In conjunction with The Wellness Community, Northern Jersey Shore, Meridian Health will host a free educational workshop titled “Frankly Speaking about New Discoveries in Cancer,” at Jersey Shore University Medical Center on Route 33 in Neptune on Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Medical experts will help explain the newest discoveries in cancer treatments, side-effect management and psychosocial aspects of the disease. Dinner will be included in the free program.

Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and will receive a free copy of the “Frankly Speaking about New Discoveries in Cancer” kit.

The workshop is part of a free, nationwide program created by The Wellness Community that is underwritten by an educational grant.

The Wellness Community (TWC) is a worldwide nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, education and hope for people affected by cancer.

Through participation in professionally led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body classes, people with cancer and their loved ones can learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of the disease.

All services at TWC are free.

Pine Brook cleanup

slated for Oct. 30

The Navesink Swimming River Group (NSRG), Tinton Falls, in conjunction with the Monmouth County Clean Communities Program, will hold a cleanup Oct. 30 from noon-3 p.m. along Pine Brook, Tinton Falls.

The cleanup will begin at Water Street and Rutgers Drive, Tinton Falls, and will focus on picking up trash and recyclables from the roadside and natural area along Water Street from Sycamore Avenue to Rutgers Avenue. Gloves and bags will be provided, and refreshments served.

For more information, call the NSRG at (732) 747-7674 or e-mail nsrwatershed@yahoo.com.

‘Taste of the Holidays’ to feature area restaurants

The Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts, Farmingdale, will present “ Taste of the Holidays” Nov. 7 from 6-9 p.m. at Old Orchard Manor, Monmouth Road, Eatontown.

Tickets are $60 each to the annual fund-raiser featuring foods and desserts from various local restaurants, various wines, and a silent auction. Local restaurants participating are Anna’s Italian Kitchen, Ocean; Avanti, Oceanport; Edible Arrangements, Ocean; Gaetano’s, Red Bank; Joe & Maggie’s Bistro, Long Branch; Morgan’s at the Holiday Inn, Tinton Falls; My Kitchen Witch, Monmouth Beach; Oakland House Caterers, Middletown; Old Orchard Manor, Eatontown; Steak Exchange, Hazlet; Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe, Middletown; and The Melting Pot, Red Bank. Wines will be represented by Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg, Calif., and the A.V. Imports, Maryland.

The Council’s 2006 “Women of Distinction” will also be announced at the event.

For tickets or information about underwriting, call Nancy Cummons at Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts, 732-938-5454, ext. 37.

Local seniors in need of

temp housing, other items

The Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce issued a press release to inform residents that following the recent rains, residents of the senior residence Poplar Village, Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, were particularly devastated and all were evacuated by the township.

The rains flooded 23 of the approximately 100 units, and the apartments had to be condemned. The GOTCC is seeking donations of temporary housing, furniture, linens or clothing for the seniors. The seniors will be living in temporary housing until Poplar Village is deemed safe, in approximately one to two months.

To make a donation, call Marsha at the Chamber, (732) 728-1888, and she will coordinate with the director of Poplar Village.