• A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will be held on Dec. 12 at Shadowbrook, 1 Obre Place, Shrewsbury, at 11 a.m. Members are asked to bring a nonperishable donation for the food bank and an unwrapped book, toy or gift card for Bridges At The Shore. New members are welcome. For luncheon reservations, call Sue at 732-995-7754 before Dec. 1.
• 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.
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the American Legion, 62 W. Main St. Freehold. Chapter members, DAV members-at-large who are seeking a chapter and veterans with disabilities who are seeking assistance and advice are welcome to attend the meeting. Dinner of pizza and subs is provided.
• 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
• 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.
• Jake Ruddiman, an associate professor of early American history at Wake Forest University and the author of “Becoming Men of Some Consequence: Youth and Military Service in the Revolutionary War,” will present a lecture at the Allentown Public Library, 16 S. Main St., on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 609-259-7565.
• 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.
• Keris Tree Farm and Christmas Shop, 848 Route 524, Allentown (Upper Freehold Township), will open on Nov. 18. Author and TV host Bob Richter will present “A Very Vintage Christmas” from 2-4 p.m. On Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., members of the Pineland Riders Pony Club will show their ponies and offer pony rides. On Dec. 3, the Allentown High School Woodwind Quintet under the direction of Joe Brausam will perform at 1 p.m. On Dec. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Monmouth County Livestock 4-H Club will show their farm animals. On Dec. 9 at noon, the Allentown High School Choir under direction of Megan Wolff will perform holiday selections. Details: www.kerischristmastreefarm
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus singing group is looking for new members. For more information, call 732-446-9782.
• Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, 448 Tennent Road, Manalapan, will host “Journey to Bethlehem,” a free Christmas drive-through, on its grounds from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3. Live scenes will begin with Isaiah telling of Jesus’ birth and ending with the Nativity scene. To sponsor or participate, call 732-446-6299.
• 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.