This Week's Best Bets: Vacation Planning, Alpaca Visit and Concerts

Sometimes, our busy schedules can mean important local events pass us by. Manchester Patch has rounded up some of this week's best bets below, so you can plan ahead:

Monday, July 11

• Trying to book a summer vacation?  of the Ocean County Library will present the best travel websites for planning a trip from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 732-657-7600 for more information.
• Also at the , crews from the New Egypt Speedway will bring a racecar for fans to examine at 6:30 p.m.
• From 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Workforce New Jersey's Christine Karaska will be at the Connection's Ocean County Mall office with tips on how to land the right job. Bring your resume to the Connection's office located near JC Penny's. Call 732-288-7777 for more information.

Tuesday, July 12

• If your child needs a bit of help with his or her reading skills, the "Read to the Dogs" program at  may help. Beginner readers can hone their reading skills as certified therapy dogs Mark, a Golden Retriever, or Merlin, Border Terrier, listen patiently from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration for a 15 minute slot is required by calling 732-657-7600.
• The Ocean County Board of Social Services will be at the Community Connection from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to talk to eligible residents about assistance programs. Call 732-288-7777 for more information.
• The Robert J. Novins Planetarium has three shows: "Kaluoka'hina, the Enchanted Reef" at 10:30 a.m., "Wonders of the Summer Sky" at 1 p.m. and "Touching the Edge of the Universe" at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for children 12 and under and OCC students. Call 732-255-0343 for more information.

Wednesday, July 13

• Cinderella will be at at 10:30 a.m. to read stories to children ages 3-7. Call 732-657-7600 for more information.
• The film "No Strings Attached" will be screened at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., also at the . The R-rated movie stars Natalie Portman.
• A fireworks display at the Seaside Heights boardwalk will begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 800-732-7467.

Thursday, July 14

• Alpacas will visit Manchester's branch of the Ocean County at 6:30 p.m. for an educational program. Call 732-657-7600 for more information on the family event.
• Free blood pressure screenings are offered today by the Ocean County Health Department. Stop by the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for testing. Call 732-288-7777 for more information.
• Yosi's Beach Party will begin at 1 p.m. at the Lakeside Children's Theatre at the Ocean County Park Beach Complex in Lakewood. The free event will take place in rain or shine. Call 732-506-9090 for more information.

Friday, July 15

• Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to attend the Chess Club at  from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The library asks that participants bring their own boards. Call 732-657-7600 for more information.
• The County Connection today will offer assistance with consumer issues. An Ocean County Consumer Affairs Department representative will help get answers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the connection. Call 732-288-7777 for more information.
• The Toms River Municipal Band will perform outside of the Ocean County Library's Toms River branch on Washington Street at 7:30 p.m. Attendees should bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Saturday, July 16

• Manchester's will show the animated movie "Rango" as part of its Drop In Movie series. The screening of the PG film, starring Johnny Depp, begins at 11 a.m. Call 732-657-7600 for more information.
• Musician John Breslin will perform at the Barnegat Municipal Dock at 7 p.m. On the chance of rain, the concert will be held in the Community Center on Bay Avenue. Call 609-698-0080 for more information.