Library declares Nov. 11 Mozart's day

The year 2006 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the Monmouth County Library has declared Nov. 11, 2006, as Happy Birthday Mozart Day.

In honoring Mozart's 250th birthday, the library will feature a multimedia presentation in which presenter Catherine Sprague, Mozart specialist and pianist, will share her passion and knowledge about this renowned musician. Sprague's discussion points will reveal Mozart's fascination with play on words, his early days as a prodigy, and his suspicious death at the age of 35. Sprague will incorporate Mozart's music into her presentation on the library's grand piano. Participants will be invited to listen, learn and ask questions. The Nov. 11 event is free and open to the public and begins at 2 p.m. at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. For more information, call (732) 431-7222.

Park system offers trip

to see 'The Nutcracker'

The Monmouth County Park System will host a trip Dec. 2 to see the New York City Ballet perform "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center. The bus will leave from Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, at 10 a.m. and return about 6 p.m. Participants will have time for a leisurely lunch prior to curtain. The cost of the trip is $120 per person and includes second-ring seats, transportation and a park system leader. Preregistration is required. Call (732) 842-4000. For people with hearing or speech impairment the TTY/TDD number is 711.