Datebook

+ "Understanding Cholesterol," a free program on the dangers of cholesterol, will be presented by Dr. Michael Sher, Jan. 8, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Center for Healthy Living, 198 Prospect St., Lakewood. Details: (888) SBHS-123.

+ "Food Fear Factor," a program for youths in grades six through 12 that explores how brave teens are, will be held at 4 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road. Youths can win prizes and movie tickets. Entry forms and permission slips filled out by a parent or guardian are required by Jan. 5. Details: (732) 938-2300.

+ "Yoga for Good Health," a four-week series, will be offered at the Jack-son library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10 a.m. Sign up for one session or all four. Details and registration: (732) 928-4400.

+ NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Ocean County will meet Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Skywalk Cafeteria on the third level of the Ocean County building, 129 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Dr. Joseph Springer, psychologist and professor at Georgian Court College, Lakewood, will discuss Obsessive Com-pulsive Disorder, its symptoms and treatment. Details: (732) 928-5608.

+ Jersey Shore PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays) will meet Jan. 10, 7-9 p.m., at the United Church of Christ of Toms River, 1681 Ridgeway Rd. (Route 571), Manchester. The group is not affiliated with any religious organization. "De Colores," a bilingual documentary, will be shown. Details: (908) 814-2155 or e-mail jerseyshorepflag@yahoo.com.

+ Tax questions will be answered by Harold Bloom of H&R Block at 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive. Bloom will help taxpayers understand the latest tax law changes and provide the facts to help avoid mistakes. This free program is open to the public. Call (732) 928-4400 to register.

+ The Jackson Historic Commission will meet Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. at the Jackson municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway. The commission meets on the second Thursday of each month The public is invited to attend. Details: (732) 928-1200.

+ Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter will host the following caregiver support groups: Jan. 11, 7 p.m., Kimball Medical Center, conference room A, River Road, Lakewood; Jan. 30, 10 a.m., Bella Terra retirement community, 2 Kathleen Drive, Jackson. Details: (800) 883-1180.

+ A Tiki Party Teen Dance for sixth- and seventh-grade residents of Jackson will be held Jan. 12 at the Jackson Senior Center, 45 Don Connor Blvd., 7-9:30 p.m. The fee is $5. Students must be registered. Proof of grade is required to receive an ID card. Sponsored by the Jackson Recreation Department. Details: (732) 928-1200, ext. 255.

+ Bagels, Brownies and Books, a book club, for homeschoolers, will discuss "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase" by Joan Aiken at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, at 1 p.m. Jan. 12. Books are available at the circulation desk. Details and registration: (732) 938-2300.

+ The Lakewood Clergy Association and Lakewood Township will honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Strand Theatre, Lakewood. The free event is open to the public and will feature singing and words of encouragement. No tickets are needed. Details: (732) 730-0444.

+ A knitting club meets monthly at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive. This month's meeting will be Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Knitters and crocheters do community projects. All are welcome. Details: (732) 928-4400.

+ The SPARK group (Special needs Parents Advocating for Resources and Knowledge) welcomes all Plumsted Township School District parents and caretakers of children with special needs to attend its meetings held at 7 p.m. at the New Egypt Middle School, Evergreen Road, Plumsted. At the next meeting, Jan. 16, a guest speaker will provide information about parent support.

+ The American Association of University Women, Northern Ocean County Branch, will meet Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Middle School library, 105 Hendrickson Ave., Brick Township. Ted Jovanis will give a slide presentation on China. Guests are welcome. Details: (732) 370-6565.

+ The League of Women Voters of Ocean County will meet Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library, 30 Station Road, Bayville. The meeting will focus on the continuing concerns about the Oyster Creek nuclear plant and its application for another 20 years of operation.

+ Overcome the fear of public speaking with the Lakewood Piners Toastmasters Club. The club members meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (except December) at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakewood municipal building, 231 Third St. Visitors over the age of 18 are invited to build on listening and speaking skills. Details: (732) 244-1480. The Toastmasters will host a special presentation at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Jack-son library, 2 Jackson Drive. Details: (732) 905-1869 or www.toastmasters.org.

+ The Howell Adult Book Club will be discussing "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. Books are available at the circulation desk. Details and registration: (732) 938-2300.

+ "American Idol at Howell Library," a special program for youths in grades six through 12, will be held at the Howell library, 318 Old Tavern Road, at 3 p.m. Jan. 30. Youths are invited to audition for a "mock" American Idol search. Talented youths can sing a cappella or bring a CD soundtrack. Details and registration: (732) 938-2300.

+ Kimball Medical Center Jackson Howell Auxiliary Unit meets the third Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at Bella Terra assisted living facility on Kathleen Drive, Jackson. New members are always welcome. Details: (732) 364-1797.

Items for the Tri-Town News Datebook may be faxed to (732) 780-4192. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.