Applications are being accepted for the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts $1,000 Memorial Scholarship.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a New Jersey resident, a full-time college student, have completed four full semesters of study, and be enrolled in a major related to the conservation of natural resources, such as agriculture, agronomy, soil science, plant science, forestry, geography, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries management.

Applications are available by contacting Freehold Soil Conservation District at (732) 683-8500 or by e-mail at info@freeholdscd.org. The application deadline is Oct. 6.

Women’s club is open

to all Millstone women

The Millstone Township Women’s Organization is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1982, which currently has more than 40 members and is growing every year. The group consists of women of all ages who have a strong focus on community service. The organization is beginning its 24th year and has successfully raised and donated tens of thousands of dollars over the years toward various facets of the Millstone community.

The club meets every fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., October through May, at the Millstone Township Community Center, Route 524/Stagecoach Road, Clarksburg section of Millstone. All Millstone women are welcome to join MTWO in their efforts to give back to the community. For more information, visit the Web site www.MTWO.org or send an e-mail to info@mtwo.org.

Women’s group slates

blood drive in Allentown

The Women’s Association of Allentown will hold its annual community blood drive Nov. 19 from 9 a.m to noon at the Allentown United Methodist Church, 17 Church St., Allentown.

AHS Class of ’85 slates

20-year reunion

The Allentown High School Class of 1985 will hold its 20-year reunion Oct. 28 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Spano’s at The White Sands, Point Pleasant.

For more information or to order tickets, e-mail Holly at shhoff8@yahoo.com; or call Lisa, (609) 758-8820, or Karen, (732) 928-8186.

Archives & History Day

Oct. 15 at library

For the 10th consecutive year, Archives Week will be celebrated by the Monmouth County Library at its headquarters in Manalapan.

Archives and History Day will be held Oct. 15 and will feature more than 70 history organizations, including members of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference.

The keynote address will be given by Dr. Alex Magoun on “The RCA (Radio Corporation of America) Origins of Everyday Things.” In addition, Elsalyn Palmisano, CAPES (Caucus Archival Projects Evaluation Service) coordinator, will give a presentation on the benefits of the CAPES program for historical societies and libraries with archival collections.

Also during Archives Week, the Jane Clayton Award will be presented to Flora Higgins, public relations librarian at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, for the library’s oral history project.

On Oct. 11, the film “National Treasure” will be screened, and on Oct. 12 two workshops will be offered: “Care and Identification of 19th Century Photographs,” presented by Elizabeth Shepard and Gary Saretzky, and “Teaching the Modern Civil Rights Struggle,” for teachers of grades 4-12, taught by Giles .

For more information, call Saretzky at (732) 308-3772 or e-mail him at gsaretzk@co.monmouth.nj.us.

Vendors sought for Elks Auxiliary flea market

The Millstone Elks Ladies Auxiliary is seeking vendors for its flea market, featuring both new and used items, to be held Sept. 24 at Glory’s Market in Jackson. The rain date is Sept. 25. The fee is $15 per space. For more information, call Denise at (732) 928-6120 or Dena (732) 833-9363.

Millstone Girl Scouts to hold registration nights

Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts’ Millstone Township Service Unit will hold two registration sessions: Sept. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Millstone Township Community Center, Route 524/Stagecoach Road; and Oct. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Millstone Township Elementary School in the lobby. Programming is for girls ages 5-17. Membership is $10 per year, and financial assistance is available. For more information, call Lisa, troop organizer, at (609) 208-9010.

Pet Adoption Day Oct. 1 at Rick’s Saddle Shop

Pet Rescue of Mercer, an all-volunteer nonprofit humane organization, is teaming up with Rick’s Saddle Shop to create an additional way for homeless cats and dogs to find homes.

Each month, Pet Rescue will bring to Rick’s a number of cats and dogs in need of homes.

The next Adoption Day is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rick’s Saddle Shop is located on Route 539 in Cream Ridge, Upper Freehold Township. For more information, e-mail SaveALife@petrescueofmercer.org.

Hunter pace to benefit former racehorses

TRF Inc. (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation) will host its first annual New Jersey hunter pace fundraiser at Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, East Branch Road, Upper Freehold Township, Oct. 16.

