BBBSMC 'Matching Smiles Gala,' Oct. 16
      Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County (BBBSMC), Eatontown, will hold its 11th annual "Matching Smiles Gala," 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Spring Lake Golf Club, Spring Lake Heights. This year's theme is disco, and the event will feature a cocktail reception, open bar, live and silent auctions, dinner, '70s-style dancing and entertainment.
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Homes for dogs, cats and kittens needed
      The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA) is seeking foster homes and permanent homes for dogs, cats and kittens. Fostering is approximately a two-month commitment. The shelter also urges current pet owners to have their pets spayed/neutered. MCSPCA offers low-cost spay/neutering to the public.
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Hidden Children of the Holocaust' event
      The Perrineville Jewish Center, 855 Perrineville Road, Millstone, will host a brunch and presentation by Dr. Suzanne Vromen, author of "Hidden Children of the Holocaust" at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18.
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Equestrian Activities Liability Act discussed
      New Jersey Horse Council has announced a series of educational seminars to be held around the state to inform and educate horsemen and women about issues that affect them. The next of these seminars will be held at Rick's Saddle Shop on Route 539 in Cream Ridge 6-8 p.m. Oct. 15.
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Driving clinic at Horse Park of N.J. Sept. 28
      The Garden State Horse and Carriage Society is hosting an educational driving clinic Sept. 28 at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold. The clinicians include Robin Groves and Lore Homer. Sessions with Lore Homer are currently available at $70. Beginners are welcome.
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Equine liability seminar to be held
      The New Jersey Horse Council (NJHC) will host an equine liability seminar 6-8 p.m. Oct. 15 at Rick's Saddle Shop, in the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold. Attorney Patricia Ratner will conduct the seminar and focus on liability and insurance coverage issues, including discussion of cases that have interpreted the Liability Act.
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Fiddler on the porch at Walnford Oct. 11
      Enjoy the lively tunes of fiddler Pete Brady on the porch of the Walnford family's elegant 18th century home from 1 to 4 p.m. at historic Walnford in Upper Freehold. For more information about this and other free park events, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call the Monmouth County Park System at 732-842-4000.
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Heroic students eligible for $10K scholarship
      The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is accepting applications for the Dana Christmas Scholarship for Heroism for 2009. The scholarship was created as a tribute to Dana Christmas who, at great risk to her personal safety, rescued students from a fire in one of the dormitories at Seton Hall University in 1991.
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Enter to win a party at Turtle Back Zoo
      The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is giving away five parties at the zoo. The sweepstakes runs to Oct. 15. The contest is open to New Jersey residents who are at least 18 years of age and have an active email address. The winners will be announced at Turtle Back Zoo's "Howl-o-ween" celebration on Oct. 31 and need not be present to win.
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PTSA sponsors flu shot clinic at school
      The Millstone Township Middle School PTSA will host a flu clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 in the school's main lobby. The fee is $25 for those who register online at secure.flubusters.com or who call 866-512-8566 at least one week before. Walk-ins are welcome for $27. For more information, call Susan at 732-616-3779.
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HAMT's next meeting scheduled for Oct. 20
      The Horsemen's Association of Millstone Township (HAMT) will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Millstone Township Community Center, 463 Stagecoach Road, Clarksburg section of Millstone. Special guest Donald Moss will show "Blinders," his documentary about the use of horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The public is welcome. Details: 609-259- 5577.
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Trail ride rescheduled
      The Millstone River Inaugural Ride, which had to be postponed due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for Oct. 17, with a rain date of Oct. 18. All previously assigned start times will apply. For further information, contact Audrey Ginolfi at 732-446-6863 or go to www.millstonetrailblazers.com.
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Church to bless pets
      A Blessing of the Animals will be held 11 a.m. Oct. 10 on the lawn of DeBows United Methodist Church, Jackson. This event commemorates the ministry of St. Francis of Assisi, who had a great love for all of God's creatures. The church is located at the intersection of Routes 571 and 537, across from the side entrance to the Jackson Premium Outlets.
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Allentown Art Guild to host exhibit Oct. 12
      The Allentown Art Guild will host Visions of Hope, an art exhibit that will run from Oct. 12 to Jan. 7 at the Laurita Winery, 35 Archertown Road, New Egypt. The exhibit will feature works of art that will include paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic as well as mixed media, mobiles, stained glass, jewelry, photography and ceramics.
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Allentown festival slated for Oct. 10-11
      Allentown's annual Fall Festival will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10-11. The festivities will include vendors and crafters, festival foods, musical entertainment, an antique car show, a scarecrowmaking contest, a petting zoo, a civil war encampment with battle reenactments, baseball games and more.
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Flu shot clinic Oct. 16
      Kiddie Academy, 5 Allyson Way, Allentown, will host a flu shot clinic 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 16. For more information, call 609-208-2530.
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