ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
The Rev. Paul F. Rack, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, will conduct a blessing of the animals from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the church.
All area residents are invited to bring their pets to the outdoor event, which will be held rain or shine.
In addition, the deacons’ second annual vendor fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the church, and is open to the public.
The 124-year-old church is located at Third and East Highland avenues.
FAIR HAVEN
The Foundation of Fair Haven will be holding its 3rd Annual Oktoberfest from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Smart Start Preschool at 786 River Road and the adjacent municipal parking lot.
The event will be a fun night for those over 21 years of age with traditional Oktoberfest food from local establishments, live music, games, prizes and of course a selection of Oktoberfest beers and sangria.
“I’m excited that it appears we may have started another wonderful tradition celebrating the Borough of Fair Haven that began with our 2012 Centennial Celebration,” foundation President and Town Councilwoman Susan Sorensen said. “This is a fun fall event to bring friends and neighbors together once again.”
A committee of volunteers has been working for months and are excited to have great support and sponsorship from JCP&L along with many community businesses.
Entrance is $25 and includes food and entertainment. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at Fair Haven Borough Hall.
There will be additional fees for Oktoberfest beverages and games.
The Foundation of Fair Haven is an independent, community-based, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation, which seeks to set an example of community involvement in and support for the needs of the Borough of Fair Haven. The foundation assists the mayor and council by securing private resources and community support to provide for worthwhile capital improvements, special community events, and purchases for the community to lessen the burden on the local taxpayers and to improve the quality of life for residents.
RUMSON
The annual Blessing of the Animals will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at St. George’s-by-the-River Church, Waterman Avenue.
Each year an increasing number of animal lovers and their pets attend this event. Last year, more than 80 participated to be individually blessed by the clergy of St. George’s.
The public is invited to bring their dogs on leashes, cats, parrots, fish, turtles, hamsters or whichever pet they choose to this event. The blessing will be held rain or shine.
Everyone is welcome, especially friends and neighbors.
WEST LONG BRANCH
Political Science professor and author Saliba Sarsar will give a poetry reading from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, in the Monmouth University Library, Seminar Room 102.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required by Friday, Oct. 3, and may be completed by contacting the university’s Honors School at 732-263-5308.
Sarsar, born and raised in Jerusalem, is the author and editor of several works on the Middle East, as well as two books of poetry. The first, “Crosswinds,” includes impressions of a teenager experiencing Jerusalem under Jordanian and Israeli rule, and maturing in a land “between war and peace.” The second, “Seven Gates of Jerusalem,” is a personal journey into the depth of dialogue, inclusion and peace.
The poems address overcoming adversity and the need for deliverance. Sarsar’s individual poems have appeared in a variety of venues, including The New York Times, Asbury Park Press, Mediterranean Poetry, Warscapes and Monmouth Review.