TRF is a charitable organization devoted to equine rescue. The pace is open to all riding styles. Riders are required to wear protective helmets and footwear with a heel. Teams of two or three will depart between 9 a.m. and noon from the Conservation Center. The event will be held rain or shine, and the fee is $20 per rider. Only time counts on a marked course of 8 to 10 miles. The course will include natural jumps with go-arounds, scenic trails, hills, fields and a very shallow water crossing. There will be three divisions — Open, Senior and Junior — with prizes and/or ribbons for the top six teams in each division, and a $150 cash prize for the team closest to the pace time. Riders must bring water for their horses. For more information, call (732) 505-9700.

Hospital auxiliary to meet Oct. 6 at CentraState

The Millstone Township Hospital Auxiliary for CentraState Medical Center will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at CentraState Medical Center, Route 537, Freehold Township, in the hospital’s main lobby.

Since much of the auxiliary’s fundraising benefits CentraState’s oncology department, the meeting will provide an opportunity to see how the money has been used.

All are welcome to join the members and see for themselves how the auxiliary’s efforts benefit the community. For more information, call Louise Taylor, auxiliary president, at (609) 259-2684.

‘Victorian Tea’ Oct. 16 at St. Joseph’s Church

The Ladies of St. Joseph’s Church, Millstone, will host a “Victorian Tea” in the church hall Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.

“Unlacing the Victorian Woman” will be presented by costume designer and historian Barbara Meyer Darlin. Finger sandwiches and other refreshments will be served. Attendees are invited to bring their own special teacup, if they desire.

The church is located at 91 Stillhouse Road. Tickets are $15. For more information, call (732) 409-2569.

Jewish center to host

‘Shopping Spree’ Nov. 20

Perrineville Jewish Center (PJC) will hold its second annual “Shopping Spree” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 20. The event will take place in the PJC social hall, located on Perrineville Road in Millstone.

Vendors will include the Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple and Osbourne Children Books. There will also be jewelry, handbags, toys, Judaica items from the synagogue gift shop, and 2006 Entertainment Books, which are now available for $25. A continental breakfast will be served for a nominal fee. For more information, call Cathy Fleischacker at (609) 758-1193.

Red Cross issues plea

for blood donors

The American Red Cross has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations.

All blood types are needed, especially types O, A negative and B negative.

Anyone who is eligible to give blood is asked to call (800) GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or log on to www.givelife.org.

Women’s group slates

blood drive in Allentown

The Women’s Association of Allentown will hold its annual community blood drive Nov. 19 from 9 a.m to noon at the Allentown United Methodist Church, 17 Church St., Allentown.

Agency urges residents to visit Katrina hot line

The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, Tinton Falls, as well as Chapters across the northeast are continuing to respond to Hurricane Katrina’s victims, and informs residents that its Family Links Registry is available to assist family members seeking news about loved ones living in hurricane’s path.

Evacuees wishing to inform loved ones of locations can register by clicking on “Family Links Registry” at www.redcross.org, and concerned loved ones can register names of loved ones and view the list of those already posted. Due to the extent of the damage and the number of residents displaced, concerned friends and family members are encouraged to visit the site daily to consult the list.

For more information, visit the site or call 1-877-568-3317.

Shadowbrook to host

event for Katrina victims

The Zweben family, owners of the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury, will host a fundraiser to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The entire proceeds of the event will go directly to hurricane relief.

The event will be held Sept. 21, 6-10 p.m., at the Shadowbrook, and will feature a buffet and open bar, wine tastings, a major gift auction, entertainment and celebrities. Music will be provided by Mission Dance.

Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased in advance at the Shadowbrook. Checks are to be made out to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund.

Organizers are also seeking gifts for the auction, with a minimum value of $250. For more information, call 2 Monaco at the Shadowbrook, (732) 747-0200.

Bereavement support

offered for adults

HUGS (Help Us Grieve Someone) is a free, confidential, nondenominational bereavement support group for adults. The group meets at Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, Tennent section of Manalapan, two Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. The loss can be recent or from years ago. For information or to register, call Rose Olson at (732) 845-9475.

Authors sought for

statewide competition

The Unlimited Potential Theater Company (UPTCo), a project of VSA arts of New Jersey (VSA/NJ), is seeking poems, essays, short stories and plays by New Jersey residents 18 years of age or older for its 12th annual Joyce Indik New Jersey Wordsmith Competition.

The contest is open to all writers, and submissions by writers with disabilities are especially encouraged. All works submitted will be judged by a panel of professionals in the fields of theater and/or literature. Selected works will be showcased at the New Jersey Readers’ Theater followed by a reception to honor the authors. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 14.

