Datebook

+ The following weekend programs will take place at Cattus Island County Park, Toms River. The programs are free and do not require preregistration. From 11-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during March and April (except April 8), the public can join a naturalist for an up-close and personal look at live turtles and snakes. From 1:30-2 p.m., also on Saturdays and Sundays during March and April (except April 8), a naturalist and youth volunteers will be on hand to feed and care for a variety of turtles while answering questions.

+ Hypnotist/comedian Gene Cosnoski will perform at the Brick Memorial High School gym, 2001 Lanes Mill Road, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Class of 2009 Junior Prom. Admission: $10. All are welcome. Details: (732) 785-3090

+ The following weekend programs will take place at Cattus Island County Park, Toms River. The programs are free and do not require preregistration. Nature walks begin at 2 p.m. March 24-25, Tracking Whitetails; March 31 and April 1n Soggy Swamp Jaunt.

+ Virago will perform at the Brick library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road 2:30 p.m. March 24. The Freehold duo's combination of guitar and percussion instruments blends rock, jazz, folk and blues and takes listeners on a musical tour of the Caribbean, Brazil, Central America, Mexico and the United States. This program is free and open to the public. Details and registration: (732) 477-4513.

+ A dinner and gift auction will be presented by the Lake Riviera Middle School PTA March 24 at Woodlake Country Club, Lakewood. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and auction at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. Details and tickets: (732) 920-9010.

+ The Old Guard of Point Pleasant-Brick Area will host a dance March 25, 1-4 p.m. at the Old Guard Building, 170 Duchess Lane, Brick. Wes Peters and his 15-piece orchestra will provide entertainment. Admission price of $6 includes refreshments. Tickets available in advance or at door. Details: (732) 840-5234 or (732) 840-1870.

+ A Psychic Fair fundraiser will be held 1-6 p.m. March 25 at Mulberry Street Italian Food Center, 474 Brick Blvd., Brick. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Caffarelli Family Study Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to help find a cure for a rare neuromuscular disorder that has affected 14 members of the Caffarelli family. Readings are $25 for 15-minute sessions. Details: (732) 914-1858.

+ "Just in Case: Being Prepared for Emergency Situation" will be presented by Debra Shar, registered nurse, March 27, 10 a.m. to noon, at Ocean Medical Center, 425 Don Connor Blvd., Brick. Details and registration: (800) 560-9990.

+ The Mothers Center of the Jersey Shore (MCJS), a non-profit organization that offers activities for children and mothers, will have its annual gift auction at Woodlake Country Club, Lakewood, March 28 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and include choice of entree. There will also be a cash bar. Details and tickets: (732) 449-3936.

+ Nutrition Fuels Fitness and Exercise" will be presented by registered dietitian Debra Dobies at Meridian Life Fitness in Brick March 29, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Details: (800) 560-9990.

+ A Pocketbook and Jewelry Sale, hosted by Brick Memorial High School Project Graduation Committee, will be held 7-9 p.m. March 29 at the high school cafeteria located at 2001 Lanes Mill Road. Details: (732) 840-9097.

+ A blood drive will be held March 31, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Each donor will receive two free Mets tickets and free cholesterol screening. The New Jersey Blood Services' bloodmobile will be parked by the main entrance to the mall near Boscov's. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. Details and appointments: (800) 933-BLOOD or www.NJBLOODCENTER.org.

+ The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Div. 16, will be holding a "Test Out Option" for the New Jersey Boating License March 31, 9 a.m. to noon at the Herbertsville Fire House on Herbertsville Road in Brick. The cost is $25 per person. Contact (732) 295-3065 to register. Those who don't pass the test will be issued a $20 voucher towards any Division 16 Flotilla offering a one-day America's Boating Course at the time of registration.

+ The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee along with the Columbia Civic League of Ocean County will host an Oldies Dance Party to celebrate St. Patrick's Day - Italian style, March 31, 7-11 p.m. at the Brick Elks Lodge, Hooper Ave., Brick. A $30 donation will entitle guests to a complete Italian Dinner with a four-hour open bar and dancing all night. Details and tickets: (732) 477-6507 or (732) 477-3560.

+ The Brick Optimist Club meets the first and third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Mel's American Bar and Grill, 108 Brick Plaza, Brick. The next meetings will be held April 2 and 16. All are welcome to join. Details: (732) 920-8844. E-mail: Brickoptimist@aol.com.

+ A Suicide Survivors Support Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at St. Dominic's Church parish meeting room, 250 Old Squan Road, Brick. All are welcome to join the free group at any time. Details: (732) 899-8483.

Items for the Brick Bulletin Datebook may be faxed to (732) 780-4192. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.