• “Anti-Aging: A Proactive Approach” will be presented Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, by Karen Scott of CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township.
• A fish fry, sponsored by the New Egypt Elks Lodge No. 2457, 105 Lakewood Road, New Egypt, will be held Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m. Proceeds benefit charities supported by the Elks. Details: (609) 758-8700.
• “Soul Food Saturday,” a celebration of food and fellowship in the African American tradition, will take place at the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive., Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event will feature local musicians, singers, dancers, actors, and choirs.
• Sounds of Hope, a gospel/inspirational singing and musical performance group from Freehold, will perform at the Lakewood library, 301 Lexington Ave., Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. All ages are welcome.
• Watch the Daytona 500 on a 60-inch television Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Jackson VFWar, 54 Magnolia Drive (near Bennetts Mills Road), Jackson. The event will include a hot and cold buffet, NASCAR raffles, racing collectables and beverages. All are invited.
• Allaire State Park 5-mile hike Feb. 19. The hike will depart from the Hospital Road parking lot at 10 a.m. and last about two hours. Details: (732) 938-2003.
• Open Mic Night Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Southard Grange, 4860 Route 9 south, Howell. All performers are welcome to bring an instrument and perform in a relaxed, friendly environment. Admission is $5 (performers are free) and is open to the general public. Details: [email protected].
• The Lakewood Piners Toastmas-ters help people improve their listening, thinking and speaking skills. The next meetings of the club will be Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakewood municipal building, 231 Third Street. Visitors are welcome. Details: (732) 255-3312.
• The Optimist Club of Howell will host a meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Panera Bread, 4715 Route 9, Howell. The club also meets weekly at the Golden Bell Diner, Route 9, Freehold, at 7 a.m. Wednesday mornings. Details: (732) 363-1346.
• A gift auction hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary to Laurelton Fire Company No. 1 will be held March 4 at the Laurelton firehouse at Route 88 west and Olden Street, Brick. Doors open at 6 p.m. and auction starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. No one under 18 will be admitted. Details: (732) 458-7095.
• Ballroom dancing for adult couples, hosted by the Howell Recreation Department, will run for six weeks on Fridays, from March 10 to April 14 from 8-9 p.m. Registration will begin Feb. 20 at the Recreation Building, 251 Preventor-ium Road. The fee is $50. Details: (732) 938-4500 ext. 2501.
• The Ocean County Retired Educators Association will have its next meeting/ luncheon at the Holiday Inn, 290 Highway 37 east, Toms River, at 11 a.m. March 16. The cost of the luncheon is $22. and reservations must be made by March 6. Details: (732) 350-2904.
• Friday night dinners are offered at the Central Jersey Italian American Club, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Jack-son, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Fee: $10 per adult and $5 per child.