• Need a Friend, a social group for singles ages 40-65, will hold a "meet and eat" Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Golden Bell Diner, Route 9, Freehold Township. Details: (732) 625-0605 or (609) 371-2113.
• Amit, the organization that helps Israel’s forgotten children, will meet Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grillious restaurant, Galleria Mall, Route 9, Manalapan. Meeting will include optional dinner and/or dessert. All are welcome. Details: (732) 536-3461 or (732) 780-5765.
• Blood drives will be conducted by Central Jersey Blood Center: Jan. 8, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at CentraState Medical Center’s Greenhouse Cafe, Route 537; and Jan. 15, 6-8:30 p.m., at Freehold Gardens Hotel, both Freehold Township.
• Single Friends, for ages 45-65, will meet for friendly discussion Jan. 8, 7:45 p.m., at Days Inn Steakloft, Route 9, Free-hold Township. Details: (732) 536-3524.
• The 14th annual Jersey Shore Home Show will be held at Brookdale Community College, Route 520, Lincroft section of Middletown, Jan. 9-14. Details: (800) 332-3976 or www.MacEvents.com.
• An art auction by Ross Galleries, sponsored by Sisterhood of Temple Rodeph Torah, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. (preview 7 p.m.) at the temple, Mohawk Drive, Marlboro. Admission is $10 at door, $8 in advance. Open to all. Details: (732) 308-0055.
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Showcase, featuring caterers, party planners, photographers, entertainers and others, sponsored by Daughters of Israel, Jan. 11, noon to 4 p.m. at Congregation Sons of Israel, Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan. Free admission. Details: (732) 446-3000.
• Molly Pitcher Stitchers Quilt Guild meeting, Jan. 12, 7 p.m. at Old Tennent Church, Manalapan. New members welcome. Details: Daria, (732) 446-1144.
• Central Jersey Transplant Lifeline Support Group, for anyone who has had a transplant or is awaiting a transplant, will meet Jan. 13, 7 p.m., at Little Silver Firehouse, Prospect Avenue and Markham Place, Little Silver. Details: Jill, (732) 530-6789.
• Marlboro K-8 Board of Education workshop meeting Jan. 13, 8 p.m., and regular meeting Jan. 20, 8 p.m., at 1980 Township Drive, Marlboro.
• Central Jersey Woodworkers Association, a nonprofit organization, will meet Jan. 14, 7-10 p.m. at Old Brick Reformed Church, Route 520, Marlboro. Doug Evans and Ben Knebel of Shepherd Tool Co. will present "A Dovetail Hand Plane Talk," a discussion on the infill plane, its history, types and advantages; Evans will file, forge dovetails and install the supporting infill wood in a chariot block plane. Membership is open to anyone. Details: www.cjwa.org; Lee Alexander at [email protected]; or John Aniano, (609) 758-2422 or [email protected].
• Civil War historian William Styple will discuss his book "Writing & Fighting From the Army of Northern Virginia," containing 300 letters, Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 3981 Route 9 north, Freehold Township. Free event.