Free training offered for food service help
      The New Jersey Restaurant Association (NJRA) is offering free state-mandated training classes for the hospitality industry for current and new restaurant members until April 2009. The ServSafe training fulfills state requirements of mandatory food safety training for each establishment.
More ...

Vehicles needed for Family Lift program
      MonmouthCares, West Long Branch, is seeking donations of used, working cars with less than 150,000 miles on them for its Family Lift program. The program addresses the problem of public transportation as a barrier to employment opportunities by matching donors of used cars with MonmouthCares families in need of reliable transportation.
More ...

'WRAT Nutcracker' to feature Shinedown
      Greater Media radio station WRAT-FM 95.9 is presenting its traditional "WRAT Nutcracker" with Shinedown and special guests Halestorm at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Starland Ballroom, Sayreville. Jacksonville, Fla., natives Shinedown are known for such hits as "Fly From the Inside," "45" and "Save Me.
More ...

Blood center to hold drives in December
      Central Jersey Blood Center, Shrewsbury, has announced the following local blood drives: • Dec. 16 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank • Dec. 29 from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave.
More ...

Applications sought for VSA/NJ awards
      VSA arts of New Jersey (VSA/NJ), New Brunswick, is accepting applications for the 2009 Arts Achievement Awards and the Art Par Excellence statewide touring exhibit. Application deadlines are Jan. 7 and 30, respectively.
More ...

2008 Troop Care Boxes effort now under way
      The SupportOurTroops.org campaign for Christmas 2008 Troop Care Boxes is now under way to provide care packages for deployed troops. SupportOurTroops.org is making the call on behalf of the 60-plus troop-related groups nationwide that send care packages to the troops. Interested individuals should visit SupportOurTroops.
More ...

Ten Thousand Village events begin Dec. 6
      Ten Thousand Villages, Broad Street, Red Bank, a nonprofit fair trade retailer, will host Community Shopping Nights during December in which 15 percent of sales will be donated to local nonprofits in Red Bank and Long Branch.
More ...