Southard Grange plans community events       Southard Grange, 4860 Route 9 south, Howell, will host the following events: Baby Boot Camp, an exercise program for expectant and new mothers, will be held Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 10- 11 a.m. Strollers are used, eliminating the need for babysitters. More ... Volunteers needed for AARP tax counseling       The AARP Tax-Aide program is looking for people who would like to help others with tax counseling. Volunteers will receive training with the cooperation of the Internal Revenue Service and the N.J. Division of Taxation during the first two weeks of January. Classes will form in December. Passing a... More ... Barkalow student will perform in 'Nutcracker'       Erika Pranzo, of Freehold Township, an eighth-grader at the Barkalow Middle School, will be performing in the holiday favorite "The Nutcracker" at the Strand Theater, Lakewood, Nov. 24-25, and at the Two River Theatre, Red Bank, Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2. More ... Kick-a-thon will raise funds for COSAC       The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC) and Martial Arts with Hearts (MAWH) will host a kick-a-thon to raise funds for COSAC on Nov. 28 from 4-8 p.m. at United Taekwondo Academies, 300 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. Details: (800) 4-AUTISM or www.njcosac.o... More ... Howell Township plansNew Year's Eve party       Howell Township will host a New Year's Eve party at Our House Restaurant, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The evening will consist of a cocktail hour, full dinner prime rib buffet, open bar, champagne toast and more at a cost of $80 per person. Live music will be provided by Kindred Souls. Adults ag... More ... Howell Recreation Dept. plans next year's bus trips       The Howell Recreation Department will host the following bus trips in 2008: Atlantic City, Feb. 16; Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, East Rutherford, March 8; Independence Hall, Philadelphia, April 26; Canal Street, New York City, May 24; Bronx Zoo, New York, June 21; Baltimore Inner Harbor... More ... Auditions will be held for special arts schools       Audition applications are available for students in grades six through 12 to apply for the Monmouth County Arts High School and Arts Middle School programs. The program provides a wide range of accelerated classes to gifted and talented children in creative writing, dance, vocal music, instrument... More ... Manalapan Symphony slates holiday concert       The Manalapan Township Committee has announced that the Manalapan Symphony will perform a holiday concert on Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. The concert will be held in the auditorium of Manalapan High School, Church Lane. Admission is free. More ... Datebook       • Manalapan High School Football Alumni Dinner will be held Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the high school cafeteria on Church Lane, Manalapan. All past and present football players are welcome. Hosted by the Football Parents Touchdown Club. Details: manalapantouchdownclub@ yahoo.com. More ... Applewood plans December events       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Applewood Estates, Gully Road, a not-for-profit, all inclusive lifecare community for adults 65 and older, is hosting a series of literary, musical and wellness events during the month of December. More ...