• The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey invites members of the public to its July 13 dinner meeting at Basile’s Italian Restaurant, 536 Park Ave., Freehold. Special guest Candice Guardino will speak about her new play, “Italian Bred,” coming to Asbury Park this summer. The July 13 dinner is $35 per person for society members and $45 for non-members. Cash is preferred, no credit cards. To reserve seating, call Anthony Grassi at 917-743-3311 or Richard Favara at 732-861-9465.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, will hold open rehearsals throughout the summer and auditions in all voice parts. The chorus rehearses every Wednesday from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Millstone Township Primary School, 18 Schoolhouse Road, Millstone Township. Details: Kerrie, 609-469-4537.
• Joe Grabas, genealogist, entrepreneur and author, will present “So You Want to Write a Book: Sharing Your Story and Passion” at the 1:30 p.m. July 9 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. The program is free and the public is welcome. Details: 732-747-0090.
• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, will host a church rummage sale and car wash on July 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a food concession available. All are welcome to attend. Details: debowsumc.org
• Author/historian Rick Geffken will discuss his new book, “Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore,” at the Allentown Public Library, 16 S. Main St., Allentown, at 7 p.m. July 25. Space is limited. Register in person, by phone at 609-259-7565 or online at www.monmouthcountylib.org
• The Monmouth County Fair will run from July 26-30 at the East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. Admission is $8 per person. Children 12 and under are free. The fair gate will be open from 5-11 p.m. July 26-28; from 3-11 p.m. July 29; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 30. Entries will be accepted for the Home and Garden competition. To download a brochure, visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com
• A concert to benefit Special Strides will be held at 8:30 p.m. July 7 at Congress Hill Farm, 118 Federal Road, Monroe Township. Special Strides is a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the lives of individuals with special needs through horses, therapy and affordances of a natural environment. The community is invited to the free concert. Bring blankets and chairs. Details: www.specialstrides.com or 732-446-0945.
• The Friends of Millstone Township Historic Registered Properties are asking residents to submit their favorite recipes to be included in a community cookbook. The cookbook is a fundraiser for the organization. A recipe submission form may be found at mtfriendsofhistory.org and click on the cookbook tab. Forms may be emailed to [email protected]. Following its publication, the cookbook will be sold for $12.95.
• 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.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.