Party honors 60 years of independence for Israel
      Congregation Ohev Shalom/Marlboro Jewish Center will celebrate Israel's 60th year of independence with a party May 8 at 7 p.m. in the synagogue's Chai Building, 46 Topanemus Road, Marlboro. The evening's events will begin with Israeli music and dancing followed by entertaining activities for children, teens and adults.
More ...

Master Gardeners to hold plant sale May 16, 17
      The Master Gardeners of Monmouth County will hold a plant sale May 16 from noon to 5:30 p.m. and May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township (rain or shine). There will also be gardening and composting displays.
More ...

Bayonet Farm Earth Day celebration April 27
      The 10th annual Bayonet Farm Earth Day celebration will be held April 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at Bayonet Farm, 41 Middletown Road, Holmdel. The day will begin with a hike from Holmdel Park to Bayonet Farm along the Ramenessin Brook. The Raptor Trust will discuss various raptors, and Native American Kenneth Little Hawk will tell stories and perform music.
More ...

Entries sought for library Battle of the Bands
      The Monmouth County Library is looking for local musicians ages 15-21 to compete in a five-part Teen Battle of the Bands competition in June and July. The competition celebrates the start of the Young Adult Summer Reading Program.
More ...

Elks Oldies Dance will benefit charities
      An Oldies Dance, sponsored by the Freehold Elks Lodge 1454 Women's Auxiliary, will be held at the lodge, 73 E. Main St., Freehold, on April 26 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. The cost of $20 per person includes food, soda, draft beer, wine, ice cream sodas, DJ and dancing, and prizes for best dressed. Proceeds will benefit various charities supported by the Elks.
More ...

Scholarships offered for Marlboro students
      The Marlboro Township Historic Preservation Advisory Commission is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior fromMarlboro Township.Applicationsmay be obtained at the Marlboro Library on Wyncrest Road or at Marlboro High School on Route 79. Students attending Marlboro High School should return applications to the guidance office by May 16.
More ...

In the Service
      Army Reserve Pfc. Christopher R. Norton has been mobilized and activated for a future deployment to an undisclosed overseas location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the son of Donna and stepson of Robert G. Mitzelman of Freehold.
More ...

Optimists to host wine and dinner experience
      The Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold will host a "South of the Equator Experience" a five course dinner featuring wines from south of the equator May 7 at 7 p.m.
More ...

Safe boating course offered in Howell
      HOWELL - The Howell Recreation Department will sponsor a New Jersey Safe Boating Course for people age 16 and older on May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Echo Lake Pavilion in Echo Lake Park, 1225 Maxim-Southard Road, Howell. The cost to attend the course is $55. Certification will be given with the passing of the course and test.
More ...

Datebook
      • The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community will host support groups for family members of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, April 24, May 22 and June 26 at theMonmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. Open to residents of all counties.
More ...