Applications are now being taken to reserve a plot in the Freehold Borough Community Garden on Lloyd Street. Plots are 100 square feet ($25). Also available are 48-square-foot plots and raised beds ($15). The community garden strives to develop a community of citizens who work together to create a successful community garden and improve their community and beyond, according to a press release. The garden provides the opportunity for participants to grow their own fresh produce, as well as produce that will be donated to local organizations and individuals in need. The garden provides educational opportunities for all ages to learn about gardening, sustainability and wellness, according to the press release. For an application, visit www.freeholdboroughnj.gov or send an email to [email protected]
The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders is continuing its springtime partnership with Fulfill, formerly known as the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean, and collecting non-perishable food for the month of April.
“As the liaison to the county’s Department of Human Services, I am really excited to get involved with the food drive this year and to try to make it our most successful yet,” said Freeholder Susan M. Kiley. “I hope you will join me in donating non-perishable food items that will feed our friends and neighbors who are experiencing hunger.”
This is the eighth consecutive year the county has partnered with Fulfill to conduct the April food drive for protein rich, non-perishable food, according to a press release. Food items suitable for donation include peanut butter, granola bars and tuna fish. Other needed food items include ready-to-eat canned meals, canned fruits, canned vegetables, instant potatoes, canned soup, dry soup, canned pork and beans, canned juices, sip-size juices and hot and cold cereal.
Library patrons who have outstanding materials can bring food to the library counter during National Library Week, which runs from April 7-13. The libraries will reduce the fines by $1 for every food item donated.
The branches of the Monmouth County Library System will be participating all month. Locations include: library headquarters in Manalapan, Allentown, Colts Neck, Howell and Marlboro.
In addition, collection bins will be available at most county locations, including the Hall of Records, the county clerk’s office, sheriff’s office, prosecutor’s office, agriculture building, Longstreet Farm, Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center and the Belford Ferry Terminal.
For more information about food assistance and the Division of Social Services, visit www.VisitMonmouth.com.
Monmouth Civic Chorus will celebrate 70 years of success with its annual gala fundraiser: “That ’70s Benefit: MCC’s 70th Birthday Bash!” Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, cocktails at a cash bar, silent and chance auctions, and cabaret style entertainment by chorus members at 7 p.m. May 11 at the Navesink Country Club, Middletown.
1970s fashion is encouraged (no denim) or business casual attire is requested. Reservations are $100 per person. Seating is limited. Call 732-933-9333 or visit monmouthcivicchorus.org for reservations and information.
During the evening, guests will be entertained by small ensembles of chorus members performing music from the 1970s. Gordon Lightfoot, Queen, the Carpenters, Sister Sledge, Neil Young and other stars will all be featured throughout the evening, according to a press release.
Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon hosted a “Meet and Greet” of local Monmouth County historians on March 27 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan. The meeting gave historians from all 53 municipalities in the county the opportunity to meet, share ideas and discuss issues.
During the event, the historians learned about each other’s organizations and the many resources the county provides to local historical groups and municipalities, according to a press release.
Special guests included Freeholder Lillian G. Burry; John Fabiano, the director of the Monmouth County Historical Commission; and Meg Sharp Walton, the new executive director of the Monmouth County Historical Association.
Monmouth County Archivist Gary D. Saretzky showed the guests how to navigate the Archives Division’s Searchable Databases on the county clerk’s office website at MonmouthCountyClerk.com
“I was proud to host this meeting which ultimately brought local historians from all
over the county together to share ideas and network,” Hanlon said. “Our local historians and historical societies work tirelessly to preserve our county’s rich and distinct history and I am glad to have helped open the lines of communication so we can learn from each other.”