A New Year’s Eve dinner dance will be held by the Old Bridge Columbian Club on Dec. 31 at 61 Pine St., Old Bridge (Knights of Columbus meeting hall), from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Cost is $55 per person (in advance only). Details: 908-510-5693, 423-595-8211 or 732-707-3417.
The First United Methodist Church, 91 W. Main St., Freehold, will host a professional reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 4 p.m. Dec. 20. The cost is $5 at the door. The reading is a one-hour presentation that will be followed by a reception with light refreshments.
The Novo Nordisk Diabetes Center at CentraState Medical Center is offering a support group for people with diabetes and their families. The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month (Jan. 20) from 1-2 p.m. in the Jack Aaronson Conference Center in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus, 901 W. Main St., Freehold Township. Details: 732-308-0570.
The Freehold Public Library, East Main Street, Freehold, will host “Meet the Mechanic” at 7 p.m. Dec. 16. Students in grade six and up are invited to learn about cars and trucks. Snacks will be served. Details: www.freeholdpubliclibrary.org
Freehold Elks Lodge, Council No. 1454, will host its monthly breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 20 at 73 W. Main St., Freehold. The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Proceeds will benefit local charities. Details: 732-431- 8707.
The Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company, 94 Route 520, Marlboro, will host a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 20. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Proceeds will go toward the restoration of the fire company’s 1940 GMC fire engine.
The American Association of University Women Freehold branch is accepting book donations for its 2016 book sale. With the exception of Reader’s Digest condensed books and textbooks, all book donations in good condition are appreciated. Contact Joan at 732-431-2297 for drop-off instructions. Proceeds from the book sale support scholarships for women who are returning to college and monetary awards for graduating female seniors from the Freehold Regional High School District.
Items for the Datebook may be sent via email to cbarcia@gmnews.com