July 21: Lakehurst Council Meeting, Book Chat and Children's Theatre

Be careful outside this afternoon — the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of New Jersey, including Ocean County. The heat index could reach 105 degrees today.

Here are some of today's local happenings:

1. The  will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the community center located on Center Street.

2. A monthly book chat will be held at Manchester's branch of the Ocean County Library from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Share your suggestions and pick up recommendations from other readers. Call 732-657-7600 for more information.

3. A sand sculpting contest will be held at 25th Street at 2 p.m. in Barnegat Light. Ribbons will be awarded at the amateurs-only event. 

4. The Lakeside Children's Theatre will present Folk Music for Children at 1 p.m. at the Ocean County Park Beach Complex. Call 732-506-9090 for more information about the free program

5. Go birding by kayak at Island Beach State Park from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 732-793-1698.