Community Bulletin Board

It's become a late-summer staple in Ocean County, but unlike cooler weather or the start of school, no one looks forward to the return of West Nile virus.

Five birds have recently tested positive for the virus, confirming that West Nile-infected mosquitoes are once again taking flight and spreading the disease.

"West Nile virus may very well be here to stay," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little. "Fortunately, there are simple precautions we can all take to help prevent mosquito bites."

Little, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Health Department, recommended everyone apply mosquito repellent containing DEET before taking part in any outdoor activities.

"Mosquitoes are especially active near dawn and again at dusk," Little said. "If at all possible, avoid being outdoors near sunrise and sunset."

Wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants can also help keep the biting insects away from skin, he added.

Little said parents should take special care of children who may be taking part in sports practices during the early morning or early evening hours. Mosquito repellent should join uniforms and athletic shoes as part of every young athlete's basic equipment," Little said.

The Ocean County Health Department reported that five dead birds infected with West Nile have been identified in the county. The birds were found in Toms River, Brick Township, Lakewood Township and Point Pleasant Borough.

The Health Department collects dead crows and blue jays and forwards them to the state for testing.

Anyone finding a dead crow or blue jay is asked to call the health department at (732) 341-9700, ext. 7502, or (800) 342-9738, ext. 7502. Only dead crows and blue jays will be tested.

The county also continues to battle West Nile at the source - by combating mosquitoes where they breed.

The Ocean County Mosquito Commission again this year is targeting marshlands. By draining small pools of water and using both chemicals and small fish to control the mosquito larvae, millions of insects are destroyed before they can ever take flight, said Freeholder John P. Kelly, liaison to the commission.

Kelly asked residents to join the fight by checking their property for pooled water where mosquitoes can multiply.

"Even a discarded coffee cup can hold enough water to breed mosquitoes," Kelly said. "Gutters, birdbaths and even children's toys can be a perfect mosquito-breeding ground."

B-MAC to host annual KiteFest on the beach on Saturday

The Brick Municipal Alliance Committee (B-MAC) on Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Youth Services will host the seventh annual KiteFest Sept. 9, at Brick Beach III, Route 35 north. The event will feature kite assembly, kite flying and entertainment. KiteFest 2006 begins with registration at noon, kite building and decorating at 12:30 p.m. followed by kite flying.

"Family events such as KiteFest are important to communities. They improve the quality of life by bringing families together to enjoy quality time together," said Mayor Joseph C. Scarpelli. "I can't think of a more perfect way for a parent to spend a weekend morning than teaching their child to build a kite and then show them how to fly it. That is what KiteFest is all about."

At KiteFest, families have an opportunity to work together to create their own kites and to fly them on the beach. A limited amount of free kite kits will be provided by B-MAC. Anyone wishing to bring preassembled kites from home to fly also may do so.

KiteFest is a free event, open to all residents of Brick Township. Advanced registration is required. Register by calling (732) 262-1088 through Sept. 7. Kite kit quantities are limited, so call early. The rain date for KiteFest is Sept. 10.

The mission of the B-MAC organization is to provide education and activities to reduce substance abuse and juvenile delinquency in Brick Township. KiteFest is designed to promote positive parent-child interaction, which is one of the keys to raising substance-free children.

For more information on this event, to help sponsor an event, or to learn more about B-MAC, contact (732) 262-1088 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Tickets for Yankees vs. Devil Rays trip available

The Brick Recreation Department still has tickets available for a bus trip to see the New York Yankees play the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium in New York City Sept. 13 at 7:05 p.m. The bus will depart from Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, at 4 p.m. and return immediately following the game.

The cost for the tip is $50 per person and includes round-trip bus fair and a ticket to the game.

Tickets may be purchased by both Brick residents and nonresidents. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian.

Payment by check or money order should be brought to the Brick Recreation office at 270 Chambers Bridge Road. Details: (732) 262-1044.

Jersey Shore Audubon at Pennsylvania Museum

The Jersey Shore Audubon Society will visit the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia, Nov. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a working museum on archaeology and anthropology.

The trip will included a guided tour of the Canaan and Israel exhibit covering items dating from 3000 to 500 B.C., which was excavated from Jordan, Lebanon and Israel. After that visitors will be allowed to explore the museum on their own. Lunch will be on your own in the museum's cafeteria-style restaurant. The bus will depart from parking area "F" at the Brick Target store on Route 70 west. The cost of the trip is $40 per person. Details and reservations: (732) 349-6647.