Toms River library to hold self-defense class
      Self-defense classes for women and girls ages 12 and up will be held at the Toms River library, 101 Washington St., 7 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29. Walter Miller, a black belt in judo, jujitsu will teach defense methods against the most common street attacks and personal assaults.
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February programs and events at library
      The Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, has announced its schedule of free events and programs for the month of February. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Call the library at 732-477-4513, ext. 2, or visit www.theocean-countylibrary.org for registration and details.
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Dogs, cats should be licensed in January
      All Brick Township dogs and cats, 7 months or older, must be licensed during the month of January for the 2009 year. A certificate of rabies vaccination must be presented and must be current through November 2009 for a one-year license, or November 2011 for a three-year license.
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Brick Township Police Dept. Drug Hotline
      are The Brick Township Police Department provides a "Drug Hotline" for citizens to report drug-related activity. The hotline was established as a means of providing the public with the opportunity to anonymously report drug activities in their neighborhood. It is answered and monitored by detectives assigned to the Drug Enforcement Unit.
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Church of Visitation to offer soup kitchen
      Church of the Visitation, 755 Mantoloking Road, Brick, will be offering a soup kitchen at noon in the church auditorium on the third Wednesday of every month. All are welcome. There is no charge.
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Herbertsville First Aid Squad needs members
      The Herbertsville First Aid Squad ur- gently needs new members. Volunteer to save a life and help a neighbor. All training is provided at no cost. For information, call 732-840-9116 or visit www.herbertsville.org.
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OCC to host Career Night Jan. 13
      Those interested in changing careers or moving up the ladder professionally, the Department of Continuing and Professional Education at Ocean County College (OCC) will host a Career Night from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 13 at OCCs Center for Business Education and Training, 150 Brick Blvd., Brick.
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OCC to sponsor Black History Month events
      In recognition of Black History Month in February, the Ocean County College Office of Multicultural Services is holding events with the theme of "Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas." • Jan.
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Alternate route teacher 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 (OCC) can help them to become licensed without completing a traditional teacher-training program.
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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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Health fair to be offered Jan. 17
      Ocean Medical Center will sponsor "New Year New You," a health fair complete with speakers, free screenings, and fitness and nutrition tips from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17 in the East Wind Conference Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd., Brick.
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Christmas tree recycling offered
      The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation will once again offer county residents the opportunity to recycle their Christmas trees. Trees can be dropped off at the following local parks up to and including Jan. 30. • Ocean County Park, Route 88, Lakewood.
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Carrabba's to host basketball fundraiser
      Carrabba's Italian Grill, 990 Cedar Bridge Ave., Brick, will sponsor a fundraiser for Brick Memorial boys basketball to be held noon Jan. 17. Lunch will include chicken, potato, salad, bread and beverages. Tickets are $15 per person, payable to BMBA. To purchase tickets or for additional information, call Cheryl at 732-840-1973 or Denise at 732-892-4191.
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Mothers Center seeks donations for gift auction
      The Mothers Center of the Jersey Shore, a nonprofit organization based in Brick, is accepting donations of items for its 17th annual gift auction slated for March 26. All proceeds will be used to support local charities as well as the organization's activities. For details and donations, contact 732-673-7234.
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MOMS Club to host preschool fair Jan. 15
      The MOMS Club of Brick, a nonprofit organization for stay-at-home, working moms and their children, is hosting a preschool fair 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Brick Civic Center, 270 Chambers Bridge Road. In lieu of an admission fee, a nonperishable item to benefit the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is requested. For more information, contact brickmomsclub@ yahoo.
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Library joins military cell phone effort
      The Ocean County Library will participate in the national "Cell Phone for Soldiers" program by distributing postage-paid envelopes for shipping cell phones at 17 of its branches, according to Senior Librarian Meagan Toohey. "Cell Phones for Soldiers" is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization. It sells the collected cell phones to ReCellular, Inc., which recycles the units.
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Online registry helps to prevent child abuse
      Throughout January, citizens across the state will make a commitment to prevent child abuse at www.preventchildabusenj. org. The site offers visitors a unique opportunity to hear from children who have benefited from prevention services and programs and invites a personal gift that will help create safe, nurturing homes for children.
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