A mobile language lab at RBR will be stocked with iPads when it opens in September, thanks to a donation from the school’s fundraising foundation.  (Click to enlarge)

By DANIELLE TEPPER

Come September, Red Bank Regional High School will have a fully operational Apple Mobile classroom for the 2012-2013 school year for its world language classes.

The RBR Education Foundation recently presented the Board of Education with a check for $28,000 to purchase an iPad cart equipped with 35 iPads and three MacBooks with a two-year protection program, as well as a voucher for applications available to “foster the acquisition of foreign language.”

“This level of accessibility into other cultures and languages is completely unprecedented,” said assistant principal Will Smith.

Clint Black, above, and Little Silver’s Greg Trooper, below, take the stage at the Basie later this month in a benefit for the Community YMCA’s Strong Kids program. (Click to enlarge)

The Apple classroom will enable students to put their learning to the test in task-based activities such as reserving a hotel room, obtaining weather forecasts, or mapping directions. It will also connect student and staff with foreign language newspapers, pronunciation programs, videos, podcasts, classrooms from other countries and streaming online radio.

According to RBREF President Paul Noglows, “The foundation is delighted to fund this very valuable educational tool. Students will hold in their hands a dynamic new means of participating in a language lesson, thus encouraging a truly collaborative instructional model. Also, since all students at RBR are required to take a world language, this grant will potentially positively impact the entire student body.”

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LITTLE SILVER
Saturday, July 14: Aslan Youth Ministries‘ 13th Annual Island Nights Benefit
This annual fundraiser supports the mission of Aslan Youth Ministries, a local nonprofit that provides relationship-driven programs to empower at-risk youth in Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park and Haiti. This year’s event takes place at the home of Bill and Beverly Van Winkle at 41 Breezy Point Road in Little Silver from 5:30 to 11 p.m. It will include boat rides along the Shrewsbury River, fine cuisine, live music by the Jersey Surecats and exciting auctions. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased at http://www.aslanyouth.org.

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RED BANK
Saturday, July 28: “Goin’ Country for Kids”
The Community YMCA hosts a benefit concert at Count Basie Theatre to support its Strong Kids Campaign, which provides free and reduced program and membership fees for local children and families.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception at Buona Sera, followed by an 8 p.m. concert opened by Greg Trooper, a singer/songwriter from Little Silver, and headlined by country star Clint Black. Support for the benefit will help the Y ensure that everyone – regardless of age, income or background –  has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through Y programs such as afterschool care, youth sports, health and wellness, swim lessons, summer camp, teen leadership and counseling and social services. Sponsorship packages for the benefit with premiere seating for the concert are available by calling the Y at 732-671-5505 x19. Concert-only tickets are available at the Count Basie Box Office, by phone at 732-842-9000, or online.

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MIDDLETOWN
Free caskets for local military veterans
Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home in Middletown is honoring Monmouth County vets by offering free memorial caskets to those who have been honorably discharged from any branch of the military or their spouses. The caskets are personalized with the appropriate military emblem, an American Flag, an honor guard, planning services, and coordination with veterans associations. Funeral pre-arrangements can also be made.

“We want to make sure that they are never, ever forgotten,” Evergreen owners Robert and Dominick D’Amico, said in a press release.  “This is our unique way of honoring veterans in the community and showing them that we care very deeply about the sacrifices they made on behalf of this country. We are stronger as a nation because of their courage, loyalty and sense of duty and honor.”

Call Robert D’Amico at 732-671-3001 for more information. Evergreen is located at 1735 Highway 35.

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RUMSON
Cancer Ball nets $400,000
The 45^th annual cancer ball, themed “The Lost City of Atlantis,” raised $400,000 June 9 at the riverfront estate of George and Lori Hall. Almost 500 guests, some wearing dresses “reminiscent of Greek attire” enjoyed the nautical atmosphere created by a “soaring tent, elaborate decorations, top catering, an energetic band.”

The money goes directly to the American Cancer Society to be used for research and programs/services that benefit cancer patients and their families in Monmouth and Ocean counties. For information about this or other American Society events and programs, please call 1-800-227-2345.

redbankgreen‘s Done Good is a periodic feature spotlighting locals lending a hand. To submit items for consideration, please send details by email, with “Done Good” in the subject line, please.