Community Bulletin Board

The Lakewood Clergy Association and Lakewood Township will honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Strand Theatre on Fourth Street and Clifton Avenue in Lakewood. The free event is open to the public and will feature singing and words of encouragement. No tickets are needed.

Knights will host annual

free throw competition

All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2007 Knights of Columbus free throw championship. The local competition will be held Jan. 20 at St. Aloysius Church gymnasium, 935 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson. On-site registration will begin at noon, followed by the competition at 12:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district and state competitions.

International champions are an-nounced by Knights of Columbus international headquarters based on scores from the state level competitions. All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate in this basketball competition and will compete in age groups. Last year more than 179,000 sharpshooters participated in more than 3,000 local competitions.

All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. Details: (732) 901-1954.

New food pantry

provides assistance

A food pantry operated by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary of the Lake Church, 43 Madison Ave., Lakewood, is now open. The pantry is in the lower parking lot of St. Mary's Church. Hours of operation are Monday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, 1-4 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone in need of assistance may call (732) 363-6683. Anyone wishing to donate food may bring it to the pantry during open hours.

Tiki party scheduled

for teens in Jackson

A Tiki Party Teen Dance for sixth- and seventh-grade residents of Jackson will be held Jan. 12 at the Jackson Senior Center, 45 Don Connor Blvd., from 7-9:30 p.m. The fee of $5 includes soda, snack, dancing and a DJ. Entrance into the dance requires an identification card and a ticket, purchased in advance. Students must show proof of grade to receive an identification card. The card is good for two years. The event is sponsored by the Jackson Township Council and is organized by the Recreation Department. Details: (732) 928-1200, ext. 255.