NOTES

The second annual Monmouth Beach Beautification Committee Scarecrow Festival is planned for 2-4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Monmouth Beach Borough Hall. A rain date is scheduled for Oct. 19.

Residents are asked to make their own scarecrows and there will be four categories: individual, group, business and school class.

The wood for the scarecrows will be cut to measure at a cost of $10. The wood may be picked up at borough hall Sept. 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon and on Sept. 14 and 21 from noon to 2 p.m.

Scarecrows must be up for display by midnight Oct. 5 and a first-place prize in each of the four categories will be awarded at the festival. Maps of scarecrow locations will be available at borough hall after the judging on Oct. 16.

For more information, call Scarecrow Committee Chairperson Nonnie Godvin at 732-870-0241 or visit www.monmouthbeachbeautification. org.

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Tom Wilczewski, Long Branch, will have an exhibit of his watercolors through Oct. 3 at the Guild of Creative Art, 620 Broad St., Shrewsbury. He has received several awards during the past year, and has demonstrated his watercolor techniques at the Monmouth Festival of the Arts.

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With the holiday season approaching, the Long Branch Department of Recreation and Human Services is requesting donations of new toys to be given to the city's less-fortunate children at the department's annual Christmas party Dec. 17.

As a result of the generosity of individuals and organizations, the department has been able to distribute presents and treats to deserving youth for the past eight years. The Recreation Department is a not-for-profit organization and donations can be used as a tax deduction.

Donations of new toys, books and stuffed animals for children ages newborn to 12 years old will be accepted at 3 Bay Ave. For more information, call 732-571- 6545.

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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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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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Sacramento Rainbow Poets is seeking poetry for its free poetry contest; the deadline to enter is Sept. 20. Poems should be 21 lines or less and may be written in any style. Grand prize is $1,000, and there will also be 50 prizes totaling $5,000. To enter, mail pieces to Free Poetry Contest, 2935 Clay St., Sacramento, CA 95815, or visit www.freeconteset.com.

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The Greater Township of Ocean Democratic Club will host its eighth annual statewide "Meet the Candidates" brunch honoring Monmouth County Freeholder John D'Amico 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The English Manor, 1 English Lane, Ocean. Democratic candidates for Monmouth County freeholders Amy Mallet and Glen Mason will be introduced, and attendees may also meet other attending statewide Democratic dignitaries. Reservations are requested by Sept. 10, and cost is $75 per couple or $40 per person. For reservations or more information, call 732-776-8558.

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Shape-up fitness programs will be offered early morning and midday Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Sept. 22 at the West End Beach, Long Branch. Sessions are offered through local fitness coach Steve Loder's Beach Bootcamp Personal and Small Group Shape-Up Programs. Program fees will be donated to purchase learning toys for local children. Space is limited, and reservations required. For more information, contact Steve at coachsteve262@yahoo.com, call 201-259-7586 or visit www.newbeginning4all. com/fitness_services.php.

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