'Velveteen Rabbit' with strings attached at library
      The Monmouth County Library will present "The Velveteen Rabbit," a puppet show based on Margery Williams' classic tale of how toys become real, at two locations Dec. 15. Christopher Hudert, a former Ringling Bros. circus clown-turnedpuppeteer, will perform "The Velveteen Rabbit" using puppets, storytelling and song.
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Junior firefighters collect aluminum recyclables
      The Adelphia Fire Company Junior Firefighters are collecting aluminum recyclables to raise funds for the St. Barnabus Burn Center's Aluminum Cans For Burned Children (ACBC) program. All donations can be dropped off at the Adelphia Fire Company firehouse on Route 524 in the Adelphia section of Howell.
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Howell Township plans New Year's Eve party
      Howell Township will host a New Year's Eve party at Our House Restaurant, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The evening will consist of a cocktail hour, full dinner prime rib buffet, open bar, champagne toast and more at a cost of $80 per person. Live music will be provided by Kindred Souls. Adults ages 21 and over are welcome to attend.
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Missionaries to speak at house of worship
      On Dec. 30, Monmouth Worship Center, Route 79, Marlboro, will be visited by four former members of its congregation who left last year as Assemblies of God missionary associates to the country of Ecuador. Joe and Karen Hewes, as well as their daughters, Shari and Katie, former Marlboro residents, have been serving in Ecuador, South America.
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Friendship circle offers activities during break
      Local children with special needs who enjoy the social and educational events of the Ari Kraut Friendship Circle will now be able to participate in the program's new winter camp. For the first time, a threeday fun-filled program will be offered to youngsters ages 5 through 15 during the winter break.
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Datebook
      • A charity gift wrap at Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, is being offered through Dec. 24. The booth is in the center court of the mall in front of the elevator. Funds are being raised for cancer research by volunteer wrappers from the Marlboro and Freehold chapters of Hadassah.
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Jazz concert slated for Manalapan library
      Giacomo Gates and Trio will perform a Jazz Concert 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive.
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