The month of December will feature a variety of special performances designed to get residents in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. Music, dance and theater are in store for audiences at the Ocean County College Fine Arts Center, located on the college's main campus, College Drive, Toms River.

Under the direction of Gerald A. Risden, the Ocean County College Concert Band ushers in the holiday with "A Time for Joy" Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. The performance will feature timeless songs of Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, the first snowfall and memories of seasons past, a program to be shared with the whole family.

Ballet for Young Audiences presents the holiday classic "Nutcracker" Dec. 3 at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets are $8. The production is performed by a corps of professional classical dancers.

Handel's "Messiah" will be performed by the Community Chorus of Ocean County College under the direction of Carolyn Moore in "A Christmas Garland" Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. This masterpiece of baroque music will be the centerpiece of an evening of Christmas favorites performed by the chorus and professional soloists. The concert will also feature traditional holiday songs and carols.

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" will be presented by Yates Musical Theatre, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $8. The lively production is for all ages and includes music and dancing.

For tickets, call the OCC Fine Arts Center box office at (732) 255-0500.

Gift basket items sought for SEPAC dinner-dance

The Howell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is accepting reservations through Jan. 18 for the SEPAC Parents Night Out and Gift Auction slated for Jan. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Woodlake Country Club, Lakewood. The cost of $30 per person includes dinner and entertainment. A list of baby-sitters is available upon request.

SEPAC is actively looking for donations of new or gently used items to put into the baskets, as well as baskets. The proceeds from the night will go toward SEPAC-supported programs and events for all the children. SEPAC also accepts donations of unwanted gifts after the holiday season. For more information, call (732) 901-1440.

Jackson participating in Toys for Tots drive

The U.S. Marine Corps will conduct its 59th annual Toys for Tots drive this holiday season. Working with the 5th Motor Transport Battalion from Red Bank, this year marks the first time that Jackson will be an official participant in the cause.

According to Jackson Mayor Mark Seda, an official Toys for Tots drop-off box has been placed at Jackson Town Hall, 95 West Veterans Highway. The collection facility will be open during normal business hours through Dec. 15.

An additional box will be located at the holiday tree lighting ceremony at town hall slated for Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

A donation box will also be placed at the Senior Center, 45 Don Connor Blvd., Dec. 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during "Toyland" festivities.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys suitable for any age from infant to 18 years are being sought.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Jack Santelli, director of Toys for Tots in Ocean County, more than 21,000 toys were collected and distributed in 2005 to children in need.

For details about Toys for Tots in Jackson, call (732) 928-1200.

Jackson resident receives Pioneer Award

William Fishbein and his wife, Marcia, residents of Jackson and members of Congregation Ahavat Shalom, Lakewood, recently traveled to Anaheim, Calif., where he received a Pioneer Award from the Institute of Electronic Engineers - Aerospace and Electronics Systems Society.

The international competition has been presenting the award to an individual or team annually since 1949 for contributions significant to bringing into being systems that are in existence for at least 20 years.

Fishbein's award is for developing the fundamental concepts, system designs and basic technology underpinning the design, development, testing and fielding of the U.S. Army Firefinder family of radar systems.

Fishbein provided the technical leadership of a government and industry team that successfully developed, produced and fielded the system. The Firefinder radar systems are designed to locate enemy mortar and artillery weapons on the battlefield and have been used in every engagement of the United States since 1983. They are also used by at least 17 U.S. allies worldwide.

Parade committee will host trip to New York

The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee will host a trip to Rockefeller Center in New York City on Dec. 10. The bus will depart from Brick Township High School at 10:30 a.m. and should return at about 8 p.m. The fee of $25 includes bus ride, refreshments on the bus and free time in New York City. Payment is due at the time of registration. Details and reservations: (732) 477-6507.

Lakewood temple welcomes new cantor

Congregation Ahavat Shalom of Lakewood has welcomed its new cantor, David B. Katchen. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Katchen is a descendant of cantors and Torah scholars and was influenced at an early age by his father, Cantor Jacob Katchen, and his mother, an accomplished pianist, as well as his grandparents.

Katchen attended the Yeshiva of Flatbush, Brooklyn, and went on to attend the University of Maryland. After that, he studied at the Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary, receiving the diploma of Hazzan and a bachelor of sacred music.

He served Oxford Circle Jewish Com-munity Centre-Brith Israel in Philadel-phia for more than 20 years.

Katchen has shared most of his career with his wife, Alice, and takes pride in the accomplishments of their three children and two grandchildren.

Resource center seeks holiday donations of food

The Dave Brunelle Parent Resource Center, under the auspices of the Lake-wood Board of Education, is seeking donations of canned vegetables and fruit, turkeys, rice, pasta and instant potatoes that could help make the holidays brighter for families in Lakewood.

The Dave Brunelle Parent Resource Center, 521 Princeton Ave., Lakewood, serves residents of Lakewood by offering free food, clothing, social services, and adult and parenting classes, including English for the Spanish speaker. They are also in need of new toys for the holidays.

Each November, personnel from the resource center personally deliver complete (uncooked) turkey dinners.

In December, the center becomes a central repository for toys for young children. Each year, hundreds of Lakewood households benefit from the work of the center. Details: (732) 905-3593.

