizes and admission is free.

For more information call (732) 290-1125.

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Caring people and a love for good Italian food were the key ingredients for the success of a Feb. 2 benefit sponsored by the Lincroft Chapter of UNICO. The benefit for Jean Gaeta, Middletown, who has mesothelioma, was hosted by Paul Crescente, owner of Ninette's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Tinton Falls, who donated 15 percent of the evening's proceeds. The benefit raised $3,750 for Gaeta. UNICO is a non-political and non-sectarian organization. For information about the Lincroft Chapter e-mail Sandra Amato at sanparm@aol.com.

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