Notes

The Ocean Township Italian American Association will hold its 29th annual Italian Festival at Joe Palaia Park, Deal and Whalepond roads in Ocean Township, Aug. 10 (discount ride night) from 5-11 p.m.; Aug. 11, 5-11 p.m.; Aug. 12 (fireworks 9:30 p.m.) 5-11:30 p.m.; Aug. 13, 4 p.m. to midnight. and Sunday, Aug. 14, 4-11 p.m. For more information or directions to the festival, contact Carlo Gallello at (732) 517-1040 or visit www.iaato.com.

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Join the Monmouth County Audubon Society for an evening bird walk to look for nesters and early fall migrants on Sandy Hook. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.

Birds seen regularly on these walks include herons, shorebirds, ospreys and gulls, and there is always the possibility of a surprise or two. August marks the beginning of the fall shorebird migration, so an unexpected visitor might be found on any sandbar or beach. Participants will meet at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sandy Hook Visitors Center. The walk is open to members and nonmembers and is free. Advance registration is recommended, so participants can be notified in the event of changes or cancellations.

To register, contact Debbie Grob, field trip committee, at (732) 751-9131 (before 8 p.m.), at (732) USA-BIRD (after 8 p.m.), or by e-mail to dgrob@optonline.com at least 24 hours in advance. Participants should bring binoculars and field guides and should dress appropriately for the weather, including clothing suitable for light rain if the forecast is questionable. Insect repellent is recommended, and pets are prohibited.

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As part of the eighth National Night Out Against Crime, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch will co-sponsor a Bicycle Safety Rodeo on Aug. 2 from 5-7 p.m. in the Long Branch City Hall parking lot on Broadway for children ages 5-14. Free bicycle helmets will be given to the first 200 registrants and they must be present at the bicycle rodeo with a bicycle and an adult to receive the helmet. Preregistration is required by calling 1-888-SBHS-123.

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The Long Branch Elks Lodge 742 on Garfield Avenue will host its fourth annual Clambake on Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. The clambake menu will include chowder, clam fritters, steamers, potatoes, onions, fish, assorted sausages, corn on the cob, stuffing, watermelon, free soda and all the beer you can drink for $5 extra. Cost of the event is $15 for adults, $7 for children between the ages of 10 and 15; and children under 10 eat for free. To purchase tickets, call (732) 222-9742.

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The Lighthouse Institute for Evangelism, located on Broadway in Long Branch, is starting a new drama ministry program known as the LightForce. The program will feature training and expression in the dramatic arts and musical presentations and classes are scheduled to begin in September. The productions will center on biblical events and contemporary faith settings for young people and adults and will provide support and instruction for aspiring actors, directors, stage hands and playwrights. Technicians to handle sets are needed. Interested individuals should contact the Rev. Kevin Brown at (732) 822-7161.