Long Branch Free Public Library has various genealogy resources for the public to use to research family history, including introductorymaterials as well as genealogy materials displayed in the glass case outside the local history room during January. The history room is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays or by appointment. For an appointment, call Janet Birckhead at the library at 732-222-3900 or visit www.lmxac.org/longbranch.
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The 38th annual Italian dinner will be held 5-7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the all-purpose room at Memorial School, 7 Grant Ave., Eatontown (snow date, 3-5 p.m. Feb. 7). Cost is $8, and $4 for children age 10 and younger, with proceeds benefiting the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. For more information, call the school at 732-542-5013.
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VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of New Jersey Shore, Eatontown, is seeking hospice volunteers to give time to terminally ill patients and their caregivers during a critical time. Volunteers must complete an orientation class, and following completion will provide respite for caregivers, offer companionship for the patient, run errands and help in other meaningful ways. Volunteers are needed in the Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex County area. For more information, call Samia at 732-389-0066.
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The Art Society of Monmouth County will hold its monthly meeting Jan. 20 at Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, 128 Ocean Ave. Everyone interested in art is welcome. Social networking will be at 10:30 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by guest speaker and sculptor Mare Akana, Tinton Falls, giving a presentation on making facemasks. For more information, call the center at 732-229-4527.
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Long Branch Free Public Library, 328 Broadway, will host a “The Beautiful Ghetto,” a spoken word and visual presentation by Asbury Park visual artist and poet Geoffrey D. Holman, 2 p.m. Jan. 30. Holman’s work focuses on the African American experience in urban and inner-city environments. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 732- 222-3900 or visit www.lmxac.org/longbranch.
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New Jersey Pan African Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc., Shrewsbury, will host a business seminar 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 16 at the City of Asbury Park Council chambers, Bangs Avenue and Main Street. The seminar is for small, women and minority business contractors interested in becoming more knowledgeable in qualifying and applying for federal, state and local government contracts. Seating is limited. To register or for more information, call PACCI at 732-658-5457.
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CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is seeking volunteers, with training to be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for 12 Wednesdays beginning Feb. 3 in the Barnegat area. CONTACT is a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline that also provides information & referral to community resources. To register or for more information, call 732-240- 6104.
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Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal, will present “Man of La Mancha,” Feb. 11-21. Performances will be 8 p.m. Feb. 11, 13 and 20; and 3 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21. An opening-night festival will be 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 11, and include sangria, Spanish foods, and products for the home and garden for sale. Starring as Don Quixote is Broadway veteran Ken Wasser, Long Branch. Other local performers are Joseph Greenberg and Pati Shaffer, Brick; Gary Smolokoff, Long Branch; and Kimberly Wilpon, Freehold. Tickets are $25, $22 for seniors, and $15 for students, and $20, $17 and $10, respectively, for opening night. For tickets, call the box office at 732-531-9100, ext. 142, or visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.
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