Alternate route certification offered
      For those who have a bachelor's degree and would like to become a teacher, the Alternative Route to Teaching program offered at Ocean County College can help them to become licensed without completing a traditional teacher-training program.
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Knights to host youth free throw contest
      Knights of Columbus Council 6201 will sponsor a youth free throw championship on Jan. 17 at the St. Veronica School, Howell. All boys and girls ages 10-14 are invited to participate. On-site registration will begin at noon, followed by the competition at 1 p.m.
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Lakewood library to host blues concert
      The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation will partner with the Ocean County Library to hold a special concert featuring blues musician T.J. Wheeler at the Lakewood library, 301 Lexington St., at 7 p.m., Jan. 19. Wheeler's performance of "Hope, Heroes and the Blues" will feature music that shows the intertwined history of African- Americans and blues music.
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Entries taken for 2009 poster contest
      Entries are now being accepted from students in grades two through 12 the 2009 Conservation Poster Contest sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, State Soil Conservation Committee, the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts and the local Soil Conservation Districts.
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Students invited to enter local contest
      You don't have to be smarter than a fifth-grader to win $1,000 or even $500. You just have to have an opinion about education and write a letter addressed to President Barack Obama, suggesting what he should do about education in our country.
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Volunteers sought for Kimball thrift shops
      Kimball Medical Center is looking for volunteers to assist in each of its three thrift shops: Kimball Closet in the Romeo Plaza in Jackson, The Treasure Chest in the Lakehurst Shopping Center in Lakehurst, and Lots for Little in the Seagull Square shopping center in Lakewood.
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Camp Sunshine Polar Dip slated for Jan. 31
      Camp Sunshine will present the third annual A.J.'s New Jersey Polar Dip at 2 p.m. Jan. 31 at Avenue Beach Club, 23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch. Participants must raise a minimum of $100 in pledges, with all proceeds benefiting Camp Sunshine for children with lifethreatening illnesses. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers and costume winners.
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Dinner-dance set for mothers & sons
      The Howell Recreation Department will present a Mother and Son Doo Wop Dinner and Dance from 6-9 p.m. April, 3, 17 and 24 at Our House Restaurant, Route 524 (Adelphia Road), Howell. The cost is $31 per person and reservations are taken only with payment. Reservations are first-come, first-served.
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Lakewood Rotary aids families' holiday
      The Lakewood Rotary Club filled and donated 36 Thanksgiving baskets to local families. The members of the Rotary Club filled the baskets with turkeys, vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, bread and pies. Some of the baskets were taken to the Macedonia Baptist Church and some were picked up by families.
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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
      • 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. Dr. Martin Arajuo will discuss the causes of anemia, signs and symptoms and recommended treatment options. Details: 732-730-1700.
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Howell SEPAC to host Parents Night Out
      The Howell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will host its fifth annual Parents Night Out and Gift Auction from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Jan. 23 at the Woodlake Country Club, Lakewood. Tickets are $35 per person. Donation requests are still being solicited and accepted.
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Ocean County Coin Club to meet Jan. 15
      The Ocean County Coin Club will hold an auction night 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Ocean Fire House, Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach. All are invited. Admission is free. A coin auction for juniors takes place before each meeting at 6:45 p.m. Details: 732-255-6911 or occoinclub. org.
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