~ Notes Around Town ~

CHRIS KELLY Passey Gardens, Long Branch, was closed off because of construction work being done below street level. Above, a backhoe displaces dirt from the project area.

The Chamber of Commerce will hold its seventh annual Antique Show on Dec. 1 and 2 at Long Branch Middle School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, call 222-0400.

****

The holidays are just around the corner, and the City of Long Branch has quite a few events planned:

On Friday, Nov. 23, the first Christmas Tree will be lit at the West End Park at approximately 6:30 p.m. On Dec. 4, the Uptown tree lighting will be held on the corner of Broadway and Norwood at 5 p.m.

Chris Kelly Long Branch Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Kleiberg works at her desk in the chamber’s new location. It recently moved from the second floor, above the old Honda Motorcycle Dealership, to the newly renovated building across the street from the McDonald’s on lower Broadway.

The Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce will hold a Holiday Party on Dec. 12 at Rons West End Pub at 6 pm. The event, open to the public, will charge an admission fee to be disclosed at a later date. For details, call 222-0400. On Dec. 13, the Congregation Brothers of Israel will hold its annual Hanukkah celebration. There will be games, prizes and those traditional potato pancakes known as latkes. There will also be two theatrical performances by the Brothers of Israel acting troupe, Claire’s Kids. On Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m., the Recreation Department is planning a holiday party at the Senior Center on Second Avenue for children, who will receive gifts from Santa Claus that were donated to his workshop from Toys for Tots and Check-Mate, a non-profit organization. On Dec. 21 starting at 7 p.m., the Coastal Alliance of Monmouth County will sponsor a youth dance and play with a message opposing substance abuse. Children from Long Branch, West Long Branch and Oceanport will learn African and Caribbean dances at the senior center. The enrollment deadline is the end of the month. For details, call 571-6545.

****

On Nov. 28 the Long Branch Historical Association will hold its regular meeting with guest speaker Margaret Lumia at 7:30 p.m. The presentation will be on antique dolls and toys.

****

The Long Branch Historical Association’s annual Christmas Party will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at City Hall. Those who attend are asked to bring hors d’oeuvres, a main dish, rolls or dessert for approximately five or people. If cooking is not for you, a cost of $7 for adults and $5 for kids under 12 will apply. For details and to R.S.V.P., call Louise at 229-6769 or Elene at 222-1991.

****

Eatontown’s annual tree lighting and community sing will take place at 4 p.m. Dec. 2 in front of Borough Hall, 75 Broad St. There will be musical performances by the Eatontown Choraliers, West Point Prep School’s Gospel Choir and the Memorial School Choir, as well as an old-fashioned community sing-along. Immediately after the actual tree lighting at dusk — about 4:30 p.m. — Santa will arrive via fire truck. The festivities then move inside the Eatontown Community Center, 68 Broad St., where children can have their pictures taken with Santa. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Eatontown Municipal Band under the baton of director John Collins.

****

The annual open house at the Eatontown Historical Museum, 75 Broad St., will be held Dec. 2 from 2-4 p.m. The museum will be decorated for the holiday, and historical memorabilia from the borough and surrounding areas will be on display. Refreshments will be served.

****

Youth ages 12 to 18 are invited to join in the monthly Christian Skatepark of the Student Ministry of First Assembly of God in Shrewsbury from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Eatontown Roller Rink on Route 35. Participants can skateboard on the quarter pipes and grind boxes as they listen to the latest in Christian punk, ska, hardcore and contemporary music. The cost is $7. For details, call Pastor Chris Colletti at (732) 741-0048.