Community Bulletin Board
Park system offering cooking classes

What better way to spend a cold, wintry evening than in a warm kitchen? For curious cooks, the Monmouth County Park System is offering fun, casual classes in January and February at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Route 537, Colts Neck.

From homemade chicken soup to macaroni and cheese, area residents will enjoy learning the steps to prepare these and other comfort dishes at "Winter Comfort Foods." This class will be offered on Tuesday evening, Jan. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $30 per person.

Learn how to introduce two common ingredients into an unusual meal at the "Coffee & Dessert" cooking class. Participants will taste chocolates from around the world and make dishes that incorporate chocolate - and coffee - into the recipe, including a dessert. This program will be offered on Monday, Feb. 26, from 6-9 p.m. The cost is $35 per person.

Local residents with a "sweet tooth" are invited to make cream puffs, tortes, "bombes" and more at the "Sweet Treats" class on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $30 per person.

Preregistration is required. Call (732) 842-4000. The TDD/TTY number is 711 for people with hearing or speech impairment.

Oxley honored by

officers association

The Garden State Law Enforcement Officers Association presented Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley with its Person of the Year Award at the organization's annual holiday event on Dec. 16 in Freehold. President Robert Gries made the presentation on behalf of the organization.

Gries noted Oxley's commitment to excellence in his leadership of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and his most recent achievements as president of the American Jail Association and his selection as the recipient of National Sheriffs Association Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year Award for 2006.

"I am truly gratefully and humbled by the receipt of this award from the Garden Sate Law Enforcement Officers Association," Oxley said.

Also recognized at the event was Sgt. Wesley White on his recent retirement from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and Officer William Giersbach recognized as member of the year.

Generation Connection seeks new volunteers

The Generation Connection invites all interested senior citizens to join its program as volunteers in the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District. If you enjoy listening to and talking with children, this intergenerational program may be for you. Whether reading and writing with students in kindergarten through third grade or playing chess, collecting stamps and knitting with older students, there is a place for seniors. Donations of old stamps, yarn, knitting needles, crocheting needles or any other items can also be put to good use. For more information call Stephanie Cayne-Meiskin at (732) 786-2800 or e-mail SCayne@mers.k12.nj.us.

Super Bowl party to be hosted by local church

Monmouth Worship Center will hold its annual Super Bowl party on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. The Super Bowl game will be projected on a 12-by-14-foot screen. Refreshments will be served. A movie will be shown in a separate room and board games will be available for those not interested in the game. All are invited, free of charge. The church is at 176 Route 79, Marlboro (north of Route 520). For further information, contact Pastor Joe McCain, (732) 332-9600.

Volunteer Center seeks full-time volunteer

The Volunteer Center of Monmouth County is looking for a full-time volunteer to meet with corporate leaders and youth to engage them in taking a more active role in volunteering. This is a one-year position. There is a small salary and health care is included. A college degree is preferred.

For more information, call Arlene at (732) 728-1927 or e-mail asaltz@fcsmonmouth.org.

Hot Shot basketball tournament Jan. 28

The Sunrise Optimist Club of Free-hold will be sponsoring its annual Hot Shot basketball tournament on Jan. 28 at the Freehold Intermediate School, 280 Park Avenue, Freehold Borough. This event is for children in grades four through nine.

For the Hot Shot basketball tournament there is a registration fee of $5 for participants that includes a specially designed Hot Shot T-shirt.

For additional information regarding the tournament contact Frank Dalotto at (732) 780-1409.

New program introduces children to music

Here's the chance to awaken your child's interest in music with an introduction to rhythm, tempo, pitch and other musical dynamics. The Monmouth County Park System invites parents and their youngsters age 2-4 to "Let's Explore Music," a fun-filled educational program featuring both voice and instruments.

This new music program will meet once a week for six, 45-minute sessions during January, February and March (depending on the session) at the following park system locations:

+ Dorbrook Activity Center, Route 537, Colts Neck

+ Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, Route 36, Leonardo

+ Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center, Windeler Road, Howell.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available; the cost is $90 per parent/child pair (sibling rate available). Visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or pick up a copy of "The Directory," Winter 2007, available at most park system locations for a complete schedule of dates and times. For more information or to register, call (732) 842-4000. The TDD/TTY number is 711 for people with hearing or speech impairment.

Reunion plans under way for '86, '87 graduates

Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex County residents who are 1986 or 1987 graduates of Susan Wagner High School, Staten Island, N.Y., are invited to attend a joint reunion Nov. 17 at the Staaten.

Class of 1986 graduates should contact Ronni at rettinger@verizonmail.

com. Class of 1987 graduates can e-mail Lee or Charlie at wagnerhs20yearreunion@gmail.com.