Community Bulletin Board
15-year pro-bono leader to accept honorary award

Mayor Robert Kleinberg of Marlboro will join Harvey Rosen, president of the New Jersey Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), to honor Bunny Salomon with an award for her pro-bono leadership of bereavement groups throughout central New Jersey during the last 15 years.

Becoming a nationally certified bereavement facilitator after experiencing the loss of her daughter in 1992, Salomon has helped more than 1,800 bereaved individuals cope with their losses. Kleinberg and Rosen will present the award at a service at the Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Road West, Marlboro, on July 14 at 10 a.m. Reservations must be made by July 6 to Reba Schneiderman at (732) 536-2300, ext. 106. Cost for lunch is $18, payable to Marlboro Jewish Center. Send check to Reba Schneiderman, c/o Marlboro Jewish Center.

'Perfectly Frank' class

celebrates Sinatra's music

The public is invited to celebrate the music of Frank Sinatra during a three-session class, "Perfectly Frank: A Celebration of the Music of Frank Sinatra," instructed by Mike Barris, beginning June 16-30 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Brookdale Community College's Western Monmouth Campus, Route 9, Freehold Township.

The Saturday morning class unravels the important elements that helped shape Sinatra's sound and art, including the arrangements of Nelson Riddle. Discover how Sinatra evolved from a wartime crooner and idol of young women and teens to an unrivaled stylist of power and grace. Extensive videos and recordings of the young and mature Sinatra will be reviewed. Cost is $65.

To register for the class, call (732) 224-2315.

Howell resident in tree climbing event June 9

The International Society or Arboriculture, Rahway, will present the 2007 New Jersey tree climbing championship competition June 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft section of Middletown (rain date June 16).

The competition will feature 25 tree climbers, and centers on five events: work climb, aerial rescue, rope throw, belayed speed climb, and secured footlock. Two-time international winner and state champion Mark Chisholm, Howell, will defend his title as New Jersey state champion for 14 years. He also holds the record for the state's fastest speed climbs of 50 feet in less than 15 seconds.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Aspen Tree Expert Co. at (732) 9278-5747.

Oral history talk at Vietnam Memorial June 23

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation, Holmdel, will host an oral history discussion June 23 at 1 p.m. Chuck Welsh, Howell, will present "From the Rice Paddies to the Principal's Office." Welsh is a Vietnam veteran and middle school principal.

He was awarded three Purple Heart medals for wounds sustained in combat, and was reassigned Hawaii, where he finished his military obligation. He taught at Freehold Regional High School District 26 years, joined Howell Township schools in 2000 and was named principal of Howell Memorial Middle School in 2004.

A $5 per person donation is suggested. For reservations or more information, call (732) 335-0033.

Troops short on personal

items, request donations

The Freehold American Legion Post No. 54 will conduct a drive to collect items needed by one of its members and his fellow soldiers who are stationed overseas, fighting in the war on terror.

PFC William Madigan, a 20-year-old member of Post No. 54, has been assigned to F.O.B. Baylough in Afghanistan, and has mentioned to family members of a shortage on personal items that is needed by the troops.

Individuals willing to donate to this drive can find more information at the Web site, www.post54.org.

Monetary donations to help defray the cost of postage will also be accepted. Checks made payable to "Post 54 Support Drive" can be sent to: American Legion Post 54, 62 W. Main St., Freehold 07728.

Leader of bereavement groups to be honored

Mayor Robert Kleinberg of Marlboro will join Harvey Rosen, president of the New Jersey Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), to honor Bunny Salomon with an award for her pro-bono leadership of bereavement groups throughout central New Jersey during the last 15 years.

Becoming a nationally certified bereavement facilitator after experiencing the loss of her daughter in 1992, Salomon has helped more than 1,800 bereaved individuals cope with their losses. Kleinberg and Rosen will present the award at a service at the Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Road West, Marlboro, on July 14 at 10 a.m.

Reservations must be made by July 6 to Reba Schneiderman at (732) 536-2300, ext. 106. Cost for lunch is $18, payable to Marlboro Jewish Center. Send check to Reba Schneiderman, c/o Marlboro Jewish Center.

Local families needed to host exchange students

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking local host families for boys and girls ages 15-18 from a variety of countries around the world who are coming to this area for the upcoming high school year or semester.

The exchange students arrive from their home country shortly before school begins and return at the end of the school year or semester. Each student speaks English, is fully insured, brings his or her own personal spending money, and expects to bear his or her share of household responsibilities, as well as being included in normal family activities and lifestyles. Families may select the youngster of their choice from extensive student applications, family photos and biographical essays.

To become a host family or find out more about ASSE and its programs, call Sue (732) 251-1517 or (800) 677-2773. Visit the Web site at www.asse.com.

Temple Rodeph Torah announces new educator

Temple Rodeph Torah of Western Monmouth announced that Rabbi Shira Stern is the new educator for the temple's religious school. Stern was previously the educator for Monroe Township Jewish Center and has 28 years of educational experience, including teaching Judaism at Rutgers University. Most recently, Rabbi Stern has been teaching post-confirmation classes at Temple Rodeph Torah and consulting with its previous educator, Edna Coleman.

Stern is beginning her 25th year in the rabbinate, providing religious guidance to regional congregations and lending her expertise to committees and organizations throughout the community. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Brown University and a master of arts degree from Hebrew Union College, where she was ordained a rabbi. She earned her doctor of ministry degree from HUC in 2003. She is the director of the Center for Pastoral Care and Counseling in Marlboro, and will maintain her practice as well.

To learn more about Temple Rodeph Torah, call (732) 308-0055 or visit www.trt.org.

Fundraiser to be held

for fourth-grade student

Nicholas "Nicky" Zichella is a fourth-grade student at Taunton Elementary School, Howell. He is a Webelos Scout in Cub Scout Pack No. 258 and a family member of SEPAC, both housed at Taunton. Nicky is a bright, friendly young boy who has bravely faced the challenges of Duchene's muscular dystrophy. The progression of his condition has made him dependent upon his wheelchair, which limits his mobility in his home.

SEPAC and Cub Scout Pack No. 258 of Howell will host a spaghetti dinner June 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Taunton School cafeteria to benefit Nicky. The cost is $5 per person. The proceeds will go directly into his benefit fund account to help pay for ramps and lifts in his home.

For tickets and questions, contact Kathy Sharp at (732) 942-1516 or kathysharp@optonline.net.

Canoe, kayak race results released on Web site

Monmouth County Park System held its 37th Manasquan River Canoe and Kayak Race on May 12. Paddlers participated in race categories including solo, team, and senior categories. The results can be found at www.monmouthcountyparks.com. For more information, contact the Monmouth County Park System at (732) 842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, call 711.