Donations requested for Soldier Care project

The Jackson Women of Today, with the help of the Jackson branch of Provident Bank, is sponsoring a drive to collect care items for U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq. Items being requested include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and sunscreen, non-melting food items such as snack bars and gum, and recreational items such as magazines, playing cards, puzzles and books. The items can be dropped off at Provident Bank, 2064 County Line Road, Jackson. They can be placed in the collection box that was decorated by Junior Jackson Women of Today member Caity Lawrence. Provident Bank Branch Manager Vicki Buczynski said the bank has a large storage room to hold the items until they can be shipped.

Start the holidays with 'Scrooge the Musical'

"Scrooge the Musical" will be performed at the Strand Theater, Lakewood, Dec. 2, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 3, 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, students and children. Group rates are available. There will be a sign-interpreted performance on Dec. 8 and an audio described performance during the Dec. 9 matinee. A post-show interactive lecture will be presented on Dec. 3 and is free with paid admission.

Monsignor Donovan H.S. Christmas concert

Monsignor Donovan High School (MDHS), 711 Hooper Ave., Toms River, will present its annual Christmas concert Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in Gepp Gymnasium.

Performances will be presented by the Concert Choir, Jazz Choir and Women's Choir, all under the direction of Cindy Wald-Hardyal. The MDHS band, The Grifftones, under the direction of Harold Frazee, will also perform.

Admission is complimentary.

Jackson resident honored as commended student

Dr. Edward Gere, Principal of Monsig-nor Donovan High School, Toms River, announced that senior Charlene Grahn of Jackson has been recognized as a Commended Student in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The principal presented Charlene with a letter of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC), which conducts the program.

About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although she will not continue in the 2007 competition for Merit Scholarship awards, Charlene placed among the top 5 percent of more than 1.4 million students who entered the 2007 competition by taking the 2005 Prelim-inary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

A night of Christmas music in Jackson

The choir and congregation of Jackson Baptist Church, 360 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, will host a night of Christmas music Dec. 17 and Dec. 20 from 7-8 p.m.

"Night of Alleluias!" will feature familiar and new arrangements of hymns and carols telling the Christmas story. This family event, created by Dove Award-winning songwriters Dave Clark and Mark Harris, is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information call (732) 928-0080 or visit the Internet Web site at www.jacksonbaptist.org.

Tickets still available for

'Mary Poppins' in NYC

The Lakewood Community School has a few tickets left for a bus trip to the new musical "Mary Poppins" scheduled for Dec. 8 at the New Amsterdam Theater in New York City.

The price of $120 includes orchestra seat and bus transportation in addition to free time to enjoy the holiday decorations in New York City. The bus will depart from the Second Street parking lot in Lakewood at 2:30 p.m. for an 8 p.m. performance. Call (732) 905-3685 to reserve tickets.

Holiday cookies will be baked in class

Join the Lakewood Community School on Dec. 5-6 for a two-night holiday cookies class at Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Ave., from 7-9:30 p.m.. Students will bake and take home cookies and new holiday cookie recipes. Registration is in progress for the class. The fee to attend is $15 plus a nominal charge for supplies. Details and registration: (732) 905-3685 or visit the Internet Web site at www.lakewood.k12.nj.us.

Community choir has openings for singers

The Lakewood Community Christian Choir, an interfaith ministry choir, will hold rehearsal for its Christmas outreach. The choir consists of adults and youths, with singers from more than 10 churches. Details: (732) 730-0444 or sflmin@yahoo.com.

Howell Rec. offering classes in CPR, first aid

The Howell Recreation Department is currently accepting registration for classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, to be held Feb. 17 in the Howell Recreation building, 251 Preventorium Road. The fees are $75 for CPR and first aid, $45 for CPR only, and $35 for first aid only. Registration is required. Class size will be limited. Call (732) 938-4500, ext. 2501, for details.

OCC holiday show to feature sign language

Share the holiday with family and friends when Ocean County College's Interpreter Training Program presents its annual American Sign Language holiday Rock and Roll Concert fundraiser Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. in the OCC Fine Arts Center on College Drive in Toms River.

This uplifting show will feature lots of songs, allowing everyone to hear and see the music of the holiday season. All are welcome to enjoy the show and watch American Sign Language in action. During intermission, free refreshments and dessert will be served.

Tickets will be sold at the door at a cost of $12 for adults and $8 for ages 12 and under. Details: (732) 255-0400, ext. 2256.

Howell Rec to host father/daughter gala

Howell Recreation will host a father/daughter gala Feb. 9 at Our House Restaurant in Howell, Feb. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost to attend is $30 per person and will include a full dinner buffet, a professional color photo and music for dancing. Details and tickets: (732) 938-4500, ext. 2501. Tickets are also available at the Howell Recreation building, 251 Preventorium Road.

Dedication of menorah to be held in Jackson

The Women of Bat Shalom Hadassah invite the community to attend the dedication and lighting of Jackson's new Hanukkah menorah. The lighting will take place Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. behind Jackson Town Hall, 95 West Veterans Highway, on the lawn of the small museum.

The menorah is sponsored by Rabbi Carlbach of the Chabad of Central and Southern New Jersey, the Women of Bat Shalom Hadassah, and the Westlake Yiddish Cultural Club. Susan Goldman, president of Bat Shalom Hadassah, will officially present the menorah to the town of Jackson.

Christmas gifts sought for children with cancer

The Ashley Lauren Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Brick Township, is seeking individuals, businesses or corporations who are interested in providing a Christmas gift to a child who has been diagnosed with cancer. The foundation is dedicated to bringing hope and help through financial, material and emotional support to New Jersey children with cancer. Those interested in becoming a "wish granter" for a child may call (732) 458-4200.