United Way of Monmouth County, with the cooperation of many local companies and organizations, will once again run its SchoolTime Wishes drive. The drive collects new school supplies for disadvantaged children to prepare them for a successful school year.

To assist companies wishing to participate in the drive, United Way provides flyers, bulletin boards for company intranets, e-mail messages and posters. Companies in return ask their employees to donate new school supplies and deliver the donations to the designated distribution center.

This year AVC Global Services Group, Industrial Way, Eatontown, has agreed to assist by generously donating the space to sort, count, and distribute the collected items.

Non-profit agencies, that have previously been confirmed as recipients, will pick up their donated supplies on Aug. 19 at AVC.

Any company or organization wishing to participate in the SchoolTime Wishes drive or any future drive can call the United Way offices at (732) 938-5988 or visit www.uwmonmouth.org.

Program for elders

seeks volunteers

The HEARTH (Help Elderly Adults Remain in their Homes) program is looking for volunteers interested in helping older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

They need volunteer handy persons to perform minor home repairs like installing smoke detectors and bathroom grab bars, repairing steps and railings and fixing minor leaks.

The organization is also looking for sociable compassionate people who would like to become volunteer companions and provide friendly visits to lonely seniors. In addition, they need people who can assist them with their weekly shopping among other things.

For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Andrew M. McKillop at (732) 222-9111.

Citizen Police Academy

accepting applications

Applications are now being accepted for enrollment in the 11th annual Citizen Police Academy to be held at the Monmouth County Police Academy, Freehold Township. The application deadline is Aug. 19. The course consists of 10 sessions held on Wednesdays from 7-9:30 p.m., Sept. 7-Nov. 9.

Applications are available to Monmouth County residents ages 21 and older with no criminal record. There is no fee for the course, but individuals must attend all 10 sessions. The program is designed to give attendees an overview of law enforcement services in Monmouth County and will address topics including identity theft, the K-9 unit (with demonstration), and women in law enforcement.

For more information, call Undersheriff Ted Freeman at (732) 577-5748 or visit www.sheriffoxley.

com.

Beach concerts at Sandy Hook during August

The Brookdale Community College Ocean Institute at Sandy Hook will present “Great Storms of the Jersey Shore” Aug. 4; “Fabulous Fishes” Aug. 9, and “Sea Creatures” Aug. 11. All are at 5:30 p.m.

A moonwalk will be Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. There is a fee for the programs, which will be at building 53, Fort Hancock. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (732) 224-2425.

Beach concerts will be held Aug. 10 featuring the Jazz Lobsters, Aug. 17 featuring Nicola, Aug. 24 featuring Round the House, and Aug. 31 featuring Line Drive. All concerts are free and at 6 p.m. at area “E.”

Seining will be Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. “Junior Rangers” for children age 7-12 will be Aug. 5 and 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Sandy Hook education center. Reservations are required for the free program. “Lenape and the Jersey Shore” will be Aug. 5 t 11 a.m. at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium, building 22, Fort Hancock. Reservations are required for the free program. “Guns of Fort Hancock” will be Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. and consist of walking tours of three gun batteries.

A Nike missile launch area tour will be Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. beginning at the Ajax Nike missile at Fort Hancock. Bicycle tours will be Aug. 16 and 28 at 6 p.m. Attendees must bring bikes. A night prowl will be Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Attendees should bring a flashlight. “Going Bunkers” will be Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. and will visit some of the fort’s gun batteries.

All the above begin at the visitors center, unless otherwise noted.

For reservations or more information, call (732) 872-5970, unless otherwise noted.

Signup under way for Sept. 17 RACES class

The Middletown Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) will conduct a one-day class and test session Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Croydon Hall Senior Center, Leonardville Road, Leonardo section of Middletown.

Class fee is $14, and individuals taking the class should study from “Now You’re Talking,” the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) technician class book. It is suggested individuals study for four weeks. The book is available at ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, Conn, 06111-1494.

To sign up for the class, call Middletown’s Emergency Management Office at (732) 615-2129