Community Bulletin Board
Ocean County Library wins place in new book

The Ocean County Library has won a spot in the "Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love," the first book to sing the praises and show the beauty of America's beloved public libraries.

Chosen from hundreds of nominations, Ocean County Library was noted for being a valuable asset for the community. It is one of the 80 libraries from the United States and Canada that were selected to display the full range of the diversity, potential, style, history, and contributions of libraries. Several categories in which the Ocean County Library was noted for its excellence include historical significance, architectural deign, and the special significance of the library in the community.

"We could not be more delighted to have been chosen for this great award," stated library director Elaine H. McConnell. "This valuable award recognizes the achievements of our staff and the dedication to our community."

Ocean County Library was selected for the award based on an overview of the system prepared by Glynis Wray, principal librarian of public relations.

Library reference publisher Berkshire Publishing Group spent four months searching for libraries that are the cherished centers of their communities. These libraries will be honored in "Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love," a full-color coffee table book that will be published in October. Copies of the 200-page book will be available for check-out from the Ocean County Library and at bookstores nationwide.

Clifton Ave. School

students' art on Web

Art teacher Laura Cheney of the Clifton Avenue Grade School, Lakewood, is sharing her students' artwork with anyone who has access to the World Wide Web. Using the Web site Artsonia.com, she categorizes the artwork and uploads it for Web display. The young artist's name is coded by a screen name and no personal information is made available.

Viewers to the Internet Web site can purchase copies of the art in the form of mugs, teddy bears and other items, with profits going to the school's arts program.

In addition, the students can create fan clubs for their work. To date, more than 8,000 people have visited the Clifton Avenue Web site. Cheney has worked with John Minka, of Oak Street School, who has also displayed that school's young artists. Nearly 4,000 people have taken a look at Oak Street's art.

Lakewood performing and fine arts students hailed

Several Lakewood High School fine and performing arts students and ensembles have been selected as among the best in Ocean County as judged at the Ocean County Teen Arts Festival.

The following have been "Critiqued for Excellence" and invited to perform at the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival to be held on May 25 in Trenton:

Lakewood High School Honors Band, conducted by Nicole Delnero; Erin Farnkopf, solo dramatic performance; Adriana Kostka, for a hand-colored print illustration in black and white titled "Mary"; and Janice Rivera, for a work of photography.

All students will be honored at an upcoming Board of Education meeting for their accomplishments, according to a press release from the Lakewood school district.

Howell summer rec

program registration

The Howell Township Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its summer program. Registration will be accepted through April 28. The program will run from July 5 through Aug. 11. The registration fee is $125. Late registrations will incur an additional $50 and will be accepted from May 1 through June 2. No registrations will be accepted after June 2.

The program is open to children currently attending kindergarten through fifth grade and is held at Howell Middle School North and Howell Middle School South. Details: (732) 938-4500, ext. 2501.

Howell Recreation

wins state award

The New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association presented the Excellence in Therapeutic or Wellness Programming Award to Howell Township Recreation for its Teen Adventure program at its annual awards dinner March 22.

Director Helene Schlegel and program coordinator Irene Plantz accepted the award. The Teen Adventure program services special-needs teens and focuses on socialization and life skills.

Schlegel credits the entire staff as well as the partnership between the Recreation Department and the Community Service Division of the Howell Township Police Department for the program's success.

The program is held during the summer at Echo Lake Pavilion, Howell.

Vendors being sought for

Kids' Stuff Flea Market

A Kids' Stuff Flea Market will be held at Ocean County Park, Route 88, Lake-wood, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors are being accepted to sell new and used children's items. To reserve a spot for $10, send a check to Ocean County Parks and Recreation, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River 08753. Event is rain or shine. Details: 877-OCPARKS.

Volunteers sought for Cattus Island Park

Cattus Island County Park, Toms River, is seeking volunteers to work at the park. Education volunteers will assist naturalists in performing group programs for school children. All volunteers will receive on-the-job training, but experience working with children is a plus. Details: (732) 270-6960.