The Italian American Association of Monmouth County will host Carnevale, the Italian Mardi Gras festival, from 2-6 p.m. Jan. 31 at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, Howell. The cost is $40 for adults and $22 for children ages 3 to 10. The cost includes lunch, music, dancing, masks and activities, in addition to an auction table and a 50/50 raffle. Costumes are optional. Details: 732-863-0021 or www.iaaofmc.com
A Red Cross blood drive will take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 26 at the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. Details: www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732- 928-4400.
The Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, will host a poetry club from 3-4 p.m. Jan. 5. New and seasoned poets are invited to share their favorite poems at the meeting. Details: 609-758- 7888 or www.theoceancountylibrary.org.
Jackson American Legion Post 504 will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Knights of Columbus hall, 401 Bartley Road, Jackson. Wartime veterans are invited to attend the meeting. Bring a copy of military identification. Details: 732-276-5921 or send an email to alpost504@gmail.com or 732-370- 0562 or BJK1946@aol.com.