• No Stigma Network (NSN) offers free peer support meetings and social events for community members living with mental health challenges. Meetings take place in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus at the CentraState Health Complex, Freehold Township. NSN Young Adults (18-30) support group will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 in in the Health and Wellness Center. NSN Adults Over-30 support group will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 in the Jack Aaronson Conference Center. NSN Parents support group will meet from 7-9 p.m. March 16 in the Jack Aaronson Conference Center. Details: Visit nostigmanetwork.com, email [email protected] or call Shrabanee, 732-533-7632, or Linda, 732-939-2092.
• The Monmouth County Park System is seeking people to join the Volunteer Trails Team. Visit the Thompson Park Visitor Center, 805 Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Lincroft, from 10 a.m. to noon March 10 for more information. Prospective volunteers (age 16 and up) are invited to the free training workshop. After attending the workshop, volunteers can assist during trail work sessions throughout the season. The park system is also seeking docents and individuals to assist with gardening and special park projects. Those interested in learning about these volunteer opportunities are invited to Find Your Path in Volunteering from 1-3 p.m. March 10 at the Thompson Park Visitor Center (age 14 and up). To register for either session, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4283, or email [email protected]
• An aquatics open house will be held at the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, East Freehold Road, Freehold Township, from 1-3 p.m. March 18. Learn about the revamped swim lesson program. Freehold-Old Bridge YMCA swim team coaches will be on hand to distribute information. There will be facility tours, summer camp information and more. Non-members are welcome. Details: 732-462-0464.
• Tryouts for the Freehold-Old Bridge YMCA swim team will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. April 4 at the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, East Freehold Road, Freehold Township. Arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Swimmers who cannot make the group tryout or who would prefer a private tryout may email Brian Henningsen to arrange a private tryout. Times: 5-5:45 p.m., 8 and under; 5:45-6:30 p.m., ages 9-10;
6:30-7:30 p.m., ages 11-12; and 7:30-8:30 p.m., age 13 and up. Details: 732-462-0464.
• Freehold Borough’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will march down Main Street at 1 p.m. March 11. The event is co-sponsored by the Freehold Borough Arts Council and the
Ancient Order of the Hibernians Division 16. All are welcome to attend. There will be post-parade entertainment at 2 p.m. at the Elks Club, 73 E. Main St. Details: downtownfreehold.com
• The Freehold YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold Township, will host its annual pickleball tournament at 7 a.m. April 13. There will be intermediate and advanced brackets for men’s doubles and mixed doubles. The entry fee is $35 per team or $20 per individual. Registration is required by April 8. Proceeds to benefit the Ycares financial assistance program, through which the YMCA subsidizes membership and programs for low-income community members. Details: 732-462-0464.
• The Freehold Memorial Day Parade Committee, in conjunction with JB’s Diner, Route 33, Howell, will host a fundraiser from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 20. The diner will give 20 percent of a guest’s pre-tax check to the parade committee. Guests must bring the flier and present it to the cashier when paying. Visit www.freeholdmemorialdayparade.com to download the flier.
• The Manalapan Veterans Affairs Committee will host its third annual Lionel Train Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 at the Manalapan Community Center, 114 Route 33 West, Manalapan. Residents of all towns and all ages are welcome to attend. Donations will be accepted to assist veterans in the community. Details: http://www.manalapanveterans.com/
• Siloam United Methodist Church, 67 Siloam Road (Route 527), Freehold Township, will host its annual corned beef and cabbage dinner (and more) from 4-6 p.m. March 17. Dinner is buffet style, all you can eat. Residents of all towns and all ages are welcome to attend. The donation is $14 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Details: 732-928-0193 or 848-525-5883 (day of event).
• The American Association of University Women Freehold Branch is accepting book donations for its 2018 book sale. With the exception of Reader’s Digest condensed books and textbooks, all books in good condition are appreciated. Books may be dropped off at the Freehold Savings Bank, 68 W. Main St., Freehold, on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and noon, or contact Joan at 732-431-2297 for drop-off instructions. Proceeds from the AAUW book sale support scholarships for women returning to college and monetary awards for graduating female seniors from the six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District.
• American Legion Molly Pitcher Post 434, Manalapan, is seeking individuals to join the organization’s regular membership, Sons of the American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and Legion Riders. Membership is open to residents of any town. The cost of a new member’s first year of membership will be covered by the post. Details: 732-446-9872 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or Facebook @al434
• Colts Neck Friends of the Library will hold their annual book sale on March 16-17 at the Colts Neck Public Library, 1 Winthrop Drive. March 16 hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. Patrons may make a $5 donation and take part in a presale beginning at 9 a.m. On March 17, the library will hold “Bag O’Book Day.” Patrons may fill a bag with books for $5. Any teacher who shows a school ID on March 16 may take part in the “Bag O’Book Day” one day early. Sales are cash or check only.
• Myron Sugarman, author of “The Chronicles of the Last Jewish Gangster: From Meyer to Myron,” will discuss his book at 1 p.m. May 3 at the Marlboro Public Library. The book follows Sugarman’s life from 1959 to the present as he rubs elbows with legendary mob figures such as Meyer Lansky. The book will be available for $25 and Sugarman will sign copies of purchased books. Registration is mandatory and space is limited. To register, call 732-536-9406 beginning April 12.
• Residents interested in a career in the culinary or pastry arts are invited to a free open house at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at the Culinary Education Center, 101 Drury Lane, Asbury Park. The center is a collaboration between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Vocational School District. Attendees will be able to meet with faculty and tour the center’s professional-grade facilities. To RVSP or for more information, call Elizabeth Lehmann at 732-774-3782.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a regular action meeting at 54 Main St., Englishtown, at 7:30 p.m. March 20. The meeting is open to the public.
