• Borden Applegate, a retired member of the Jackson Police Department, will discuss his new book, “Jackson Mills: A Personal Reflection,” at 6:30 p.m. March 6 at the Jackson Library. The free program is for adults. The book will be available for purchase. Register now by calling 732-928-4400.
• Free tax assistance provided by members of AARP will be available at the Jackson Library on March 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Program is open to anyone who is eligible to file a tax return. Appointments are required. Must bring previous year(s) returns, photo ID, Social Security or I-Tin card and relevant tax documents. Call 732-928-4400, ext. 3808 to make and appointment.
• The United Republican Club of Howell will host a meeting at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Howell First Aid Squad building, 10 Kent Road, Howell. All are welcome to attend. Details: [email protected]
• The Jackson Library’s knitting group, Knit-Chat-Chain, is seeking donations of yarn and wool. The members of the group create sweaters, hats, scarves and blankets to donate to charity. Yarn donations may be brought to the Circulation Desk during library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 732-928-4400.
• The Alzheimer’s Association will present an educational program at the Jackson Library at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. The association’s educational programs are built upon four key components – education, guidance, empowerment and recognition – and are devoted to helping constituents. Register by calling 732-928-4400.
• The Sons of the American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, invites the community to its all you can eat breakfast on the first Sunday of each month from 7-11 a.m. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Children under 4 are free. Breakfast features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pork roll, potatoes, french toast, pancakes and more. There is also a station to order omelets.
• Basket and Bag Bingo presented by the Cookstown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary will be held on April 8 at the New Egypt Elks, 105 Lakewood Road (Route 528), New Egypt. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Bingo starts promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person. For tickets, call Karen Ivins at 609-668-2030.
• A session of Coloring for Adults will be held at the Jackson Library at 10 a.m. Feb. 21. Coloring sheets and art supplies provided; light refreshments and relaxing music. Free; advance registration required. Details: 732-928-4400.
• A Zydeco dancing workshop presented by dancers Larry and Ava will be held at the Jackson Library from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 25. Zydeco music draws on traditional Cajun elements as well as jazz, country western, and blues. Although Zydeco is a couples dance, no partner is necessary for the lessons. Adults 18 and over are welcome. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• A knitting group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Sabbath House, 8 Front St., New Egypt. Members are knitting and crocheting scarves for the Seaman’s Church Institute in Newark. Patterns, yarn and help is available.
• Free income tax help will be available at the Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, on Feb. 22 from 1-5 p.m. The AARP Free Tax Aide Program will electronically complete and file a federal and New Jersey tax return, free of charge, by IRS certified volunteers. The program is available to all taxpayers, but special emphasis is provided to those age 60 and over with low to moderate income. An appointment is necessary. Details: 609-758-7888.
• The Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, will host Nifty Nature NikNak at 2 p.m. Feb. 17. Participants will have a chance to see and touch animal artifacts like deer antlers, turtle shells, animal furs, skulls and more. A naturalist will present each object and encourage group discussion. The program is for children age 3 and up. Details: 609-758-7888.
• The Plumsted Library, 119 Evergreen Road, will host Evolution Paranormal Research at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Participants will see the equipment that is used by ghost researchers and learn how those researchers investigate spiritual activity. The program is for people age 13 and over. Details: 609-758-7888.
• The Ashley Lauren Foundation will host its sixth annual Butterfly Ball on Feb. 25 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch. The theme will be “Dancing For Our Stars.” The goal of the Ashley Lauren Foundation is to ease the journey when pediatric cancer is diagnosed by providing direct financial assistance, material assistance, emotional support and more. Details: www.ashleylaurenfoundation.org or 732-414-1625.
• New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.
• The Howell K-8 School District kindergarten registration process for children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2017, is underway online. Parents may complete the online pre-registration from any computer/device with Internet access. Parents will then be asked to select an appointment time for an in-person verification session. Further details for the registration process can be found at https://www.howell.k12.nj.us/k-reg
• St. Aloysius Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson, offers support groups to help people better understand their feelings and to meet others who are dealing with the same life issues. A bereavement support group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and a divorced and separated support group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Both meetings are held in the parish office. A freewill donation of $5 is requested. Details: Email St [email protected].
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.