• The Italian Americans Cultural Society of New Jersey will host a special new year’s 2019 annual membership drive open to the general public. Individuals who pay the $60 annual membership on or before Jan. 10 will attend the organization’s next dinner meeting at Christie’s Italian Restaurant, 2420 Route 9 South, Howell, on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. for free (a $35 value). This one-time special offer will net the membership fee for 2019 to $25. Interested individuals may contact Mike Arato at 917-709-8008 or Rob DeSalvatore at 732-984-8482. Visit www.italianamericansnj.com for more information and a membership application.
• Speaker and local expert Jason Denesevich will lecture on “A Year at Sandy Hook” at the Monmouth County Audubon Society meeting at 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at Tower Hill Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank. The public is welcome; admission is free. Denesevich has been birding in New Jersey for 15 years and has studied migration patterns at Sandy Hook for the past five years. Details: http://www.monmouthaudubon.org or email [email protected]
• There will be a turtle meet and greet at 1 p.m. Jan. 19-20 at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. The program is sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System. Guests will meet resident turtles and learn about these creatures. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• Nature Story Time will be held on Jan. 16, 23 and 30 from 11-11:30 a.m. at the
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. The program is sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System. Enjoy nature-themed stories with children ages 2 to 5. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• A “Wondrous Winter Walk” will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell, meet in the parking lot. Tag along with a Monmouth County Park System naturalist and explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, will host the following programs: An “Afternoon Film” will be shown at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 11. Free. Call 732-928-4400 for film information (PG-13, 110 minutes); “Coloring for Adults” will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 15. Rediscover the joy of coloring. Coloring sheets and art supplies will be provided; “Armchair Traveling Series: Jamaica” will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 17. This documentary will take attendees through Jamaica; “Brain Joggers” will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21. Exercise your mind by playing games and working puzzles; “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 (documentary, 52 minutes); “Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation” will be held at 3 p.m. Jan. 24. This class is an introduction to mindfulness. It is open to novice and skilled practitioners; An “Evening Film” will be shown at 6 p.m. Jan. 28. Free. Call 732-928-4400 for film information (PG-13, 100 minutes). Registration is required for these free programs. To register, or for more information, call 732-928-4400.
• The Friends of the Howell Municipal Alliance meet on the first Monday of each quarter at 7 p.m. at the Echo Lake Pavilion, Howell. Attendees may share their ideas and perspective in an informal environment to enrich the community’s commitment to substance abuse prevention. No membership is necessary. Details: 732-938-4500, ext. 4012.
• The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will host a blood drive by the American Red Cross from 2-7 p.m. Dec. 26. Donors will receive a voucher for five free items from the Friends of the Jackson Library book sale shelves. Walk-ins are allowed, but appointments are preferred. Teens at least 16 years old may donate blood with permission by a parent or guardian. To make an appointment, call the library at 732-928-4400 or the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767, or visit redcrossblood.org
• The Harlem Wizards basketball team will play a team of teachers from the Crawford-Rodriguez, Holman, McAuliffe and Rosenauer schools of Jackson at 4 p.m. Jan. 20 at Jackson Liberty High School. Doors open at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults. At the door, tickets will be $12 and $15. Additional seating plans and premium packages are available. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.harlemwizards.com
• The Jackson group of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Ocean County, will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. each Wednesday at the Brighter Days Community Wellness Center, 268 Bennett’s Mills Road, Jackson. DBSA is dedicated to helping those who suffer from depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Supportive family members or friends of people who suffer from mental health difficulties are also welcome to attend. No registration, dues or fees are necessary. Details: Maureen, 732-536-5826, or [email protected]
• 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. Details: Avrum at 732-202-1000, ext. 4012.
• Ocean County veterans meet monthly to discuss relevant subjects and to plan recreation opportunities. Topics include the transition to civilian life, the VA system, substance use, PTSD/other mental health issues and more. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Journey to Wellness Center, 25 S. Shore Drive, Toms River. Details: 732-244-0940 or email [email protected]
• 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.