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education will hold a regular action meeting at 54 Main St., Englishtown, at 7:30 p.m. March 27. The meeting is open to the public.
• A seder plate craft project will be presented by the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County from 4:30-6 p.m. March 8 at the Around the Corner Art Center (next to the museum), 290 Mount’s Corner Drive, Freehold Township. Admission is $10 per child for age 4 and up (must be accompanied by an adult). Details: 732-252-6990.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is seeking women who like to sing. Women are invited to join the chorus at its open guest night on March 7 from 7:15-10 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St., Freehold. Details: 732-446-9782.
• Companion Animal Rescue and Education will hold its next monthly puppy adoption event at a new location – Petco, 95 Route 9 South, Marlboro (near Whole Foods), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 10. For updates or to see available puppies, visit www.carenj.com
• The Shrewsbury Chorale will hold a giant indoor garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17 at the First United Methodist Church, 103 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst. There will be hndreds of items, plus baked goods. Details: 732-747-1362.
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present “Women of the Bible,” a talk by Rabbi Brooks Susman, at 2 p.m. March 18. Admission is $8 for museum members, $10 for non-members and free for students. Details: 732-252-6990 or visit www.jhmomc.org
• Designer Handbag Bingo will be held at 7 p.m. March 23 at the Southard firehouse, 4611 Route 9, Howell. The event will benefit CONTACT of Ocean and Monmouth Counties’ 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sandwiches, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 at the door (cash only). No one under 18 admitted. Tickets can be purchased online at Designer Handbag Bingo – March 23, 2018. Details: 732-240-6104 or email [email protected]
• The First Presbyterian Church, 50 Main St., Englishtown, will host its annual pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. March 24. All are welcome to attend. Breakfast features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, juice, coffee/tea and all you can eat pancakes. Adults: $8. Children ages 5-12: $5. Details: 908-385-0203.
• Golden Years Design Benefits will present a free Medicare educational seminar at the Colts Neck Library at 6:30 p.m. March 22. Attendees will learn about the Medicare enrollment process and options. Details: 732-526-7659 or https://yourmedicaremarketplace.net/
• “Newspapers: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly” will be the topic of the 2 p.m. March 11 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. Shamele Jordon will take her audience into the world of newspapers beyond obituaries to show what researchers can try when traditional records fall short. The public is invited to attend. Details: 732-747-0090.
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America-Monmouth Chapter welcomes stitchers of all levels. There are sit and stitch tables at each meeting, as well as special projects. Day stitchers will meet March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Colts Neck Community Church, 25 Merchant Way, Colts Neck. There will be day stitch-ins at the Colts Neck Library from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or www.mcega.org
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has launched its Project Zero website at projectzeromanalapan.com. Project Zero is the alliance’s initiative to reset the narrative in Englishtown and Manalapan regarding substance abuse. The website contains information about where residents can go for assistance.
• The Monmouth County Audubon Society will sponsor an evening field trip to Big Brook Park, Route 520, Marlboro, in search of American Woodcock at 5:30 p.m. March 10. Participation is free. The group will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the park. The field trip is open to members and non-members of the Audubon Society and participation is free. Advance registration is not required. Details: http://www.monmouthaudubon.org
• A talk about “Women of the Bible” will be presented by Rabbi Brooks Susman, the founding rabbi of Congregation Kol Am, Freehold, at 2 p.m. March 18 at the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, 310 Mount’s Corner Drive, Freehold Township. Admission is $8 for museum members and $10 for non-members. Students are admitted free. Details: 732-252-6990 or https://www.jhmomc.org/events
• Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey will host its third annual Pink Power Party fundraiser at iPlay America, Freehold Township, on March 8. This “girls night out” will feature champagne and cocktails, shopping and vendors, and live entertainment. The event will benefit the organization’s mission to end breast cancer. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and may be purchased at tickets.iplayamerica.com
• The Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold is beginning its 29th year of community service to the area, with the focus on youth (scholarships, spelling bees, essay contests, fishing derbies, holiday gifts, helping out at the local soup kitchen and supporting Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer). New members are invited to join the club. Details: 732-431-3989 or email [email protected]
• 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
• iPlay America, Freehold Township, will host Sonny the Bunny for a “Colossal Carrot Adventure!” from 10 a.m. to noon March 24. This event is free, but registration is required. Participants will collect Easter eggs filled with treats and prizes. There will be a VIB! (Very Important Bunny!) breakfast with Sonny the Bunny, $14.95 for children ages 2-12, and $24.95 for adults. Details: https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/colossal-carrot-adventure/
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. xxxxx 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 First Baptist Church of Freehold, 81 W. Main St., holds a prayer and meditation program from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. every Wednesday. The church will be open for quiet contemplation and soft music. There will be a 15-minute prayer service starting at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the free service. Details: 732-462-1105.
• St. Thomas More Parish, 186 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan, is offering a women’s bible study program. Registration in ongoing. The program aims to bring women to a closer relationship with Christ. Details: Email Christine Melilli at [email protected] or call 732-778-4933.
• 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 Deep Cut Orchid Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls. There is a speaker, refreshments and a discussion of plants on the show table. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome.
• The Old Bridge Toastmasters Club meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Sayre Woods Bible Church, 2290 Route 9 South, Old Bridge. The club seeks to help individuals become better speakers and better leaders. There is no cost to attend a meeting and residents of all towns are welcome to attend. Details: 908-906-4926 or http://oldbridge.toastmastersclubs.org/
• A free yoga class is offered every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Morganville United Methodist Church, 215 Conover Road, Marlboro. All are welcome. Bring a mat or a large towel. Details: 732-946-4247 or 732-536-2031.
• 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.
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance will meet in the spiritual center of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, from 7:30-9 p.m. every Thursday. Details: 732-536-5826 or 732-320-0029.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.