NOTESAround Town

Fourth- and fifth-graders at Yeshiva at the Jersey Shore and their teacher Kim Isaacks met in their classroom with World War II veteran Bernie Tillis of Deal. The students participated in a memorial service for Jewish War Veterans Asbury Ocean Post 125 on Nov. 11. The students offered thanks to 10 veterans from the post by reading original poems written in their honor and placing handmade medals around their necks.

Students at the Jewish Community Center's Play School also helped by opening the service with a rendition of "God Bless America." Yeshiva at the Jersey Shore is located at the Jewish Community Center in Deal Park.

The Asbury United Methodist Church, 61 Atlantic Ave., North Long Branch, will hold its Christmas bazaar 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21. It will feature jewelry, handmade knitted items, toys, crafts, chocolate and other items. Breakfast and lunch will be available. For more information, call Leona at 732-531-4376.

St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 535 Broadway, will be holding their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 26 from 12:00pm to 2:30pm. To offer any donations contact Chef Jerome at 732- 979-8720. For more information on volunteering contact Avery Grant at 732-229-9398,

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Author Randall Gabrielan will discuss his latest book, "Long Branch, New Jersey: Reinventing a Resort," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Middletown Main Library, 55 New Monmouth Road. The book features 344 color images and provides fresh insights and new interpretations of Long Branch, Branchport, Elberon, the beacfront as well as Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, St. James Chapel, the Edgar A. West Building, Pier Village and other areas. A book signing will follow the free talk. For more information, call the library at 732-671-3700, ext. 320, or visit www.mtpl.org.

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McLoone's Pier House, 1 Ocean Ave., Pier Village, Long Branch, will host a holiday wine dinner 7 p.m. Dec. 2. A gift auction will also be held to benefit Holiday Express. The event will feature a cocktail reception and four-course dinner paired with wines from Holly Crest Winery. The price is $65 per person. Holly Crest is also donating 5 percent of proceeds to Holiday Express from all its wines sold through Jan. 1. Holiday Express was founded in 1993 by Tim McLoone, owner of Pier House. It delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to adults and children who are mentally or physically disabled, living with AIDS, or homeless, as well as the isolated elderly during the holiday season and throughout the year. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Pier House at 732-926-1006.

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The Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County will present "The Wizard of Oz," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Ave., Deal. The musical will be performed by an ensemble of adult and youth actors from the JCC community. Tickets are $22, $20 for senior age 65 and older, and $16 children. For tickets, call the box office at 732-531-9100, ext. 142.

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The board of directors of Sea Watch Townhouses, Long Branch, will meet at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at Tuzzio's, 224 Westwood Ave., Long Branch. *****

The newly named Congregation Torat El/Jersey Shore Jewish Center of Ocean Township, 301 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, will hold a New Year's Eve gala 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31. Deadline to RSVP is Dec. 21. The event will feature a cocktail hour, open bar, catered dinner and dessert buffet, a DJ, dancing, hats, noisemakers and a champagne toast. Cost is $65 per person. For reservations, call Ivis at732-695-9338 or Vickie at 732-531- 0300.

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SCAN Learning Center is hosting an art show of works by students in Digital Camera and/or Adobe Photoshop Elements classes. Many of the framed works are for sale.T

he works may be viewed 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, Nov. 17 to Dec. 17 at SCAN, which is located at the Monmouth Mall. Call 732-542-1326 for additional information.

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At homecoming on Oct. 24, Monmouth University officials presented a $75,000 check to West Long Branch Councilwoman Barbara Ruane and representatives of the West Long Branch First Aid Squad for the purchase of a new ambulance for the borough. The donation will cover 50 percent of the cost. The donation was a gesture of appreciation for the service the first aid squad provides for the university students and the entire campus community.

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The Performing Arts Ensemble will present "The Nutcracker" ballet at 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29 at the Strand Theater, Fourth and Clifton avenues, Lakewood; 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at Paramount Theater, Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park; 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at Millstone Township Performing Arts Center, 5 Dawson Court; and 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at Union County Arts Center, Rahway. Tickets are $15-$26, and discounts are available. For tickets or more information, call 732-614-5426 or 732-610-4003.

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