Monsignor Donovan has Bloustein scholars

Ten seniors from Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River, have been named Edward J. Bloustein Distin-guished Scholars for the school year 2004-05 through the Garden State Scholarship Program. Local residents are Samantha McLaughlin of Lakewood, and Kaitlyn Millsaps and Cesar Rufo of Jackson. These students are in the top 10 percent of their class and have a minimum combined SAT score of 1260, or are ranked first, second or third in their class at the end of their junior year of high school. Distinguished scholars are offered an annual award of $1,000, without regard to financial need, for attendance at any New Jersey college or university.

Teen dance for Jackson

sixth-, seventh-graders

A teen dance, sponsored by the Jackson Recreation Department, will be held at the Jackson Senior Center, 45 Don Connor Blvd., Jan. 14 from 7-10 p.m. The dance is open to sixth- and seventh-grade residents of Jackson only. The fee of $5 per person includes soda, snack, dancing and a DJ. Students must be registered in order to attend. Proof of grade is required to receive an identification card. Call (732) 928-1200, ext. 255, for details and registration.

Parents of special needs

children get a night out

The Howell Township Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is sponsoring a night out without the kids for parents of children with special needs. The event will take place Jan. 28 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at Woodlake Country Club, 26 New Hampshire Ave., Lakewood. The all-inclusive evening will feature a sit-down dinner, dancing, gift basket auctions and live music for $25 per person. For reservations and details, call (732) 901-1440. Parents who have trouble finding a baby-sitter can ask for help when they call.

Orthodox organization

to assist Kimball patients

Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lake-wood, an organization that provides assistance to members of the Lakewood Orthodox Jewish community who are ill or hospitalized, is now working in cooperation with Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood, to support its Orthodox patients.

Jim PeQueen, director of patient satisfaction at Kimball Medical Center, said volunteers from Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim visit the sick and elderly in the hospital, as well as in private homes and nursing homes. They provide practical and emotional support, meals, rides, companionship and medical equipment at no cost to the recipient.

“The volunteers of Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim will be available to Kimball’s patients 24 hours a day, except on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays,” PeQueen said. “They will provide support to the hospital staff, patients and their families.”

Patients wishing to arrange for services from Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lakewood should call the 24-hour hotline at (732) 905-3020. The volunteers encourage patients and family members to call at any time for assistance.