Free tax preparation assistance, provided by volunteers from AARP and VITA, will be held at the County Connection on Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning February 10. The free service is available to low-income Ocean County residents who need help preparing their federal and state income tax returns. Short-form only. To schedule an appointment, call 732-288-7777.
Website :  Ocean County Government

The Ocean County Office of Veterans Services will be at the County Connection Tuesdays, February 16, March 2 & March 16, from 10 am till 1 pm, to provide information on health services and other benefits available to eligible veterans.

Problems with purchases? Unreliable repairmen? Who can you turn to for help? A representative from the Ocean County Consumer Affairs Department will be at the County Connection Wednesday evening, February 17, and Tuesday evenings, March 2 & March 16, 5 to 9 pm, and Fridays, February 19 & March 19, from 11 am - 1 pm.

Representatives from the Social Security Administration will be at the County Connection Thursday, March 4, from 10 - 1 to give out information and answer questions about Social Security benefits.

Can you spare an hour a week to make a positive difference in a child's life? Ocean County's Mentoring Program is seeking mature volunteers to provide safe friendships to boys and girls, ages 8 to 11, who may not have the support of a traditional family. Training is provided. The Mentoring Coordinator will be at the County Connection Friday, March 5, to discuss the program with interested adults.

Out of work and trying to find a new job? Visit the County Connection, scheduled evenings from 5:45 to 9:30 pm. Christine Karaska of Workforce New Jersey will provide information and tips to job seekers. Job Search & Resume Skills: February 8 & February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15 , March 22 & March 29.

The Board of Social Services will present information on assistance programs available to eligible Ocean County residents Tuesdays, February 9 & February 23, March 9 & March 23, from 11 to 1.

The Ocean County Health Department will conduct free blood pressure checks at the County Connection on Thursdays, February 11 & March 11, from 9:30 am till 11:30.

Are you at risk for osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a major health threat for 28 million Americans, 80% of them women. The Ocean County Health Department is offering free bone density screenings for women at the County Connection, Thursdays, February 25 & March 25, from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Screenings are scheduled on the 4th Thursday of each month. Call today for your appointment: 732-288-7777.
Website :  Ocean County Government

Book drop-off daily

Worn American Flags, no longer suitable for display, can be dropped off at the County Connection. The flags will be turned in to veterans groups for proper disposal.

Under new federal regulations, passport books are now required for all US citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico & the Caribbean. Passport cards will soon be required for land and sea crossings. Prepare for your next trip by getting passports now. (Fees vary.) You can get passport photos ($10) at the County Connection, too.

You can purchase tickets for events at Ocean County College's Fine Arts Center at the County Connection. Cash, check or money order only.

Visit the County Connection to register your dog for Ocean County's off-leash dog parks at the Miller Airpark in Berkeley and Ocean County Park, Lakewood. The off-leash parks are operated by the Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department. (Annual fee: $25.)

Ocean County's Senior Services staff has information on all of the latest programs for seniors. A Senior Services representative is at the County Connection most weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Ocean County Surrogate's Office now has staff at the County Connection Monday thru Friday, 10 am - 4:30 pm, to answer questions about probating wills & other services of the Surrogate's Court.
Contact : 732-929-2011 for more information
Website :  Ocean County Surrogates Office

Discover the historic, cultural and natural treasures found along the coastal areas of New Jersey. The County Connection is an official Information Center for the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. The County Connection also has information on special events and tourism-related activities throughout Ocean County. "101 things to do in Ocean County" to keep your whole family entertained all year long.

Coronary artery disease and stroke can rob you of your independence—and maybe your life. The Ocean County Health Department will be offering free stroke screenings at the County Connection, Friday, March 12, beginning at 9:30 am. Please call for an appointment: 732-288-7777.

Do you have an interest in gardening and horticulture? Let the County Connection introduce you to your new “best friends”: the volunteers with the Ocean County Master Gardener program. The Master Gardeners will be at the County Connection Saturday, February 13, & Monday, February 15, from 11 am till 3 pm, and Friday, March 19, and Thursday, March 25, from 5:30 till 8:30 pm.