Community Bulletin Board
Marlboro Jewish Center welcomes new rabbis

Marlboro Jewish Center announced that Rabbi Gerald Zelermyer and Rabbi Gary Karlin will serve as interim rabbis for a period of one year.

Zelermyer has served as the spiritual leader of synagogues in Connecticut, Ohio, Curacao, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He served on the board of directors of the Solomon Schechter Day School and Greater Hartford Jewish Federation and the Commission of Jewish Education. A native Bostonian, Zelermyer was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1968. He has received recognition for his innovative community outreach programs during his career, which spans 37 years.

Karlin will serve as the interim director of the religious school and will support Zelermyer in performing his rabbinic responsibilities. Karlin has extensive leadership, teaching and curriculum development experience. He comes to Marlboro Jewish Center from the Solomon Schechter Day School, Paramus. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1987. He developed and taught an original bar-bat mitzvah curriculum, created and implemented courses in Jewish literacy, Humash/Bible, Jewish practice, music and film.

For more information on Hebrew school registration or temple membership and programs, contact Bonnie Komito, (732) 536-2300.

Observe autumn birds at Sandy Hook, Oct. 7

Autumn is officially here, and with it comes the annual migration of raptors and songbirds along the Atlantic Flyway. Join the Monmouth County Audubon Society (MCAS) for an autumn bird walk Oct. 7 at Sandy Hook. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Visitors Center parking lot.

The trip will be led by members of the Monmouth County Audubon Society who are familiar with Sandy Hook and its birds. Both members and nonmembers of the MCAS are welcome and participation is free. Advance registration is not required. Participants should bring binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather. Pets are not permitted.

Further information can be obtained by calling the organization's hotline, (732) USA-BIRD, by visiting their Web site at monmouthaudubon.org or via e-mail at mcas01@bellatlantic.net

Colts Neck dance team

will host garage sale

The Colts Neck High School Dance team will host a garage sale fundraiser on Oct. 7 at 7 Rose Court, Marlboro. The dance team performs at athletic events during the football and basketball seasons. The dancers serve their community by performing at charity benefits, frequent visits to assisted living facilities, and many other contributions. In the past, the team has raised funds for the American Cancer Society, Hurricane Katrina relief and other worthy causes.

Organization seeks child care volunteers

A local nonprofit organization is seeking women who would be available for child care in individual homes at varied times. Volunteering would require a background check. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. A minimum compensation is available. If interested, contact Families in Transition at (732) 886-5144.

Sunrise Optimist Club will host special auction

The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold will host a gift auction at the Forsgate Country Club, Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township, on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will be used for civic, educational and athletic programs for the youth of the community. The Sunrise Optimist Club founded and sponsors Camp Quality New Jersey, a free weeklong camping experience and year round support program for children with cancer. Tickets, which include admission and dinner, are $35. For more information, tickets or to donate items for the auction, call Kathy at (732) 446-6447 or e-mail her at KathyB@empire-designs.com.

School board to discuss replacing superintendent

The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Peter M. Friedman Building, 54 Main St., Englishtown. According to a notice issued by the board, the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the process of replacing the superintendent of schools. Members of the public may attend the meeting, but there will not be any public participation. Action may be taken by the board.

Nominations sought for Humanitarian of the Year

The Freehold Township Human Relations Council will present a Humanitarian of the Year award to an area high school student.

The organization will recognize a high school student who demonstrates behaviors consistent with its mission to foster and promote good will, cooperation and conciliation among all the people of Freehold Township.

A proclamation presented by the Mayor and a $1,000 award (sponsored by The Noon Time Optimist Club of Freehold) will be presented to the successful candidate at the June 2007 council meeting.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

+ Be a legal Freehold Township resident.

+ Be either a junior or senior in high school.

+ Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

+ Submit a brief, personal statement that reflects the council's objectives.

+ Have two letters of recommendation from a teacher, principal, community representative or clergy to support award criteria, with activities that may include, but not restricted to, school, community or religious projects.

+Students must obtain an application by writing to the address listed below, fill out an application, attach transcript, personal statement and letters of recommendation, and send completed forms to the address below. The committee must receive all paperwork by March 15.

Applications can be received by writing to the Freehold Township Human Relations Council Awards Committee, Freehold Township Municipal Building, One Municipal Plaza, Freehold, NJ 07728.

Diocese's Family Life Appreciation Day Oct. 8

The Diocese of Trenton's Office of Family Life/Respect Life will hold its third annual Family Life/Respect Life Appreciation Day Oct. 8 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Catharine's Church, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel.

