Notes Around Town Anastasia Smith, 4, a student at the Lenna W. Conrow School, feeds Claude a handful of broccoli. “While I Was Gone” by Sue Miller will be discussed by the Adult Book Club of the Ocean Township Branch of the Monmouth County Library, 701 Deal Road, on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. The novel, an Oprah Book Club selection, is a study in familial crime and punishment. Books are available to be borrowed from the library. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (732) 531-5092. ***** Long Branch preschool programs kicked off a three-year obesity prevention and study program geared to younger children. Two Labradoodles helped kick off the program. The dogs eat vegetables that many of the children hand-feed them. Along with their owner, Lauren Mattia, Claude and Margaux visited the Lenna W. Conrow School, where the 4-year-old preschool program is housed, and the Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center, where 3-year-olds go to school. Children of the two preschools were treated to a fun, fact-filled show with the dogs, who have been featured in movies and TV news shows. CHRIS KELLY staff Brandon Grieco, 8, Long Branch, plays a visit to Santa during a Breakfast with Santa Claus hosted by the Italian-American Memorial Association in Long Branch Dec. 17. ***** The Second Baptist Church of Long Branch, 93 Liberty St., is holding a Christmas Coat Drive to collect coats for children during the holidays. The church will accept coats Saturday, Dec. 23. Clean, warm and wearable coats can be delivered to the main sanctuary. The idea for the drive came after one of the trustees saw children in Long Branch walking to and from school without any coats. The donated coats will be given to the children directly. For more information, call the church office at (732) 229-2035. ***** Monmouth University athletes and coaches volunteered at Ladacin Network School in Ocean Township on Dec. 14. Every year Monmouth U. athletic teams adopt a class at the Schroth School-Ladacin Network, a school for children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities. Each team visits their class during the holiday season to deliver gifts to the students. ***** The Fair Haven PTA will host its annual luncheon Feb. 3 at the Sheraton Eatontown. This year’s theme is “Fashions and Flowers” and will be a celebration of beautiful spring apparel and flower designs. The fashion show will feature clothing from Gear Loft in Fair Haven, the Bees Knees in Red Bank and Cocotay in Atlantic Highlands. Centerpieces from several area florists and candy makers will also be featured. Proceeds from the luncheon support the educational programs in the Fair Haven school system. The event is one of their key fundraisers and draws approximately 400 community members each year. Reservations are $40. Make checks payable to Fair Haven PTA and mail reservations by Jan. 24 to: Jannetje McManus, 30 Oaklawn Road, Fair Haven 07704 or call (732)747-7795.