• New Jersey United Christian Academy, 73 Holmes Mill Road, Cream Ridge, will host a craft and vendor show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18. There will be crafters, vendors, food and more. All are welcome to attend. Free face painting and children’s tattoos.
• The Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2018 is seeking contestants age 60 and over. Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City will host the pageant on June 6. There are four judging categories: Evening Gown; Philosophy of Life; Talent; and Judges Interview. The winner will participate in the Ms. Senior America Pageant 2018. Individuals interested in becoming a contestant may contact Terry Meade at 609-443-3039, 908-216-8534 or via email at [email protected]
• The Elks National Foundation is offering scholarships to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Males and females compete separately and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The application is completed online and must be submitted by Nov. 27. Applications and details available at elks.org/scholars
• A choral concert will be presented at All Saints Episcopal Church, 213 Madison Ave., Lakewood, at 4 p.m. Dec. 2. The New Jersey Chamber Singers will perform traditional Christmas carols and new compositions. There will be a reception with light refreshments after and a free will offering will be taken. Free parking in the church parking lot and in two adjacent municipal lots off Second Street.
• Residents interested in careers in the culinary arts, event planning, travel, tourism and other hospitality fields are invited to free information sessions hosted by Brookdale Community College. A culinary and pastry arts information session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Culinary Education Center, 101 Drury Lane, Asbury Park. To RVSP, call Elizabeth Lehmann at 732-774-3782. A hospitality management information session will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 in Larrison Hall, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. To RVSP, call Linda Morris at 732-224-2258.
• The Church of Saint Monica gift auction” will be held on Nov. 10 at 410 Bartley Road, Jackson. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and calling will begin at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend and have a chance to win one of many prizes. There will be theme baskets, a 50/50 raffle, food and beverages for sale, free coffee and tea, and door prizes. All proceeds to benefit the church. Donations to the church will also be accepted. Advance tickets may be purchased by contacting Rosalie, 732-928-3961, or Caroline, 732-829-5299.
• Residents of all communities are welcome to attend a monthly all you can eat breakfast sponsored by Sons of American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, and held on the first Sunday of every month from 7-11 a.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children (under 3 free). Breakfast features eggs, omelette station, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, pork roll, potatoes, coffee, tea, juice.
• Experience the gentle art of “forgiveness” and empathy through guided meditation exercises at the Jackson Library from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Nov. 30. The class is open to adult novice and skilled practitioners. Comfortable clothes required. Seating is limited. Register by calling 732-928-4400.
• “Coming to America: A Refugee’s Story” will be presented by author, poet and Iraqi refugee Faleeha Hassan from 2-3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Jackson Library. The free program is for adults. Register by calling 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Rotary Club will sponsor a Christmas show bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, on Dec. 11. The cost of $65 includes bus, beverages on bus, Christmas show ticket, dinner buffet, $15 in slot play and gratuity for the driver. Bus will leave Jackson at 10:30 a.m. and return at 7:45 p.m. All proceeds from the trip will go to the club’s charities. To make a reservation, call Tom Barchie, 732-207-4029 or 732-849-6309.
• Monmouth County college-bound art students are invited to apply for the 2018 Elaine Smith Memorial Art Scholarship. To apply, search online for Elaine Smith Memorial Art Scholarship and download the application. The application deadline is Jan. 31. Details: Merrill Tilker, Around the Corner Art Center, 732-308-4666.
• No Stigma Network is a nonprofit organization offering programs for individuals living with mental health challenges. No Stigma Network will host a bowling party fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Howell Lanes, Howell. A $20 ticket per person ($15 for those 12 and younger) purchased in advance buys two bowling games, shoe rental, two slices of pizza, soft drink and dessert. Tickets will be $25 per person on the day of the event. Other fun activities will also be available. Details: Shrabanee, 732-533-7632, or Linda, 732-939-2092, or email [email protected]
• The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey will host a dinner meeting on Nov. 9 at Christie’s Italian Seafood Grill, Howell. The restaurant is BYOB. The cost is $35 per person for society members and $45 for non-members. Cash is preferred, no credit cards. To reserve seating, call Allan Deseno at 732-780-8461 or Richard Favara at 732-861-9465. For more information, visit www.italianamericansnj.com
• From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 11, the Monmouth County Park System will host its fall craft show at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. This seasonal craft show will feature more than 50 local artists and crafters and their work. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or 732-842-4000.
• Jackson’s annual Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony sponsored by Bat Shalom Hadassah will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Jackson municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway. The community is invited to attend the event.
• Monmouth County has a backyard composting session scheduled at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown, on Nov. 18. The free 45-minute sessions begin at 10 a.m. and will explain the how to’s of reducing yard and household waste and improving soil. Advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, call 732-683-8686, ext. 6721.
• Genealogist James Beidler will present “Contrasting German Migrations” at the 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. Beidler will discuss the two major waves of German migration to the United States. The program is free and the public is welcome. Details: 732-747-0090.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus is seeking new members who love to sing and perform. Interested individuals are invited to attend a rehearsal. The chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Details: 732-446-9782.
• 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.
• 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.