• The Freehold First Aid Squad Auxiliary and Cadet Corps will host its fifth annual Easter pancake breakfast and flower sale from 9 a.m. to noon April 15 at the first aid squad headquarters, 16 Spring St., Freehold. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 3. For tickets, call Barbara, 732-616-2516.
• On April 29 at 8 p.m., the Freehold Jewish Center, Freehold Borough, will present Casino Night. The event is open to all and will feature games, food, bar and prizes. Winnings will be redeemable for prizes. Admission until April 22 is $80 per person and $150 per couple. After that date and at the door, admission will be $100 per person and $180 per couple. To register, call 732-462-0254.
• The Monmouth County Audubon Society will host a bird walk on Sandy Hook on April 15. The peninsula of Sandy Hook acts as a natural funnel to north-flying migrants. Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the former visitors center. Open to members and non-members of the society. Participation is free and advance registration is not required. Details: http://www.monmouthaudubon.org
• The Marlboro Library, Wyncrest Road, Marlboro, will present the film “Swim Team,” which chronicles the rise of the Jersey Hammerheads, a competitive swim team of diverse autistic teens. Cast members and filmmaker Lara Stohlman will answer questions. “Swim Team” will be shown at 1 p.m. April 22. Registration is mandatory. Call the library beginning April 10 to reserve a seat. Details: 732-536-9406.
• The “SonRise at the Pond” ecumenical sunrise Easter service will take place at Lake Topanemus Park, Pond Road entrance, Freehold Township, at 6:30 a.m. April 16. The Rev. Hosie L. Scott from Foundational Truth Bible Study Ministries, Freehold, will speak. Music by Joyful Noise Praise Band. Sponsored by First United Methodist Church. All are welcome to attend this grass-roots, lay-organized community event.
• The National Council of Jewish Women, Central Jersey section, will host its general membership meeting from noon to 2 p.m. April 19 at the Monmouth County Headquarters Library, Manalapan. Rita Yelda will speak about Planned Parenthood’s “Access at Risk” report, and policy and funding issues on the state and federal levels. Yelda is the public affairs manager for Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey. The meeting is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
• The Freehold Memorial Day parade in conjunction with The Cabin, Route 33, Howell, is having a donation night. On April 18 from 5-10 p.m., The Cabin will donate 20 percent of a customer’s check to the parade, not including tax or alcohol. Download a flier at www.freeholdmemorialdayparade.com or let your hostess know you are there for the parade.
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present a talk by Amy Weinstein, senior oral historian at the National Sept. 11th Memorial and Museum, at 2 p.m. April 30. Weinstein will speak about her work at the museum, focusing on stories and artifacts that relate to New Jersey residents and to Jewish victims and responders of the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center. Weinstein grew up and attended public school in Freehold Township. Admission is $10 for museum members and $12 for non-members. To make a reservation, call 732-252-6990.
• The Marlboro Library will welcome Reed Farrel Coleman, author of Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series and the author of the Gus Murphy series, at 1 p.m. May 10 for a reading and book signing. Coleman is a three-time recipient of the Shamus Award for Best PI Novel of the Year and a three-time Edgar Award nominee in three different categories. Registration is requested as seating is limited. Call 732-536-9406 to reserve a seat. Guests should indicate if they are interested in purchasing a book.
• The Professional and Business Social Network will sponsor a dance party and social from 8 p.m. to midnight April 22 at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village, 201 Village Blvd., Princeton. Bachata dance instruction, 6:45. Mix and mingle, 7:30 p.m. Entertainment by DJ Brett. No reservation required. Groups, individuals, couples, friends and walk-ins are welcome; $20 admission at the door. Cash bar. Dress to impress, no jeans, no sneakers. Details: http://www/pbsninfo.com/170422westin1.htm
• The YMCA of Western Monmouth County, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold Township, will host a community yard sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22 (rain date, April 29). Tables are $25. Preregister by April 17 at www.ymcanj.org or in person.
• The YMCA of Western Monmouth County, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold Township, will host a healthy community day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 29. The event is free and open to the public. Guests will enjoy open access to the YMCA all day, fitness class demonstrations, camp and jobs information, and more. Details: 732-462-0464.
• CentraState Healthcare Foundation will host the eighth annual “Paulette’s C of Blue Run/Walk” on May 7 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. The outdoor event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a 5K, 1-mile and children’s fun run in addition to food, music, awards and local vendors. The cost for the run/walk is adults, $20, and children under 10, $10, before April 24. Event proceeds benefit cancer services and programs at CentraState Medical Center. To Register, visit www.centrastatefoundation.org/Paulette
• The Essential Tremor Support Group meets from 7-9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month (May 4) at the Jack Aaronson Conference Center at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Details: 732-462-8304, after 10 a.m.
• The Deep Cut Orchid Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month (May 9) at the Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls. There is a speaker, refreshments and a discussion of plants on the show table. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome.
• CentraState Healthcare Foundation will present “Comedy for a Cause 3” on April 21 at the American Hotel, Freehold. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m.; 21 and over, cash bar. Hosted by Rita Chandra, featuring Tracy Locke, headlined by Chris Coccia. Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Proceeds to benefit women’s health services at CentraState Medical Center. Purchase tickets online at centrastatecomedy.eventbrite.com or call Sharon Purpuro at 732-294-7135.
