Dog obedience classes
at Thompson start July 8

The Monmouth County Park System will offer basic dog obedience classes for dogs age 4 months and older at Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft section of Middletown. Cost of each session is $40 per person.

Session dates and times are: Mondays from 6-6:55 p.m. July 8-Aug. 19; Tuesdays from 7-7:55 p.m. July 9-Aug. 20; Wednesdays from 6-6:55 or 7-7:55 p.m. July 10-Aug. 21.

Also offered is an intermediate class for dogs completing a beginner training program that will be Tuesdays from 6-6:55 p.m. July 9-Aug. 20. A "show-ready" novice class for dogs completing an intermediate training program will be Thursdays from 7-7:55 p.m. July 11-Aug. 22. An "open class" for dogs completing basic novice exercises and ready to learn retrieving techniques will be Thursdays from 6-6:55 p.m. July 11-Aug. 22.

Thompson Park’s climbing wall will be open to residents age 8 and older (under 18 with adult) July 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost is $12.50 per person. A knitting class will be offered at Thompson’s craft center Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon July 13-Aug. 17. Cost is $48, and attendees must bring size 10 knitting needles, and a skein of worsted-weight wool.

A crocheting class will be offered at the center Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. July 13-Aug. 17. Cost is $48, and attendees must bring a size G crochet needle and a skein of worsted-weight wool.

Preregistration will be required for all the above. To register or for more information, call the Park System at (732) 842-4000. The TDD number is (732) 219-9484.

MCHA to again offer archaeology camp

The Monmouth County Historical Association (MCHA), Freehold, will again offer its archaeology summer camp for children age 12-15 at the Allen House, Shrewsbury, this summer.

Attendees will learn about local history and archaeology by excavating the site, and will be supervised by three staff members, including a historical archaeologist.

Three sessions are offered: July 8-12, 15-19 or 22-26, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $180 per week, which includes a T-shirt, snacks, water and use of equipment.

Each session is limited to 10 participants, and children wishing more "hands-on" experience are encouraged to attend more than one session.

For more information, call the MCHA at (732) 462-1466.

Red Cross ‘Rock ’n Ride’ tour plans under way

Plans are now under way for the fifth annual "Rock ’n Ride Bike Tour" scheduled for Sept. 8 at 8 a.m. on Long Beach Island. The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, Tinton Falls, is hosting the event.

The tour is sponsored by JCP&L Co. and Commerce Bank. Riders can cruise a 10-mile course or travel the 40-mile island.

Registration fee is $10 for adults, and $5 for children age 12 and under. The first 75 riders to register, pay a registration fee and attend the event will receive a free bike helmet. All proceeds will help the Red Cross provide services to Monmouth and Ocean counties.

To register or for more information, call Jacqueline at (888) 853-6550, ext. 225.

Knights of Columbus hold successful fund drives

The Vincent T. Lombardi Council of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6552, Leonardo section of Middletown, recently raised $7,700 in its annual fund-raiser for the mentally challenged citizens of greater Monmouth County.

The drive coordinated and chaired by Brother Knight Donald Bacci, was conducted at supermarkets and commuter locations throughout Middletown. The major recipient of funds is The Arc of Monmouth, Tinton Falls.

The Knights also collected $2,330 during its annual Roses for Life campaign to benefit the Birthright Organization of Red Bank. The drive was coordinated and chaired by Brother Knight Paul Clark.

Miniature roses (symbolizing life) were sold at St. Mary’s and St. Agnes Roman Catholic Churches, New Monmouth section of Middletown, and Atlantic Highlands. respectively.

For more information on the Knights of Columbus, call Tony at (732) 219-6505 or John at (732) 787-0236.

Metro Lyric Opera

to open season July 13

The Metro Lyric Opera of New Jersey will begin its 43rd summer season with Carmen July 13 at 8:15 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, Ocean and Fifth avenues, Asbury Park.

The Puccini opera La Boheme will be performed July 27, and Donizetti’s Lucia Di Lammermoor Aug. 10. Curtain time for both is 8:15 p.m. Conductor for all operas will be Anton Coppola.

Tickets range from $20-$50, and subscriptions and groups discounts are available. For more information or tickets, call (732) 768-4122.