The Space Telescope Science Institute, which operates the Hubble Space Tele-scope, will unveil a new high resolution image of a “famous deep sky object” on Jan. 11. The Robert J. Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College, Toms River, will be part of that unveiling and will have a large format, high resolution image on-site and available for the public to see. Plans are in the works to have supplemental imagery and some of the college’s resident experts available to provide additional insight and perspective on the image and the science behind it. Details: (732) 255-0400, ext. 2466.

Jackson official seeking donation of used computers

Jackson Committeeman Mike Kafton is reaching out to anyone in the community who has used, working computers (complete with monitor and keyboard) and/or used monitors, keyboards, etc., to donate to those less fortunate. “In today’s world, everyone is wired, and we would like to help those people who cannot afford their own computers to get connected through a donation of a used one. It’s almost become a necessity to have a computer, especially for the kids who often have to use them for school projects, and we would like to help make that connection between those who need computers and those who have recently upgraded their current systems and now have an extra computer,” Kafton said. “As long as the computers are working, we will be able to place them in a new family.” Anyone who would like to donate a used, working computer may call (732) 905-7898. Pick-up can be arranged, if necessary.

Seniors invited to share concerns at meetings

The Ocean County Senior Coordinating Council meets the first Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the freeholders meeting room in the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River.

The council serves as a liaison between the senior citizens of Ocean County and the Ocean County freeholders. A member of Ocean County Senior Services attends every meeting to inform about county, state and national matters that impact the senior population.

The meetings also offer a venue where seniors from all over the county can meet in a nonpartisan atmosphere to discuss their problems and seek resolutions for them.

Any group that includes a number of seniors is encouraged to take a group membership at $15 per year and send representatives to the meetings to gather information and to present the concerns of their membership. Individual membership at $5 per year is also available.

Brownie Girl Scouts clean up church yard

Howell’s Brownie Girl Scout Troop No. 1861 recently cleaned up litter at Prince of Peace Church on Aldrich Road. On Nov. 15 the girls donned gloves and brought sticks and trash bags to clean up the vacant field behind the church. Within 40 minutes, they had already collected three large bags of trash.

The project was one of several community service activities the troop has undertaken this year. Under the leadership of Cheryl Bahney and Karolyn Earley, the second-graders have collected gifts for U.S. soldiers serving overseas, helped girls who were affected by Hurricane Katrina, and made gift bags for clients of an Asbury Park soup kitchen. Later this month they plan to sing holiday carols for the senior residents of Friendship Gardens in Howell.

Troop 1861 is one of more than 100 Girl Scout troops in the Howell- Farmingdale area. They are part of the Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts, which serves more than 10,000 girls in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Special ed. parents group to host ‘Night Out’

The Howell Township Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will sponsor its second annual Parents Night Out Jan. 27 from 7:30 p.m. until midnight at Woodlake Country Club, 25 New Hampshire Ave., Lakewood. The cost of $25 per person will include a sit-down dinner of chicken francaise, dancing, a gift basket auction, and live music. Details: (732) 901-1440. The deadline to register is Jan. 17.

Consumer help booklet available from county

The Ocean County Consumer Affairs Department has published a 27-page booklet, “Consumer Insights,” which contains diverse and topical information to help consumers navigate the marketplace.

The 27-page booklet’s topics range from elder fraud and identity theft to refund policies and tips on heater safety.

A copy is available from the Consumer Affairs Department, in the One-Stop Center in Building No. 2 at 1027 Hooper Ave., Toms River, or at the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall, Toms River. Details: (732) 929-2105.