NOTES AROUND TOWN

The United Methodist Women of Old First United Methodist Church, 197 Locust Ave., West Long Branch, will hold a used book, CD, DVD and VHS sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 18 and 19. For more information, call Martha at 732-222-4300.

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First Assembly of God, 220 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury, will present "Heard It From the Great Vine," 7:30 p.m. July 25 and 26, and 4 p.m. July 27. The children's musical contains seven new songs, and there is no admission. For more information, call the church at 732-741-0048.

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David Petrovich will discuss his new book "Fight Foreclosure!" and both the state's and nation's mortgage foreclosure problems at the bimonthly meeting of the Jersey Coast Speaker's Club 6:45 p.m. July 23 at West Long Branch Library, 95 Poplar Ave. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. For more information, call 732-728-1344.

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The Italian-American Memorial Association Showgrounds, 195 W. End Ave., Long Branch, will host a Pro Rasslin' Benefit outdoors beginning at 8:05 p.m. July 26. Appearing will be wrestlers Angel Orsini, Lacey Von Erich, Matt Hyson and others. Tickets are $20 for ringside, and $18 for rear open seating. For more information, call Joe at 732- 888-1704.

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The second annual harvest dinner and gift auction of Asbury United Methodist Church, Long Branch, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at West Long Branch Community Center, 11 N. Locust Ave. The church is seeking donations of goods, services, gift certificates, promotional items, gift items, and/or monetary donations. Proceeds benefit the church's mission and ministry in the surrounding Long Branch community, and preservation and maintenance of the church building. Tickets are $30, and are reserved only. Reservations are due by Sept. 15. For more information, call Leona at 732-531-4376 or the church at 732-229-5544.

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Epiphany House of Asbury Park and Long Branch is participating in the Macy's "Shop for a Cause" nationwide fundraising event to be held in all Macy's stores on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Participating nonprofit organizations keep all the proceeds from selling $5 shopping passes to the event, and the pass entitles shoppers to 20 percent off on select merchandise and 10 percent off furniture, mattresses and rugs at the store. Shopping passes are on sale at the Epiphany House in Asbury Park. For more information, call Maria at 732-775- 0720, ext. 220.

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The West Long Branch Leisure Club is sponsoring a Smoky Mountain Show trip Oct. 12-18 featuring a tour of the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, and the shows "Country Tonite," "The Miracle," "Magic Beyond Belief," "Black Bear Jamboree," "Patty Waszak Show" and "Dollywood." Cost is $610 for bus transportation, accommodations, six breakfasts and four dinners. There will also be a visit to Harrah's Casino. For more information, call Annette at 732- 935-0992 or 732-539-4076.

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The Shrewsbury Chorale will hold a gift raffle fundraiser at 7 p.m. July 24 at the Radisson Hotel, 50 Gibson Place, Freehold Township. Admission is $30 and includes desserts, entertainment and a set of raffle tickets. Additional tickets will be available at the event. For reservations, call 732-776-5276. For information, visit www.shrewsburychorale.org.

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The Long Branch Library has announced hours at its Elberon branch, which will be in effect through Aug. 30. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 1-7 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

"Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden" will be presented by the Master Gardeners of Monmouth County at 7 p.m. June 25 at the Long Branch Library, 328 Broadway. Displayed at the library during June is pen-and-ink artwork by Dave McGrath, historic postcards of the Long Branch shore, and antique penny banks.

The "Catch the Reading Bug" summer reading club is in full swing. Special programs are available throughout the summer. Reading club bags are available in the children's room at either the Long Branch or Elberon branch.

Friends of the Long Branch Library will sponsor a wine-tasting fundraiser 4- 6 p.m. July 19 at Ron's West End Pub. Tickets are $25 each and include a tasting of wines from around the world and various hors d'oeuvres. Reservations are required and may be made at either branch.