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present a lecture, “Abraham Lincoln and the Jews,” by Rabbi Dr. Robert Fierstien of Stockton University at 1 p.m. April 26. Fierstien will highlight Lincoln’s personal relationship with the Jewish people and demonstrate the significant role Lincoln played in defending Jewish rights and civil rights during the Civil War years. Admission is $3 for museum members, $5 for non-members, and students are free. To make a reservation (non-refundable), call 732-252-6990.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will host the third annual Project Zero 5K fun run walk at the Manalapan Recreation Center at 8 a.m. April 29. Details: www.mtnj.org or 732-446-8345.
• Brookdale Community College will present its annual guitar show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 in the Brookdale Recreation and Events Center, Lincroft. There will be live performances, exclusive deals on guitars, musical equipment and more, and educational workshops. General admission: $12; free for children 12 and under. Details: www.brookdaleguitarshow.com
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 18 at the administration building, 54 Main St., Englishtown. The meeting is open to the public.
• Attorney Robert Munoz will discuss “A Gift for Your Children – An Estate Plan” from 7-9 p.m. April 19 at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Center, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. The discussion series is sponsored by Kathy Lo Bue of Glen Eagle Advisors. Adults of all ages invited to this free, non-sectarian event. Refreshments provided. RSVP to 732-866-6660.
• The Shrewsbury Chorale will host a multi-family indoor garage sale on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 103 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst (Ocean Township). There will be hundreds of items plus baked goods. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-747-1362.
• The spring sessions of Dancing by the Peddie Lake with Candace Woodward- Clough, offering instruction in swing, foxtrot, waltz and Latin dancing, will be held at 112 Etra Road, Hightstown. Classes will begin April 27 and April 28. Classes start at 7:30 p.m. Preregistration required. Cost is $60 per person for the four-week session. Details: 732-995-4284.
• The American Association of University Women Freehold Branch is accepting book donations for its 2017 used book sale. With the exception of Reader’s Digest condensed books and textbooks, all books in good condition are appreciated. Books may be dropped off only between 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays at the Freehold Savings Bank, 65 W. Main St., Freehold, or call Joan at 732-431-2297 for drop-off instructions.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host demonstrations of a 19th century grist mill at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township, from 1-4 p.m. April 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. There is no cost to attend the demonstration.
• Come and explore the woods and wetlands of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, on Earth Day, April 22. Meet at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center. The day will include nature walks, live reptile and amphibian presentations, children’s crafts, and more. Activity times: animal presentations at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; nature walks at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• See master craftsman Tom Kelleher create a wooden bucket using centuries old techniques and tools at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township, from noon to 4 p.m. April 22-23. There is no cost to attend the demonstration.
• A Holocaust Remembrance Evening will be held at the Center for Jewish Life, 176 Route 79 North, Marlboro, at 7 p.m. April 24. The lives and heroism of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust will be commemorated. There is no charge for this event. To RSVP, call 732-316-7600.
• The Monmouth County Audubon Society will host a walk at Seven Presidents Park, Long Branch, at 10 a.m. April 30 to look at nesting shorebirds and to examine the role of the shorebird monitor program in the birds’ protection. Meet at 10 a.m. in the north parking lot (corner of Ocean Avenue North and Atlantic Avenue) outside the Skateplex. All are welcome to attend. Participation is free and advance registration is not required. Details: http://www.monmouthaudubon.org
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America-Monmouth Chapter welcomes stitchers of all levels. There are sit and stitch tables at each meeting, as well as special projects. Day stitchers will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 at the Colts Neck Community Church, 25 Merchants Way, Colts Neck. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or visit www.mcega.org
• The Adelphia Fire Company, 925 Adelphia Road (Route 524), Howell, will hold its annual Steak Bake and Gift Auction on May 6. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner from 7-9 p.m. Ticket donation: $35. Includes all you can eat steak, fries, salad, dessert, soda/tea and beer. For tickets, email Mark or Katie at [email protected]
• 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 Marlboro Jewish Center will sponsor an Israel Adventure for Women from June 25 through July 6, 2017. The tour will visit traditional and off-the-beaten-path sites, and include Shabbat in Jerusalem and a stop in Tel Aviv. The itinerary includes talks with Israeli women who will bring their experiences and passions to life. Details: [email protected]
• A new cancer support group will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Monmouth Worship Center, 37 Vanderburg Road, Marlboro. A prayer group will meet at 8:30 p.m. Details: 732-332-9600.
• Abraham Lincoln High School, Brooklyn, N.Y., Class of 1967 will reunite at 6 p.m. April 23 at Gargiulo’s Restaurant, Coney Island. Details: [email protected] or 917-363-2500 or David Coleman at 732-547-2340.
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance will meet in the spiritual center of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, from 7:30-9 p.m. every Thursday. Details: 732-536-5826 or 732-320-0029.
Items for the Datebook may be sent via email to [email protected]. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.