• The Jackson Library will host “Brain Health as You Age” at 11 a.m. Jan. 16. The program will review risk factors for diseases of the brain and what can be done to protect brain health at any age. This program is presented by Safe Kids Monmouth/Ocean County and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host a session of “Coloring for Adults” at 10 a.m. Jan. 9. Rediscover the joy of coloring while listening to relaxing music. Coloring sheets and art supplies will be provided. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host a book discussion about “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand at 1 p.m. Jan. 9. “Unbroken” tells the true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and his experience as a prisoner of war during World War II. Registration is not required for this free program. Details: 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host “Mindfulness Meditation: On Loving Awareness” at 2 p.m. Jan. 19. Learn to enhance awareness through loving presence. Practice involves guided meditation and sitting in silence. This program is open to novice and skilled levels. Comfortable clothes are required. Registration is required for this free event. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library is starting “All About Autism,” a new support group for parents and caregivers of individuals on the autism spectrum. The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 22. Meetings will be held once a month. The group will explore how autism affects their lives via shared information, ideas and support. Details: 732-928- 4400, ext. 4.
• The Jackson Library will host a program for adults, “Warm Winter Soups,” at 2 p.m. Jan. 31. ShopRite’s Jennifer Klein will show how to prepare healthy soup recipes. Free event. Registration is required by calling 732-928-4400.
• The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 2-7 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. All those who come to give blood or platelets from Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Make an appointment to give blood by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• The Monmouth County Archives Division’s exhibit, “New Jersey in Focus: Inventors and Innovators in Monmouth County,” is on display on the lower level of the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan. The exhibit highlights renowned and obscure inventions and their inventors. A catalog for the exhibit was created and is available for view and download at http://www.MonmouthCountyClerk.com/Archives
• 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]
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.