Fourth annual Gospel

Spirit-Filled Life Ministries of Lake-wood is sponsoring its fourth annual Summer Gospel Youth Explosion on Aug. 31 from 2-8 p.m. at Lake Carasaljo, Lake-wood. Among the featured events will be a volleyball tournament and a walk-a-thon. Performers will include steppers, dance groups, Christian rappers and gospel singers. Self-help information will be available from local youth programs as well as speakers from the surrounding youth ministry. The theme for this year’s event is "Changing Our Generation." For more information, call Spirit-Filled Life Ministries at (732) 730-0444.

Howell Rec. sponsors

trip to ‘Disney on Ice’

The Howell Department of Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a trip to Disney on Ice at Continental Airlines Arena Nov. 30. The bus will depart at 1:45 p.m. and will return at about 6:30 p.m. Cost will be $40 per person which includes transportation and admission to lower level seating. Tickets are limited and must be purchased by Aug. 30. For reservations or information call (732) 938-4500, ext. 2501.

OCC’s newspaper staff

garners 10 awards

Ocean County College’s student-run newspaper, Viking News, continued its tradition of excellence with another award-winning year. Seven OCC students recently received recognition in the New Jersey Press Association’s Better College News-paper Contest, when they swept the news writing and photography categories, garnering 10 awards in five of seven categories for two-year colleges.

Among the winners were Ariel Berger of Lakewood, honorable mention in the feature writing category and second place in photography; and John Huzinec of Jackson, first place in photography.

Fifteen colleges throughout New Jersey submitted 208 entries in January.

Winners announced for

basketball tournament

Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles an-nounced the winners of the township’s annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held on all Lakewood playgrounds for boys and girls ages 9-15. In the 9-11 female division, Larry D’Zio Park’s Lizmarie Figueroa, Naomi Casiano and Kayla Mal-donado took first-place honors. Ashton Alexander, David Bello and Dean Seda won the overall championship in the boys’ 9-11 division. In the Senior Division age group of 12-15, Hearthstone Playground representatives Mark N’Gaogi, Glenn Wilson, Kareem Reeves and Victor Allen won the championship. All winners will receive plaques at the annual Sports Day ceremonies held at all playgrounds.

More volunteers needed

for Jackson First Aid

Jackson First Aid needs the help of more volunteers to help them serve the community. The squad provides fully funded training for CPR, EMT as well as the additional specialized training necessary to help save lives. Interested residents do not need experience. Call (732) 928-0278 or (732) 367-8162 for details.