Monmouth County Library is once again celebrating September as Library Card Sign-Up Month. Library Card Sign-Up Month is a time when the Monmouth County Library System, libraries across the country and the American Library Association remind people of all ages that a library card is the ‘smartest card in anyone’s wallet’ and the very best back-to-school supply a student can get.
American Library Association posters, featuring George Lopez – celebrated comedian, author, writer, producer, and star of ABC’s hit show of the same name, are featured at Monmouth County Library Branches.
Bookmarks will be available to remind library users of the ’52 Smartest Ways to Use Their Card.’
Patrons who live in branch and member municipalities are invited to Monmouth County Library to get a card, pick out a good book to read, sign up for our monthly events calendar, and take advantage of all the library has to offer this September for Library Card Sign-Up Month.
For more information, contact Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan at (732) 431-7220 or your nearest Monmouth County Library branch.
Monmouth Museum three-part lecture series
The Friends of the Monmouth Museum will present a three-part lecture series this fall. Each lecture will be followed by a light lunch.
The series begins Sept. 18 with “Fall Into Fashion,” presented by Kristen Antico, fashion expert and manager of J. McLaughlin, The Grove, Shrewsbury.
“Today’s Hot Collectibles” will be held Oct. 23, featuring collectibles abound, from arts and crafts to pottery to Barbie dolls and even poker chips; presented by Rachael Goldman, an appraiser of decorative and fine arts and collectibles.
The final presentation “A Taste of The Shore,” led by Neil Jordan, executive chef, will be held Dec. 4 at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch’s Pier Village.
All lectures, except for McLoone’s, will be held at the Monmouth Museum, Lincroft, starting at 11 a.m. and include a light lunch. Each lecture is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Sign up for the series and save. The series fee for members is $65 and $80 for nonmembers. Call the Museum at (732) 747-2266 for reservations or additional information.
Scholarships available
for conservation majors
The New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts will award two $1,000 scholarships in November. All applicants must be a New Jersey resident; a full-time student in good standing at an accredited college; have successfully completed at least four full semesters of study by the fall of 2006; and be an undergraduate enrolled in a major curriculum of agriculture or natural resource conservation, including agricultural education, agronomy, environmental engineering, environmental science, forestry, geography, journalism, plant science, soil science, wildlife or fisheries management and other related majors.
The deadline for applications is Oct. 23; applications can be obtained by contacting the Freehold Soil Conservation District at (732) 683-8500 or visiting the Web site www.freeholdscd.org.
Program seeks advocates for abused children
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program of Monmouth County is seeking adults 21 years and older to act as advocates for children who have been removed from their homes because they have been abused and neglected.
A CASA volunteer is a trained adult who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. In Monmouth County there are approximately 700 children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Currently, there are only 30 CASA volunteers. Caring, committed adults who are willing to speak up for a child as they go through the court system are needed.
Volunteers must complete a background check, fulfill 30 hours of training provided by the program, and be able to spend between five and 15 hours a month working on a child’s case. The next training session will be held in October. Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer is asked to call Melissa P. Orr at (732) 660-0015.
Art project seeks to shine light on children’s needs
The Association for Children of New Jersey is seeking first and second graders to enter a statewide art project that will portray children’s visions of their future.
The children’s drawings will be used to illustrate the association’s “New Jersey Kids Count 2007,” an annual report that tracks the well-being of children in New Jersey. The pictures will also be presented to Gov. Jon Corzine.
The Kids Count report is used to help guide state and local decisions about what children need to grow up safe, healthy and educated. Kids Count will be released in January and will feature selected entries of the “Picture the Future” art project.
Kids Count is released each year at a Statehouse news conference. Last year, fourth graders wrote essays about the needs of New Jersey’s children. Those essays were presented to Corzine during the release of new Jersey Kids Count 2006.
For more information and to register, visit the Web site: www.acnj.org or call (973) 643-3876.
Blood drive to be held
at Rosemont Estates
The Blood Center of New Jersey will conduct a blood drive at the Rosemont Estates Clubhouse, 246 Everton Blvd., Marlboro (at Gordons Corner and Wyncrest roads) Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A free continental breakfast, coffee, tea and juice will be served in the morning, and comparable treats and pizza will be served to donors in the afternoon. All donors will receive a free cholesterol test. Donors must be 18 (17-year-olds need parental permission). For details, call the blood center at (800) NJ-Blood (652-5663). Donors must bring their driver’s license or photo ID and know their Social Security number.
Open house scheduled
at Court Street School
The historic Court Street School Education Community Center (CSSECC) of Freehold will hold a sign unveiling and open house at the school, Court Street, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free; donations are welcome.
A historic plaque and sign will be placed at the school, followed by fun and games at an open house event celebrating 10 years of community service programs.
The open house is a collaborative effort to highlight the many programs sponsored by the Court Street School. It will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in fun demonstrations conducted by club leaders. Information will also be provided for volunteering at the Court Street School and participating in the programs.
There will be live music, entertainment and games. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call (732) 303-8724 or visit the Web site www.courtstreetschool.com.
Parent mentors needed
in Monmouth County
The Monmouth County Division of Social Services is seeking volunteers for its parent mentor program, to help more than 10 mothers who are on the waiting list. Mentors are moms who are willing to spend two or three hours each week sharing parenting and budgeting skills and friendship with another mom and her family. Call Mary Ellen Hemenway, (732) 845-2073.
Vendors sought for
craft show in Millstone
The Millstone Senior Citizens Organization will host a craft show Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Millstone firehouse, 470 Stagecoach Road, Millstone Township. Tables are $15. Refreshments will be available. Details: (609) 208-0763.
History club seeks
Howell memorabilia
The Howell Senior Center History Club is looking for historical memorabilia of Howell for a program the club is planning that will celebrate Howell’s history. Anyone with information to share with the history club is asked to call Carol Zur, (732) 938-4500, ext. 2550.
Cattus Island County Park announces programs
Now through November, families can enjoy the following free programs, which will be held Saturdays and Sundays at Cattus Island County Park, Toms River:
+ Bird Feeding Station (10:30-11 a.m.)
+ Reptile Roll Call (11-11:30 a.m.)
+ Turtle Feeding (1:30-2 p.m.)
The programs will not be held on the following dates: Sept. 23 and 24; and Oct. 1, 7, and 14.
Preregistration is not required. Programs are accessible to all. Reasonable accommodations are available with prior notice. Details: (732) 270-6960.
Child-care volunteers
needed for support group
Freehold Parents Anonymous support group is seeking adults who are willing to be on call to provide child care for at-risk children while their parents attend a parent support group meeting.
The group meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Monmouth County Division of Social Services, Kosloski Road, Headquarters, Freehold Township. For further information, contact Hilda Mesnick, (732) 972-2629.
A $15 stipend to cover travel expenses is available. Call Mary Ellen Hemenway to apply, (732) 845-2073.