Masons' blood drive & dinner aid local folks
      Olive Branch Lodge No. 16 of Free & Accepted Masons in association with The Central Jersey Blood Center hosted a Community Blood Drive at the Masonic Temple located at 2 Dutch Lane Road in Freehold, Oct. 17. This blood drive, the third annual one organized by Olive Branch Lodge No. 16, was a success with 21 pints of blood donated to replenish local blood supplies.
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Pantry director sees rise in needy families
      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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Datebook
      • Registration for tai chi classes for adults is being accepted at the Howell Recreation Building, 251 Preventorium Road, Howell. The program will be held Jan. 6 through Feb. 5 from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for intermediates and from 7-8 p.m. for advanced students. Fee: $50. Details: 732-938-4500, ext 2501.
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Library is conducting holiday book drives
      The Monmouth County Library System is sponsoring two book donation drives during this holiday season. In "Books for Kids," a New Jersey Library Association program, brand-new books may be dropped off at any nearby county library for distribution to local charities and community agencies that serve disadvantaged children.
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Cecilian Music Club showcase a success
      The Cecilian Music Club recently presented its annual Fall Student Showcase at Freehold Music Center on Route 9 in Freehold. Every year members of the Cecilian Club prepare their students to perform pieces from the classical piano repertoire for this showcase.
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