Free tax preparation assistance, provided by volunteers from AARP, will be held at the County Connection on Wednesdays, from February 1 through April 11. The free service is available to low-income Ocean County seniors who need help preparing their federal and state income tax returns. Short-form only. For appointments, call 732-288-7777 after January 1.

FAMILY ASSISTANCE The Board of Social Services will present information on assistance programs available to eligible Ocean County residents Tuesdays—-February 14 & February 28, March 13 & March 27—from 11 – 1.

Discover what’s happening at your local YMCA: programs for people of all ages. Stop by the County Connection, Wednesday, February 15, from 10 am – 12 noon for details.

Stop into the County Connection on Wednesday, March 21, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, to speak with Staff from Senator Frank Lautenburg's Office. You'll get information about Federal Programs that can benefit eligible Ocean County residents.

The Ocean County Office of Veterans Services & Workforce NJ's Veterans Assistance will be at the County Connection Tuesdays, February 7 & February 21, March 6 & March 20, from 10 am till 12 noon, to provide information on employment assistance, 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 Tuesday evenings, February 7 & February 21, March 6 & March 20, all 5 to 9 pm, and Fridays, February 17& March 16, from 11 am - 1 pm.

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 Fridays, February 3 & March 2, from 11 am till 1 pm, to discuss the program with interested adults.

Out of work and trying to find a new job? Visit the County Connection, scheduled Tuesday 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 7 & February 28, March 6, March 13, March 20 & March 27, all from 5:30 till 9:30 pm.

The Ocean County Health Department will conduct free blood pressure checks at the County Connection on Thursdays, February 9 & March 8, from 9:30 am till 11:30.

Find out about boating safety classes offered in Ocean County through the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Saturday, February 18, from 11 am - 3 pm.

The Ocean County Health Department will be at the County Connection Wednesday, March 28, & Thursday, March 29, from 10 am – 4 pm, to provide information about WIC, the nutrition assistance program for low-income families with infants and young children.

Book drop-off daily.

For convenient, safe recycling: Bring old cell phones & chargers to the County Connection.

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 are 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.

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

Ocean County’s Senior Services staff has information on all of the benefits available to seniors, including home energy assistance. A Senior Services representative is at the County Connection weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Surrogate’s Office has staff at the County Connection weekdays, 10 am - 4 pm, to answer questions about probating wills & other services of the Surrogate’s Court.

The County Connection has information on special events and tourism-related activities throughout Ocean County—101 things to do 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 9, beginning at 9:30 am. Please call for an appointment: 732-288-7777.