Pantry director sees rise in needy families
      HOWELL — The number of families seeking assistance from the Howell food pantry is rising, according to Eileen Lukenda, the director of the pantry. Lukenda said there are about 10 new families each month who are coming to the food pantry for help. She said the food pantry, which has been in existence since 1987, currently serves 100 families in Howell.
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Author to discuss life of Sammy Davis Jr.
      Award-winning investigative journalist Matt Birkbeck, author of "Deconstructing Sammy: Music, Money, Madness, and the Mob," will speak about the life of entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Toms River library, 101 Washington St., Toms River. Despite lifetime earnings that topped $50 million, Davis died in 1990 near bankruptcy.
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Kimball Mega Raffle tickets on sale now
      Kimball Medical Center Foundation is selling tickets for a new 50/50 raffle, the 2009 Mega Raffle. Mega Raffle tickets are on sale now through April 30 for $100 each. A maximum of 1,500 tickets will be sold. The grand prize, if all tickets are purchased, will be $75,000. The actual prize will depend on the total number of tickets sold.
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Public speaking seminar Dec. 10
      JACKSON — The Lakewood Piners, a chapter of Toastmasters International, will present a free seminar on the "Three P's of Public Speaking: Planning, Preparation and Presentation" at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive. The facilitator will be Eileen Martin, a psychologist and certified peer counselor.
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Strand will present 'Scrooge, the Musical'
      Strand Ventures Inc. and Strand Theater Ensemble will present "Scrooge, the Musical" at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14.
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Special Needs Network provides care for kids
      The Children's Home Society of New Jersey has announced its expansion of the Special Needs Network in Ocean County. Its goal is to provide a safe, inclusive environment for children with special needs and challenges. Providers are state-registered, CPR- and first aid-trained, and receive extensive training.
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Datebook
      • Registration for Tai Chi classes for adults is currently being accepted at the Howell Recreation Building, 251 Preventorium Road. The program will be held Jan. 6 through Feb. 5 from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for intermediate students and from 7-8 p.m. for advanced students.
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