Datebook
      + Ocean County Vocational Tech-nical School will host an open house Feb. 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. at all six centers: Brick, Jackson, Manahawkin, Navy Lakehurst, Toms River and Waretown. OCVTS offers more than 30 career programs for high school students and adults with flexible schedules. Visitors to the Navy Lakehurst center must call (732) 657-4000 to register. Details: (732) 473-3100, ext.
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Old American flags being collected for retirement
      Jackson VFW Post 4703 and Cub Scout Pack 104 are collecting damaged American flags for proper disposal with military honors. The goal of this joint endeavor is to bring veterans and youths together and to teach the Scouts to appreciate the American flag and show it the proper respect it deserves. Damaged or frayed flags can be dropped off at the post home, 54 Magnolia Ave.
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GED orientation and practice test offered
      The Lakewood Community School is accepting registrations for the GED orientation and practice test to be held at Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Ave., Feb. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fee is $15 and the practice test will be scored the same night to determine the areas where additional study is needed.
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Jackson Women of Today release cookbook
      The Jackson Women of Today unveiled its new cookbook, "Friends Cooking for a Cause," at a dinner hosted by the Central Jersey Italian American Club, Jackson, on Feb. 2. The new cookbook includes 300 recipes from members of local groups and businesses as well as members of the United States Women of Today.
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Community School slates trip to NYC in March
      The Lakewood Community School is accepting reservations for a bus trip to New York City set for March 31. Participants may chose to go to the Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the theater district, where they can purchase a discount theater ticket or shop/browse and have lunch on their own.
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Library honors Black History Month
      JACKSON - The following special events will take place at the Jackson library in honor of Black History Month. Call (732) 928-4400 to register. The Legend of the Freedom Quilts, based on the book "Hidden in Plain View," will be presented Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. It tells a family's story of the lessons taught to slaves to prepare and guide them on their journey on the Underground Railroad.
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Computers for beginners class offered in Lakewood
      Registration is in progress for a computers for beginners class offered by the Lakewood Community School Program. The two-week course will be held at Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Ave., Feb. 20 and 27 from 7-9 p.m. and is specifically designed for the adult with little or no knowledge of computers. Class size is limited. Details and registration: (732) 905-3685 or www.lakewood.
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