– Long Branch group has free programs
The Long Branch Concordance Family Success Center will host programs at 300 Broadway, Long Branch. Registration is required for these free events.
Legal Service of New Jersey will offer a free legal clinic for New Jersey residents who were affected by superstorm Sandy from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. Issues to be discussed include: ReNew Jersey Stronger grant program collection/appeals, FEMA’s recoupment process, SHRAP, flood and homeowner insurance claims and appeals, home-repair contractors, public adjusters and landlord-tenant disputes.
“Building Baby’s Brain” classes will be offered from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 15. The classes focus on the developmental stages of early childhood and provide valuable tips on discipline techniques. The classes are intended for parents who have children age 5 or younger.
A Cupcake Decorating Contest will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18. All are welcome to attend this fun event.
For more information, contact Zoraida Rodriguez or Elizabeth Walter at 732-571-1670.
– Library to host holiday concert Dec. 6
The Long Branch Free Public Library will host the four-part barbershop harmony group, Chorus of the Atlantic, in concert from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Main Library at 328 Broadway.
The free concert is being presented by the Red Bank Area Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society and will include a mix of traditional songs and holiday tunes. The musical group has been performing for over 50 years.
Registration is not required. For more information, contact the library at 732-222-3900 or visit www.longbranchlib.org.
– Church to host ‘Messiah’ concert
LONG BRANCH — An intimate performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Saint James’ Church at 300 Broadway.
The nave and chancel of the 100-year-old stone church provide the ideal visual and acoustical setting for a scaled-down chamber performance. “The result is the same power of Handel’s best-known oratorio but with the audience enveloped more in the performance. It will be quite an experience,” explained James Douglas, Saint James’ music director and organist, in a press release.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. The evening will include a pre-concert lecture and presentation by Douglas, light refreshments in the Parish Hall, dessert and a meet-and-greet with the performers.
For tickets, visit http://tinyurl.com/StJamesMessiah. For more information, call 732-222-1411 or visit www.stjames-longbranch.org.
– Republican women set luncheon for Dec. 6
The Monmouth County Federation of Republican Women (MCFRW) will hold its Holiday Luncheon and Election of Officers 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch.
The guest speaker will be Grace Applegate-Tissiere, chair of the nonprofit group A Safe New Jersey.
The MCFRW is also collecting for the American Recreational Military Services this holiday season. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of personal products and sundries for members of the military and their families.
The cost of the luncheon is $50. There will be a cash bar and door prizes. Reservations must be made by contacting Tristan Nelsen at 732-895-0221 or Rhoda Chodosh at 732-616-5585. Walk-ins cannot be accepted.
– ‘Messiah and More’ concert set for Dec. 7
RED BANK — The Monmouth Civic Chorus will present the Christmas concert, “Messiah and More,” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank.
The concert will be led by Artistic Director Dr. Ryan Brandau and feature Handel’s “Messiah” and other holiday favorites.
Tickets are $30-$45. For more information, call 732-933-9333 or visit monmouthcivicchorus.org or www.countbasietheatre.org.