Notes

At the 2005 International Master Gardener (MG) Conference held in Saskatchewan, Canada, on July 25, Master Gardeners of Monmouth County in cooperation with the Monmouth County Park System earned international recognition for outstanding work in the area of Youth Programs for the Junior Gardener Program at Deep Cut Gardens.

The Search for Excellence Program recognizes MG volunteer work that has made outstanding contributions to communities throughout the U.S. and Canada in areas such as Youth Programs, Demonstration Gardens, Community Service and Horticultural Therapy.

For information about the county Master Gardener program, contact Diane Zahorsky, coordinator, at (732) 43l-7260.

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The annual Festival of Horses will take place on Aug. 7 at the Horse Park of New Jersey from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A petting farm, face painting, pony rides, mare and foal shows, and refreshments will be featured. Information on the Adopt-A-Horse programs will be available and a mounted drill team competition will be held.

The Horse Park is located on Route 524 at Exit 11 off 195 in Upper Freehold Township, a short distance from Great Adventure amusement park in Jackson.

Admission and parking are free. For information, call (609) 984-4389.

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The Band of Two Rivers will present its second Rumson concert of the summer season at Victory Park on Aug. 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The community band was formed in 1997 with just four players and has grown to 25-30 players. The band’s concert schedule has included performances before audiences in Atlantic Highlands, Eatontown, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Middletown, Red Bank and Rumson.

After a break in September, the band will resume weekly rehearsals Oct. 5 on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.

Anyone interested in joining the band may contact John Hunt at (732) 708-1002 or (732) 708-1895 or e-mail at TheJHunts@aol.com for more information.

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The Red Bank Chapter of Deborah Hospital Foundation will sponsor a bus trip to the Hilton Casino-Resort, Atlantic City, Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The bus will depart from the Shrewsbury Firehouse, Route 35 north. The cost is $21, with a casino give-back of $20, plus $8 toward food. For reservations, call (732) 542-3247.

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Registration is under way for the 16th annual golf classic presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Monmouth County, Eatontown. The event will be Sept. 29 at Spring Lake Golf Club. The event will feature an open range, practice green, goodie bag, patio barbecue, foursome photo, course games and contests, a cocktail hour, dinner, and awards. Proceeds benefit BBBS programs to match children with an adult friend and mentor.

For fee or sponsorship information, call BBBS at (732) 544-2224, ext. 16.