The Diocese will bestow awards on and honor seven men and women that have enriched the mission of the Family Life/Respect Life office through its ministry areas. The award ceremony will follow celebration of Mass by Bishop John M. Smith. Honorees are Denise Reil, Hamilton; Mary-Kate Heffern, Lawrenceville; Mary Alice Laird, Bayville; Paul Prentiss, Marlton; Jill Wiater, formerly of Hamilton, and Hubert and Joan Mador, Howell.

The event will include a luncheon and children's activities. For more information, call the Office of Family Life at (609) 406-7400, ext. 5558.

Autumn in Englishtown Family Festival

Borough of Englishtown and The Recreation Committee invites residents of the community and surrounding communities, to the fifth annual Autumn in Englishtown Family Festival, Oct. 7 from 12-5 p.m. This year's festival will return on Main Street. The festival will feature a stage with live entertainment along with merchandise, food, games, attractions for children, a great car show and much more.

Open house for 'Theatre in London' trip slated

An open house for the "Theatre in London" trip and seminar will be held Oct. 10, 7-7:45 p.m., at the Fine Arts Center of Ocean County College, College Drive, Toms River.

Professors Art Waldman and Gary Shaffer will walk attendees through seminar highlights, which will include seeing 10-12 plays; lectures with actors, writers and directors; a two-day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon (including overnight accommodations) and Royal Shakespeare Company productions; and shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

Now in its 28th year, the OCC Theatre in London trip/seminar will take place Jan. 3-15, 2007. The cost of $2,897 includes round-trip airfare, transfer, accommodations, full English breakfast daily, all plays and lectures.

The open house is free and the public is invited. Light refreshments will be served.

To attend, contact Gary Shaffer, (732) 255-0400, ext. 2296 by Oct. 9.

'Birds of Southeast Asia' subject of program

Dr. Robert DeCandido, researcher and expert on hawk migration, will present a program titled "Asia Birds: From East to West and Back Again" at the Monmouth County Audubon Society (MCAS) meeting Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church, White Street, Red Bank. The public is welcome; admission is free.

The program features photos taken by DeCandido and photographer Deborah Allen during several trips to Asia, as well as several "digiscoped" images by friends in Malaysia. Further information can be obtained by calling the organization's hotline, (732) USA-BIRD, by visiting their Web site at monmouthaudubon.org or via e-mail at mcas01@bellatlantic.net.

Night hours planned for voter registration

On Oct. 17, the Freehold Township clerk's office will remain open until 7:30 p.m. for voter registration. The clerk's office is in the municipal building, corner of Schanck and Stillwells Corner roads. Details: (732) 294-2010

Community center panel slates golf event

The Manalapan Community Center Committee will host its third annual golf outing at the Knob Hill Golf Club, Route 33, Manalapan, on Oct. 16. Registration will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. Continental breakfast, lunch, awards dinner and tournament events will be part of the day's activities.

To participate as a golfer or sponsor, make a donation toward the event auction or put an ad in the journal, contact Arlene White (732) 536-8727 or go to the link at the Internet Web site www.twp.manalapn.nj.us.

'Keeping Your Watershed Healthy' Oct. 12

Colts Neck Democrats are sponsoring a community information session on watershed management, pollution and other water quality issues.

Speakers will discuss the pressure that development in western Monmouth County places on the water supply and local plant and animal life, and what citizens and municipalities can do to protect area watersheds and ensure that your water stays healthy.

The presenters are Jason Shea, Watershed Planner, US Army Corp of Engineers; Steve Taylor, Manasquan River Watershed Association; and John Dabrowski, St. Mary's Church Stream Monitoring Program.

The session is Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at Colts Neck Library, Lower Level. Refreshments will be served. Details: Anne Shoemaker (732) 946-8327 or ashoe@optonline.net.

Luncheon featuring author Talia Carner

At the invitation of The Ponds Chapter of Brandeis University National Women's Committee, author Talia Carner will appear at the Battleground Country Club, 40 Millhurst Road, Manalapan, Oct. 11 at 12:30 p.m., to reveal the story behind her upcoming novel, "China Doll."

Carver will speak about her writing life and her passion for women's issues and social justice. Her award-winning personal essays and short stories have appeared in anthologies and literary magazines.

Carner is an exciting and interesting personality. Come join us for Book and Author Luncheon; cost, $36. There will be door prizes and valet parking is available. For tickets and further information, call Phyllis Kornicker, (609) 655-8181.