• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is holding an open guest night from 7:15-10 p.m. Feb. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St., Freehold. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-446-9782.
• Children ages 9-11 may take part in Monmouth County’s Grow Team program and learn gardening basics through hands-on activities on the way toward becoming a certified Junior Master Gardener. The deadline to register Jan. 31. The program will be held on Saturdays in April, May and June in Freehold Township. There is a $30 registration fee and $25 registration fee for additional siblings. Contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service of Monmouth County at 732-431-7260.
• The Jackson Library will host two screenings of the documentary “By River, By Rail: History of the Black Migration” at 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Feb. 21. The film documents the early 20th century move by African-Americans to the northern
United States in hope for a better life. Registration is not required for this free event.
• The Jackson Library will host “Chair Yoga” at 11 a.m. Feb. 13. Comfortable clothes are required. Participants must sign an injury waiver form before the event. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will host “Coloring for Adults” at 10 a.m. Feb. 6. Rediscover the joy of coloring while listening to relaxing music. Coloring sheets and art
supplies will be provided. Light refreshments. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library will partner with AARP to provide free tax assistance programs. The programs will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Attendees must bring previous year(s) returns, photo ID, Social Security or ITIN card and all relevant tax documents related to the tax years to be prepared. Assistance available to all ages. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928- 4400, ext. 3808.
• The Jackson Library will host “Mindfulness Meditation: On Healing” at 11 a.m. Feb. 23. Learn the gentle art of healing through guided meditation with visualization. This practice is open to novice and skilled attendees. Comfortable clothes are required. Registration is required for this free event. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host WinterFest on Jan. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at Thompson Park, Route 520, Lincroft. Family fun activities include cross-country skiing, hands-on activities, wagon rides, arts and crafts, photo opportunities, living history displays and more. Admission, parking and most activities are free. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• Knights of Columbus Council No. 11529 will host a blood drive for the Central Jersey Blood Center from 4-9 p.m. Feb. 1 at St. Monica Church, 679 W. Veterans Highway, Jackson. Donors must be 16 or older, weigh more than 120 pounds and have photo identification. Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are available by contacting Richard Wilson at [email protected] or call 732-492- 9888.
• The Fresh Air Fund is seeking area residents who would like to host a child this summer through the fund’s Friendly Towns Program. The children participate in activities with their host family during their stay. The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Children are boys and girls, ages 7 to 18. Details: Karen Medlin, 732-740-0449, or visit www.freshair.org
• 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 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]
• 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.