• The Alan Broadbent Trio will perform at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive, Manalapan, at 2 p.m. Dec. 16, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Broadbent leads the trio which features bassist Harvie S in a jazz presentation. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and seating is on a first come, first served basis. Details: www.monmouthcountylib.org
• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, invites community members to celebrate Advent and Christmas. Sunday worship is at 9:30 a.m. and the Christmas Cantata will be presented during the Dec. 16 service. On Dec. 24, there will be a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-928-4475 or debowsumc.org
• Millstone Township Recreation invites students in grades eight through 12 to volunteer for its sports programs and special events. Young adults may complete community service hours for school, religious organizations or clubs. To see volunteer opportunities, visit www.millstonerec.org
• The Jewish Home for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Freehold Township, a new skilled rehabilitation and nursing facility serving the Jewish community, is hosting a free monthly support group called The Jewish Caregiver’s Experience. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Caregivers of all ages seeking support, resources and a Jewish perspective on managing their responsibilities are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. Call Avrum at 732-202-1000, ext. 4012, or email [email protected] for more information.
• The Allentown Public Library has announced that the Allentown afghans, which were created and sold by the Women’s Association of Allentown, are now available for the first time since 2008. The afghans were designed by Joanne Tourine and show nine historic structures, including the Imlay Mansion, Gov. Newell’s home, the Presbyterian Church, Abel Cafferty’s Mill house and the iconic mill and the Allentown Baptist Church that is now home to the library. The afghans are available in hunter green, cranberry and colonial blue. They are available for purchase at the library, 16 S. Main Street. All proceeds benefit the Allentown Public Library Association in support of the library building.
• 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.