Notes Around Town

Students at the Mahala Atchison School in Tinton Falls have adopted the Bessie C. Fonvielle School in Mobile, Ala., a K-5 school with 500 students, some of whom were displaced from New Orleans. The school was severely affected by Hurricane Katrina and needed help, so the faculty of the Atchison School organized a project called “Operation: Helping Hands.”

The children at the Atchison School are busy collecting loose change for a coin drive, paperback children’s books and school supplies for the Fonvielle School.

Local businesses have also joined in by donating services and money. Anyone who would like to help, can contact Carol Cuttler, Mahala F. Atchison School, 961 Sycamore Ave., Tinton Falls 07724.

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“It’s His Birthday, Mr. Scrooge! A Musical Drama for Christmas” will be presented with a live band and chorus Dec. 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Assembly of God, 220 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and a donation will be accepted. Call the church at (732) 741-0048 for further details.

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The a cappella women’s chorus Olympia’s Daughters will perform their annual Winter Solstice concert, “A Season of Hope,” at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse, 1475 W. Front St., Lincroft, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. This year’s performance features favorite winter holiday music and ancient Christmas/solstice songs. Tickets purchased at least seven days in advance are $20 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Tickets purchased later or at the door will be $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Tickets for children under age 12 are $5. For information or advance tickets, call (732) 747-0707.

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In honor of National Diabetes Month in November, World Jeep will contribute $1 for every Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle sold to the Iacocca Foundation’s JoinLeeNow fundraising campaign to raise money for diabetes research. The partnership will run through the end of 2006. Launched in August 2004, JoinLeeNow has raised $6 million of the $11 million needed to fund a clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital to test a potential cure for Type 1 diabetes. Visit www.joinleenow.org.

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On Oct. 20, the Monmouth County Senior Citizens Council celebrated its 29th anniversary with a dinner-dance at the Breakers Hotel in Spring Lake. The council selected Mavis Pedro, of Tinton Falls, as Person of the Year honoree for 2005. Pedro is active in her community and encourages others to get involved. The council is a nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization that includes delegates and representatives of senior citizens clubs throughout Monmouth County.