In Brief
Matawan announces holiday events schedule
PARENTS PITCH IN — A group of Middle Road School parents in Hazlet recently sanded and stained the school playground which had become a source of splinters. The “Make a Difference” project drew rave reviews from students and faculty.
The Downtown Matawan Alliance, Matawan Historical Society and Matawan Borough will present the following holiday events Dec. 2:
• 1-4 p.m. – Tours, refreshments and music at the historic Burrowes Mansion Museum, 94 Main St.;
• 2-4:30 p.m. – Holiday storytelling at Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library, 165 Main St.;
• 2-5 p.m. – Photos with Santa and free candy canes at Harris Hardware, 126 Main St.;
• 2-4 p.m. – Winter craft activity for children at Matawan Community Center, 120 Broad St.;
• 4 p.m. – Strolling/caroling commencing at Burrowes Mansion and the community center, ending at downtown tree lighting (next to post office); and
• 5 p.m. – Santa arrives for tree lighting and area youth choirs will sing (refreshments for sale by local Girl Scouts).
The library invites participants to come and explore its holiday books.
The Lloyd Road School and St. Clement’s Church also will host their craft fairs on Dec. 2. Call (732) 290-2670 or 566-3616 respectively for more information.
For information on Matawan’s holiday events, call the alliance at 566-9570 or the recreation department at 566-0629.
Chorale to perform
‘Greater Glories’ Dec. 3
The Arcadian Chorale, Matawan, will perform Greater Glories Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. The concert will be at The United Methodist Church, 247 Broad St., Red Bank. Admission is $10; $9 for seniors and $8 for students.
The concert will feature religious music by Brahms, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and others. The chorale is a 50-voice ensemble directed by Marina Alexander.
For more information, call (732) 583-4007.
Trinity Episcopal to offer
flu, pneumonia vaccines
Trinity Episcopal Church, Matawan, is offering influenza and pneumonia shots for high-risk individuals only. The immunizations will be given at the church Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the cost is $12 for the flu shot and $18 for the pneumonia shot. The church is at 18 Ryers Lane, Matawan.
Because of the vaccine shortage, the Visiting Nurse Association is limiting shots to individuals 60 years of age and older, pregnant women in the second or third trimester, health-care workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
The church will also hold its holiday fair Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m. The fair will feature a "cookie walk," clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, and other items.
For more information about the above, call the church at (732) 591-9210.
Matawan church sets ‘all you can eat’ breakfast
Matawan United Methodist Church will hold its pancake breakfast Dec. 2, 8 a.m. to noon. The breakfast will be at the church, 478 Atlantic Ave., Aberdeen. Price is $3 per person, and children under 5 are free.
The breakfast features "all you can eat pancakes" plus servings of sausage, bacon, eggs, juice, tea and coffee. For more information, call (732) 566-2996.
Altar Rosary Society
to hold Christmas fair
The Altar Rosary Society of St. Clement Church will have its annual Christmas Craft Fair Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The church is on Route 79, Matawan.
The fair will have handcrafted items, pictures with Santa, poinsettias, 50/50 raffles, baked goods, and items from over 50 vendors. A concession stand will be open.
For more information, call Susan at (732) 583-3951.
Congregation to present ‘Amahl’ Dec. 15-17
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County will present Amahl and the Night Visitors Dec. 15 and 16, 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 17, 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 per adult and $8 per child. The congregation is located at 1475 W. Front St., Lincroft section of Middletown.
The performance tells the story of a poor child who shelters the three wise men on their journey to Bethlehem. Proceeds will benefit the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
For more information, call (732) 741-0707.
Poricy Park to display photos of Noah Gilson
Poricy Park Nature Center, Middletown, will display the photographs of Dr. Noah Gilson Nov. 29 through Dec. 28. A reception will be held Dec. 10 from 1-3 p.m. at the center, Oak Hill Road. Refreshments will be served.
Gilson is an area resident whose works include black-and-white and color photographs. Their primary emphasis is nature.
The nature center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. (closed Saturday). For more information, call Poricy Park at (732) 842-5966.
Middletown to host tree
lighting, Santa Claus
The Middletown Department of Parks and Recreation is sponsoring the following holiday events:
• "Movies and Snacks with Santa," Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to noon. This free program will be held at the Middletown Senior Center at Croydon Hall. Children ages 7 and under can enjoy Christmas videos and have a chance to meet and talk to Santa Claus. Parents should bring their own cameras for pictures. Snacks will be served. There is no advanced registration required; the program is open to Middletown residents only.
• Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 3, at town hall. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. and will include caroling, hot chocolate and snacks, as well as visits from Santa. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the courtroom at town hall. Everyone is invited to attend.
For more information, call the Middletown Recreation Department at (732) 615-2260.