Registration for kids' music classes begins

A new session of Kindermusik classes at the Allentown Methodist Church in Allentown will begin in late January and early February. Classes will be offered at a variety of times on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Classes for the following age groups are: "Village" for babies up to about 18 months; "Our Time" for children 1-3 years old; "Imagine That!" for preschoolers ages 3-4 years old; and "Family Music Time" for families with mixed ages of children.

The Kindermusik curriculum allows students to explore the world of music through listening, singing, moving, ear training, music history, playing instruments, practicing in ensemble, performing for each other and enjoying musical games. Beside musical growth, these activities help promote language skills, symbolic thinking, coordination, and social interaction while they awaken imagination.

Classes are taught by Pat Weitz, director of the Community Christian Choirs for adults and children. She holds a degree in music education from Mansfield University and has done extensive graduate and continuing education work with top professionals in the areas of music for children, vocal pedagogy, and choral work. For more information contact Pat Weitz at (609) 587-7076 or at PLWeitz@optonline.net.

Historic Walnford holds a celebration of winter

Historic Walnford is a photographer's dream anytime of year (especially after a snowfall), a wonderful spot to watch winter birds, and always a great place to appreciate more than 200 years of social, industrial, and agriculture history. Area residents need not wait for an invitation to enjoy this beautiful site.

Participants in the "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue," event will enjoy a 19th century Valentine's Day celebration, Feb. 10 from 1-4 p.m.

On Feb. 18, from 3-4 p.m., "Destination Constellation" offers the opportunity for star gazing, lantern-making and learning about early astronomy.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Historic Walnford is located on Walnford Road in Upper Freehold. Directions and map information is available online at www.monmouthcountyparks.com. Admission and parking are always free. For more information, call Historic Walnford at (609) 259-6275. For people with hearing impairment, the TDD/TTY machine number is 711.

Cupid's Ball - elegant night of entertainment

The Millstone Township Foundation for Educational Excellence (MTFEE) will host its fifth annual Cupid's Ball, Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. to midnight at South Gate Manor in Freehold Township. In addition to open bar cocktails, an elegant four-course dinner and dancing, the evening will include a live band, DJ, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and "Bubbles to Baubles," which is an opportunity for those in attendance to win a one-carat diamond. Tickets for the ball cost $250 per couple. Reservations may be placed at CupidsBallMTFEE@aol.com.

Live art auction by Ross Galleries slated for March

The Women's Association of Allentown is hosting a live art auction by Ross Galleries on Saturday, March 24 at the Cream Ridge Golf Club, 181 Route 39. There will be a preview from 7-8 p.m. and admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Hors d'oeuvres, wine, dessert and coffee will be served. Call Melinda at (609) 259-4670 or Debbie at (609) 410-5524 for further information and advance tickets. Master Card, Visa, Discover and AmEx will be accepted.

Roosevelt offers yoga

again in the new year

The Roosevelt Recreation Department will again hold yoga classes from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Roosevelt Public School. Classes are instructed by Kym Kulp, a certified yoga instructor.

Yoga mats are provided, but participants can bring their own. The walk-in fee is $10 per class. For more information call (609) 448-0539 (press 3).

Equine Rescue Clinic scheduled for Feb. 5

The Millstone Township Agricultural Advisory Council will host an Equine Rescue Clinic 7-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at the Millstone Township Firehouse on Stagecoach Road. Topics will include "Barn Rescue," "Equine First Aid," and "Trailer Rescue." Reply to Kathy Naugle at (732) 446-4249, ext. 103, or e-mail K-Naugle@Millstone.nj.us.

Lecture to feature quilt containing secret codes

The Allentown-Upper Freehold Historical Society will present a lecture on the Underground Railroad on Saturday, Feb. 24, 1-3 p.m. at 38 South Main St., (The Mill House), Allentown. Carole Nelson is the featured speaker. Slaves passed information on how to escape on the Underground Railroad to each other by sewing the symbols of escape into quilts. Nelson will bring a quilt (partly reconstructed) containing the secret codes and symbols. For more information call Pat Roveda at (609) 259-4158.

Garden club to host hands-on workshop

The Allentown Garden Club will host Bob Cottrell, of the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold for a hands-on workshop at 7 p.m. Feb. 8.

Cottrell, a teacher of industrial arts for many years, will demonstrate how to build a wood watering-can planter. There is a $12 fee for materials, payable at the meeting, and the club requests that anyone interested in participating visit the club's Web site, www.allentowngardenclub.org, or contact president Jennifer Elder Brady at (732) 581-0462 to ensure adequate supplies.

The meeting will be held at the Allentown Methodist Church on Church Street (next to LaPiazza) and all interested are invited to attend.

The club meets the second Thursday of each month at the Methodist Church. Beginners and experts alike from the surrounding area are welcome to join.

Band to host ice skating party in Mercer County

Come out and skate with your friends or family as the Allentown High School Band hosts its sixth annual ice skating party on Monday, Feb. 19, 4-7 p.m. at the Mercer County Ice Skating Rink on Old Trenton Road in West Windsor. Cost is $5 per person and includes skate rental. Tickets can be purchased at the door, from the band office at Allentown High School or through any band member. Dinner can be purchased at an extra cost. Proceeds will benefit band activities. For more information call (609) 259-2160, ext. 422.

Perrineville Jewish Center announces new events

Perrineville Jewish Center, located in the heart of Millstone Township on Perrineville Road near Perrineville Lake will hold the following events:

Prospective new members are encouraged to attend the family-friendly Shabbat service, Feb. 10 from 10-11 a.m., to be followed by a light lunch.

On Saturday night, Feb. 17, Perrineville Jewish Center's adult members will take a trip to "Catch a Rising Star" comedy club, Princeton. The cost for members is $25 per person; nonmembers, $30 per person, plus a two item minimum in the club. Advanced reservations are required. Those interested should contact Howie at 732-446-0794.

On Sunday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m., the Hebrew school Megillah reading, telling the story of Purim, will be conducted. This will be followed by the Purim carnival, (10 a.m. to noon), so children are invited to attend. There will be many children's games and prizes at this annual carnival. There is a nominal fee per game and refreshments.

The Perrineville Jewish Center, a historic temple, is a wonderful place to celebrate the Jewish holidays, educate your children and meet other families in the Millstone area. PJC, founded in 1910, has been a meeting place for Jewish families in the Millstone area for nearly a century. Interfaith families are welcome and are encouraged to visit. Information about PJC can be found on its Web site at www.PJCMillstone.com or call Lori at 609-259-6479.