Datebook

• "Consumer Awareness - What You Should Know," a two-part program brought by the Department of Banking and Insurance, will be held at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, at 10 a.m. Jan. 8 and Jan. 15. Participants will learn to identify insurance and financial situations in which caution should be exercised. The program is free and open to the public. To register, call 732-928-4400.

• A fish fry sponsored by the New Egypt Elks, 105 Lakewood Road, New Egypt, will be held 6-8 p.m. Jan. 9 at the lodge. The cost for fish dinner is $9 (two pieces) and $10 (three pieces). Chicken will be available for $8 (two pieces) and $9 (three pieces). All children's dinners are $5. Proceeds benefit many charities supported by the Elks. Details: (609) 351-3428.

• World Massage Day will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, with a program by certified massage therapist Robert M. Fried, who will discuss back pain and solutions for healthy backs. He will also cover the symptoms and solutions of sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and massage for relaxation. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Details and registration: 732-928-4400.

• Jackson Memorial High School classes of 2009 and 2010 will present a fashion show luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Elms Elementary School cafeteria, 70 Patterson Road, Jackson. The event will showcase the current fashion trends for formals and proms. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Details: 732-833-4670 or 347-688-5743.

• Plumsted's fourth annual Family Fun Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at the New Egypt Elks Lodge, 111 Lakewood Road (Route 528), New Egypt. Sponsored by the Plumsted Alcohol and Drug Alliance, the New Egypt Elks and ADACO (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Ocean), the annual event will feature free food and activities designed for families with children in grades 2-5. Prizes will be awarded as families create a family shield, a treasure map and their own family tree. Free IDs for children, door prizes and fatal vision goggle demos. Baby-sitting will be available for younger children.

• Monmouth County CHADD will continue its parent support group meetings with a special presentation about medication and AD/HD presented by board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Ankur Desai from 6:30-8:45 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, Howell. Desai, a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, has been practicing in the Freehold area for two years. His special interest is in working with children and teenagers with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. His presentation will focus on the many topics surrounding medication used in the treatment of this disorder. Details and registration: 732-552-8012.

• A career night hosted by the Department of Continuing and Professional Education at Ocean County College will be held 6-8 p.m. Jan. 13 at OCC's Center for Business Education and Training, 150 Brick Blvd., Brick Township. Career night offers an opportunity to learn about technical training and career opportunities in New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, early childhood education, allied health, computer technology careers and business certification programs. Instructors will be on hand to answer questions regarding training and career opportunities. There is no fee for admission. Details: 732-255-0404.

• The Lakewood library, 301 Lexington Ave., Lakewood, will host two speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 7 p.m. Jan. 14. The speakers will present "In Our Own Voice: Living With Mental Illness." The program will provide attendees with an insight into how people live with mental illness and their attempts to recover from it. This program is free and open to the public. It is appropriate for people age 14 and older. Refreshments will be served. Registration is not required. Details: 732-363-1435.

• The Harry O'Claire Chapter No. 637 (Ocean County) of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees will meet at the Lakewood library on Lexington Avenue at 1 p.m. Jan. 15. All eligible federal employees, retirees, their annuitants, spouses and guests are invited to attend. Details: 732-892-2510.

• The Orchards at Bartley, 100 North County Line Road, Jackson, will sponsor a free presentation about anemia from 1:30- 2:30 p.m. Jan. 15. Anemia is a disorder of the blood and is a common problem found in seniors. Dr. Martin Arajuo, resident physician at the CentraState Family Medicine Residency Program and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, will discuss the causes of anemia, signs and symptoms and recommended treatment options. Details: 732-730-1700.

• Registration for Howell's boys outdoor lacrosse league will be accepted by the Howell Recreation Department through Jan. 16 at the Howell recreation office, 251 Preventorium Road, Howell. The program will be held from April through June and is open to boys currently attending grades three through eight. The fee is $65 for Howell residents and $75 for nonresidents. All players must provide their own equipment. Volunteers are needed. Details: 732-938-4500, ext 2501.

• A Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observance celebration will be held at 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Strand Theater, Lakewood. The Rev. Dr. Gilbert H. Caldwell, a United Methodist minister, will speak.

• The Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority will hold its public meetings at 5:30 p.m. in its administrative offices at 135 Manhattan St., Jackson, on the following dates: Jan. 22 (public meeting) and Feb. 5 (reorganization meeting). Details: 732-928-5171.