VSA/NJ, a nonprofit organization that is an affiliate of the international VSA arts network, is dedicated to promoting the creative power of people with disabilities. UPTCo, a project of VSA/NJ, is an inclusive program designed to involve individuals with physical disabilities in all aspects of the performing arts.

To request an application or to receive additional information, contact VSA arts of New Jersey, 703 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick 08901, (732) 745-3885, 745-5935, or 745-3913 (TTY); e-mail to info@vsanj.org; or visit www.vsanj.org.

Hope Fire Company slates dinners, craft show

The Hope Fire Company, Allentown, has scheduled three special events this fall. The company’s Ladies Auxiliary will host a hoagie sale Sept. 23 at the firehouse, 82 Route 526. Orders for the hoagies — turkey and cheese or Italian — must be placed by Sept. 18 and may be picked up on Sept. 23 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or 5-7 p.m.

A turkey dinner will be served Oct. 16 at the firehouse, beginning at noon. There will be sit-down as well as take-out dinners available. The Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor a craft and vendor show Oct. 22 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at the firehouse. The cost to rent a table is $25. For further details or to place an order for hoagies, call Gerri, (609) 28-0127.

Quilt show Sept. 24-25 in Allentown shops

The Quilter’s Barn, Allentown, will celebrate its 30th anniversary Sept. 24 and 25 by sponsoring a quilt show to display many of the quilts that customers have made over the years.

The quilts will be hung in various shops around downtown Allentown. At the end of the weekend, there will be prizes given for viewers’ choice as well as prizes for the viewers. Visitors may pick up a map of the viewing locations from the Quilter’s Barn, 34 S. Main St. Those who visit all the shops and get their map stamped at each location will be eligible for a prize. For more information, call the Quilter’s Barn, (609) 259-2504.

‘Light the Night’ organizers seek walkers

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will hold its signature walk-event, “Light The Night,” Oct. 8 on the Ocean Grove boardwalk at 7 p.m., with registration to start at 5 p.m.

The Southern New Jersey/Shore Region Chapter is currently seeking participants and volunteers to raise money toward the Society’s mission of finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

“Light The Night” is the Society’s nationwide evening walk to commemorate lives touched by cancer. Participants carry flickering red and white balloons along a two- to three-mile walk within their communities. Cancer survivors hold white balloons, and all other participants carry red balloons.

Individual walkers are welcome, and families and companies are invited to form teams to walk in this evening event. There is no registration fee, but participants are encouraged to raise $100 for the Society’s research and patient service programs. In addition, dedication banners will be displayed to give everyone an opportunity to place a name or message in honor of or in memory of a family member or friend with cancer. Participants will also be awarded a variety of prizes based on their total fundraising efforts.

For additional information, contact the Southern New Jersey/Shore Region Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (732) 591-0370 or visit www.lightthenight.org/snj.

Walnford Day celebration set for Oct. 2

The Monmouth County Park System will host Walnford Day Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Walnford in Crosswicks Creek Park, Upper Freehold.

The day will celebrate the anniversary of the Waln family at Walnford, the small industrial village that was their home for 200 years. The event will feature tours of the home; flute and harpsichord duets in the front parlor; exhibits; hands-on crafts and other activities, including an archaeological dig; an opportunity to see the mill in action; and the blacksmith at his trade.

Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyhparks.com or call (609) 259-6275.

Christian choir’s concert to feature Michael Card

The Community Christian Choir is celebrating 10 years of serving the community through charity musical productions.

As part of the celebration, the choir will host a concert with Christian recording artist Michael Card at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Patriots Theater in Trenton. Card, who has been singing for 25 years, has sold more than 4 million albums and has 19 No. 1 hits to his credit. He has recorded 20 albums, co-authored 14 books and hosts two radio programs.

The Community Christian Choir, based in central New Jersey, is an ecumenical choir with vocalists from more than 35 churches throughout central and southern New Jersey as well as Bucks County, Pa. There are 80 children in the children’s choir and 50 members in the adult choir.

Although the choir’s concerts are open to the public with free-will donations dedicated to various local charities, there will be a charge for the Oct. 14 performance because of the guest artist and other fees. Tickets are $22-$20. For tickets, call (800) 955-5566. For further information, call (609) 587-7076. The choir’s Web site is www.CCChoir.com.