NOTES AROUND TOWN

Sandra DeLuccio, a registered nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ), Red Bank, has been named 2007 Hospice Nurse of the Year by the New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NJHPCO).

Roberta Bamrick, a VNACJ volunteer, has been named NJHPCO Hospice Volunteer of the Year. The awards were presented at the Spirit of Hospice Awards Dinner Nov. 7.

DeLuccio, Howell, has dedicated much of her time to pediatric end-oflife care. She has been instrumental in refining and promoting the hospice program for children at VNACJ.

Bamrick, Tinton Falls, is the lead volunteer for the VNACJ Comfort Call program in which volunteers reach out to patients and families to ensure all their hospice needs are being met.

Family and friends of Oceanport resident Rick Gager are hosting a benefit Dec. 8, 3-7 p.m., at the Headliner in Neptune Township. “Rock for Rick” will feature entertainment by bands including Ziggy Shock, The Do Dads, Charlie Don’t Surf and The Bruce Wacker Band. Gager, a longtime community volunteer and lifelong borough resident, is undergoing cancer treatment, and proceeds of the benefit will allay medical and living expenses. Cover is $15. The Headliner is located at 1401 Route 35. For more information, or to donate, call (732) 865-1615.

Sandra DeLuccio (l) and Roberta Bamrick Sandra DeLuccio (l) and Roberta Bamrick *****

Red Bank Regional High School, Hance Road, Little Silver, will present its holiday dance show, “Home for the Holidays,” Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. Dances will include tap, jazz, ballet and musical theater. Tickets are $10, and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

*****

The Greater Red Bank Area Kiwanis Club awarded its annual “Cents for Kids Makes Sense” campaign collection to the Spring House, Eatontown, in early November. A $1,003 check was presented to a “thrilled” Eileen Higgins, Spring House director. Spring House is a transitional home for women and children. Each Tuesday at the weekly breakfast meeting, club members collect change for the nonprofit Center for Kids. The club meets and hears from a community speaker Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m. at The Chelsea at Tinton Fall. Interested members are welcome. For more information, call Ray at (732) 859-8187.

*****

The Presbyterian Women at Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury will mark the end of the 275th anniversary celebration of the church by hosting “A Colonial Christmas Bazaar” Dec. 8 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church house at 352 Sycamore Ave. Handmade crafts, tree trimmings, jewelry, toys, homemade baked goods, mission crafts and other items will be featured as will greenery arrangements. “Santa’s Workshop” will have activities for children, and there will also be pictures with Santa. Lunch, coffee and scones will be served at the “Deacon’s Tavern.” A gift market benefiting Heifer Project will be at the bazaar, as will a giving tree to benefit Providence House. For more information, call (732) 747-3557.

*****

The annual holiday bazaar and vendor sales at Oceanport First Aid Squad will be Dec. 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendor spaces are still available at $25 per table. The bazaar will feature various prizes, food and Christmas tree and wreath sales. For more information, call (732) 403-4347 or (732) 859-5011.

***** Santa Claus will visit United Teletech Financial (UTF), Tinton Falls, Dec. 8, and UTF’s Holmdel branch Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. Jolly old St. Nick will listen to children’s requests for Christmas gifts, and pose with the children for photos free of charge. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and light refreshments will also be provided. For more information, call (732) 530-8100 or visit utfinancial.org.

*****

“It’s His Birthday, Mr. Scrooge!,” a musical drama, will be presented with live band and chorus Dec. 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 220 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a children’s matinee Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. All performances are free. For more information, call the church at (732) 741-0048.

*****

Brookdale Computer Users Group Inc. will meet Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at MAS 100 at Brookdale Community College, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft section of Middletown. The free meeting is open to the public. Technology writer Gabe Goldberg will present “Introduction to APCUG, Compukiss, and Gadgets Gabe.” He will discuss the benefits of Association of Personal Computer User Groups, Compu-kiss message board and other topics. For more information, visit www.bcug.com.

*****

Best Friends Pet Care is holding its seventh annual “Angel Tree” campaign for homeless dogs and cats in local animal shelters. The facilities at 24 Riordan Place, Shrewsbury, and 234 Boundry Road, Marlboro, are accepting donated food, toys and treats through the end of December. The angel trees in the lobbies are decorated with paper stockings providing information about needy dogs and cats. Beneficiaries include Monmouth County SPCA, Rescue Ridge, Mutts-n- More Rescue and Boxer Rescue of New Jersey. For more information, call the Shrewsbury facility at (732) 212-9234 or Marlboro at (732) 431-3900 or visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com.

*****

St. James Elementary School, 30 Peters Place, Red Bank, will hold an open house Jan. 13 from 1-2 p.m. for prospective families of students in preschool and kindergarten, and Jan. 29 from 9-11 a.m. for preschool through grade eight. For an appointment, call the business office at (732) 741-3363.

Poised for the opening number, “Making Magic,” in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City are (l-r) Brianna Lombino, a freshman at Red Bank Regional HS; Meg Loftus, a seventh-grader at Markham Place School in Little Silver, Elizabeth Loftus, a junior and vocal major in RBR’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy; and Michael Anderson, a sophomore at RBR.

They shared the spotlight with 600 other performers, ages 7 through 18, who hailed from all over the United States and as far away as Australia.