NOTES

Long Branch Housing Authority in conjunction with the city of Long Branch and Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey will host its annual Back 2 School Festival during Long Branch Day 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13. The celebration will be at Jerry Morgan Park, Liberty Street and Monmouth Avenue. It will feature games, rides, entertainment, vendors and various activities. Various social service agencies will be in attendance to provide health screenings and giveaways to children. For more information, call the housing authority at 732-222-3747.

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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 second annual harvest dinner and gift auction of Asbury United Methodist Church, Long Branch, will be 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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The Wellness Community, Eatontown, will hold a Celebration of Life 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Sheraton Eatontown, Industrial Way east. Proceeds benefit the Wellness Community's programming for individuals affected by cancer. The food, wine and fashion event will feature foods from several area restaurants, and wines from local liquor suppliers. Honoree will be Bonnie Levin. Tickets are $100 per person. As part of the celebration, there will be a gently used clothing sale Sept. 19 and 20. Donations of clothing are welcome. To make a donation or for more information, call 732-578-9200.

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The Coastal Monmouth Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse is scheduled to hold a meeting on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. at Monmouth Medical Center in Stanley Room 206 in Long Branch.

***** First United Methodist Church, 103 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, will hold a garage sale 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at the upstairs church hall. Sale items will include games, toys, books, DVDs, CDs, small sports equipment, kitchen gadgets, and other items. The event, sponsored by the United Methodist Women, will direct all proceeds to missions, both home and abroad. For more information, call 732- 531-1150.

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The adult bereavement group Seasons Change will meet 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 22, at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch. The group will be facilitated by hospice professionals, and attendees may share stories and similar experiences with others. Registration must be completed by Sept. 15. The group is free and open to the public. To register, contact Christina at 32-923- 6463 or cruane@sbhcs.com.

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St. Anthony's Church, Red Bank, and its social concerns committee, will hold the second annual "Sunset Gathering" 4- 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Windward Estate, 167 Grange Ave., Fair Haven. Reservations are required by Sept. 1.

The smart casual attire event will feature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and other activities. Proceeds benefit women and children in need of emergency assistance in the Greater Red Bank area. Admission is $75, $50 or $25, and reservations are honored in the event's ad journal according to level. Sponsorships are available ranging from $600-$1,000. Auction donations are also accepted. For reservations or more information, call Tiffany at 732-768-8829 or email tnt50903@comcast.net.

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Mended Hearts support organization for heart patients, families, health professionals and other interested individuals will meet 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Route 33, Neptune. Light lunch will be served at the free meeting. Registration is required and may be done by calling 800- 560-9990.

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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.

Items for the Notes column may be emailed to aville@gmnews. com. They also may be faxed to (732) 780-4192 or mailed to Atlanticville, P.O. Box 5001, Freehold, NJ 07728.