Notes

Navesink Harbor residents Julia Dorey and Bob Nolan begin renovations.

Eager seniors armed with sledgehammers began demolition work at Navesink Harbor on Riverside Avenue in Red Bank recently. The "Seniors with Sledgehammers" event symbolized the start of renovations at the waterfront continuing care community. Presbyterian Homes & Services anticipates a three-phased project that will upgrade the existing structure, construct a new six-story building with 60 new apartments, and renovate common areas that serve residents of both buildings. The two buildings will be connected by a central courtyard.

Navesink Harbor recently merged with PHS, New Jersey's largest not-for-profit senior living organization.

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The people who live and work at Seabrook, a retirement campus for middle-income people located in Tinton Falls, have really big hearts. In one month, they collected two-and-a-half flatbed trucks full of toys and two large bags full of stuffed animals, for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

All the toys were to be distributed to children living in Tinton Falls, Neptune and Asbury Park.

The Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them as Christmas gifts to needy children.

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Rotary International District 7500, covering central New Jersey, is participating in the "Driven to Read" program, which is a statewide joint effort between the New Jersey Auto Dealers Association and Rotary International districts and clubs in New Jersey.

The program focuses on providing free books to children who lack the resources to buy their own. Rassas Pontiac/Buick is involved with the collections of books in the greater Red Bank area.

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A free workshop, "Feng Shui and What Does the Year Hold in Store for You," will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 , 7 to 8 p.m. at The Chelsea at Tinton Falls senior living community, 1 Hartford Drive.

Carol Marton, a certified feng shui consultant, will lead the session. She will discuss the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui and put it into the context of 2007 and will offer practical tips on how to make 2007 a prosperous and healthy year. To R.S.V.P., call Eileen Weller at (732) 933-4700 by Feb. 7.

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"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston will be discussed at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Books are available to be borrowed. There is no charge. For more information, call (732) 842-5995.

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An open forum to alert young people and adults to the practice of self-mutilation was held Jan. 14 at Christ Church Episcopal, 380 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury. Dr. Carol McCrea, Red Bank, a clinical psychologist and specialist in adolescent development, led the discussion and answered questions.

Deacon Debra Clarke of Christ Church organized the forum with Rachael Kenney, Tinton Falls, and Clare Mitchell, Shrewsbury, teen members of the church. For more information, call the church office at (732) 741-2220.

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All Red Hatters are invited to join the local chapter, The Red Bank River Belles, for a Red Hatters Tea Party on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at Navesink Harbor, 40 Riverside Ave., Red Bank.

Space is limited, so call (732) 842-3400, ext. 213, to make a reservation. The tea is open to all Red Hatters, and valet parking will be available.

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The Navesink Maritime Heritage Association announces the first presentation of 2007 by Doug McFarland, at 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Monmouth Boat Club, Red Bank.

McFarland, of Fair Haven, is well-known for his skill in the restoration of wooden boats, especially runabouts and skiffs that he has exhibited in New Jersey for many years. He has worked on several restorations of Chris Craft runabouts and exhibited