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Brian Kirk and the Jirks to perform benefit

Greg Macolino and Jim Connelly, owners of the Brighton Bar, 121 Brighton Ave., Long Branch, will sponsor a fund-raiser for Michael Pedrick Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. Performing will be Brian Kirk and the Jirks. Admission is $10 per person.

Pedrick is a local resident who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes 18 years ago, and recently was diagnosed with kidney failure. While on the national list for a simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplant, Pedrick must undergo dialysis while waiting for a matching donor.

A writer and musician, Pedrick and his 12-year-old son reside in the Jersey Shore area. He is a former account executive for local media outlets, including Greater Media Newspapers, 95.9 The Rat, and FM 106.3.

For more information, call the Brighton at (732) 229-9676.

Blood supply critical

The Central Jersey Blood Center has issued an appeal for blood donors. All blood types are needed.

"We project less than a one day supply of all blood types to last through the next several weeks," said Charles Grossenbacher, executive director of Central Jersey Blood Center.

According to a press release from the blood center, shipments of blood products to hospitals are being made on an emergency basis only. Winter weather, colds, the flu and the holiday season have caused donations to drop, according to the center.

Blood transfusions are emergency medical treatments, critical to trauma and burn victims as well as to cancer, surgical and organ transplant patients, according to the center.

Most healthy people who are 17 years of age or older and who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate. Most medications are acceptable.

Blood donations may be made at the Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 south, Howell; the Toms River Donor Center, 931 Fischer Blvd. (Bellcrest Shopping Center), Toms River; or the Central Jersey Blood Center, 494 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury.

For donation hours or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 842-5750, ext. 264.

Meridian Health System to hold blood drives

In recognition of "National Volunteer Blood Donor Month," Meridian Health System will be holding blood drives during the month of January. Jersey Shore Medical Center will collect blood on Jan. 20 from 4-8 p.m. Medical Center of Ocean County will hold drives on Jan. 28 from 5- 8 p.m.; Jan. 29 from 2-7:30 p.m. and Jan. 30 from 7- 10:30 a.m. For information call (800) 560-9990.

YMCA signing up kids for summer camp

Summer camp registration begins Feb. 1 at the Ocean County YMCA, 1088 W. Whitty Road, Toms River. Registra-tion will be accepted for summer day camp programs for children ages 3 1/2 through eighth grade. For more information, call (732) 341-9622.

ASSE taking applications for host families

American Scandinavian Student Exchange (ASSE) International is currently accepting applications from host families for the 2003-04 academic year.

All students are insured, speak English, and have spending money. Host families provide room and board, and guidance for the new student. Accepted as host families are couples, single parents, and families without children.

For more information, call Tonya at 1-800-677-2773.

Meridian receives honor from Heart Association

Meridian Health System was recently named an American Heart Association "Top New Jersey Community Training Center (CTC) for 2001-02" at the second annual New Jersey Emergency Cardiovascular Care Awards program. Meridian consists of Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank; Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune; and Medical Center of Ocean County, Brick.

Meridian also received awards for "Top Five New Jersey Advanced Cardiac Life Support CTC," and "Top Three Pediatric Advanced Life Support CTC." During fiscal year 2001-02, the system provided American Heart Association training to more than 10,600 individuals.

Local residents receive honorary degree

Dr. Anne Brennan and Dr. Janice Brewi, both of Brick, have been awarded an honorary doctor of law degree from Assumption University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in recognition of their work with aging at mid-life and beyond.

Brennan and Brewi are doctors of the science of theology. They are also directors of Mid-Life Directions, a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1981 and dedicated to promoting the personal and spiritual growth of adults age 40 and beyond. They accomplish their goals through publications, workshops, seminars and retreats For more information call (732) 255-1239.