Financial aid workshop

offered at Jackson H.S.

The Ocean County College financial aid office is sponsoring workshops at area high schools in December and January, which focus on how to apply for college financial aid. The workshops are free and open to the public. A workshop is scheduled for Jackson Memorial High School, Don Connor Boulevard, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.

"Additional workshops are in the planning phase and will be announced as they are finalized," explained Susan Barschow, OCC director of financial aid. "These workshops are designed for parents of high school students who want to learn more about financial aid. Financial aid issues and programs, as well as how to complete financial aid forms, will be discussed during each two-hour workshop."

For more information, call the OCC financial aid office at (732) 255-0310.

Slow-pitch softball

league seeks teams

Lakewood Mayor Marta Harrison announced that the Lakewood Slow-Pitch Softball League has openings for teams in the A, B an C divisions scheduled to commence in April with night games played on the lighted softball fields at Pine Park. For information call (732) 905-3685.

Red Cross blood

drive set for Lakewood

Blood donors are needed every day to keep the community blood supply at safe levels. Most healthy people who weigh at least 110 pounds and who are 17 years old or older are eligible to donate. A parental consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian must be presented for 17-year-olds wishing to donate. To find the nearest bloodmobile, to confirm dates and times that may have changed, or to learn more about donating, call the American Red Cross toll-free at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org. A blood drive has been scheduled for Nov. 29, noon to 5 p.m., at Fountainview Care Center, activities room, 527 River Road (Route 9), Lakewood.

December events

planned at library

Celebrate winter at the Lakewood library, 301 Lexington Ave., with one of the following programs:

• Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., poetry and book signing with author, Corey Fox;

• Dec. 7 at 3 p.m., celebrate December holidays, children’s craft;

• Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., Pump Up the Glory Expressions of Worship by Unity Deliverance Ministries;

• Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., winter holiday stories for families;

• Dec. 13 at 4-8 p.m., CLEP Testing with Professor Clavering;

• Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m., cuentos de Navidad, cuentos y actividad en español;

• Dec. 28 at 3 p.m., winter wonderland, stories and crafts.

To register call the Lakewood library at (732) 363-1438.

Cub Scout Pack 82

to replenish food banks

Jackson Webelos Troop 82 will be holding a food drive from Dec. 3-14 to benefit the Howell Food Bank and the Jackson Food Pantry. In cooperation with Art Beins Karate, Route 9, Howell, all donations can be dropped off at the karate school Mondays through Saturdays during regular business hours. Residents may drop off their nonperishable food items to help restock the local food banks.

Rummage sale Dec. 7-8

The First Baptist Church of Lakewood, First Street and Clifton Avenue, is holding a rummage sale Dec. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details: (732) 363-0885.

Roast beef dinner set

The First Baptist Church in Lakewood at 240 First St. will host a roast beef dinner at the church Dec. 16, from 12:30-2 p.m. Hot and cold beverages and desserts will also be served. Donation is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10 years old. A choice of baked goods will be on sale, as well. For more information call (732) 657-8972, (732) 657-7938 or (732) 363-0885.

GCC’s social work club

to sponsor blanket drive

The Social Work Club of Georgian Court College is sponsoring a blanket drive that will run until Dec. 10. Blankets can be dropped off at the office of social work, room 115 in the Arts and Science Building on the college campus. The blankets collected will be donated to The Center for Kids and Family at the Community Medical Center, Toms River. For more information call (732) 364-2200, Ext. 369.

Program on winter birds

offered at Allaire park

The Allaire Nature Interpretive Center is presenting a program Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., called "Winter Birds of Allaire," in which the basics of identifying birds will be discussed. Participants will be able to watch common winter birds from inside the Interpretive Center. Binoculars are helpful, but not necessary. Details: (732) 938-2003.

Santa is coming to New

Egypt Elks Lodge Dec. 9

Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s dropping by the New Egypt Elks Lodge No. 2457, 105 Lakewood Road, New Egypt, on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. There will be refreshments and fun for everyone. Details: (609) 758-8700.