• The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will host a concert by the North Jersey Philharmonic Glee Club at 2 p.m. Feb. 2. The Glee Club is one of the oldest continuously singing all-male groups in the Mid-Atlantic region. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• Judie Jensen, proprietor of Expressions and Reflections, will present her 16th annual student concert showcasing the talents of her students in piano, guitar and voice. U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Patrick Rosso will perform with the students, who range in age from preschool to senior citizen. The recital will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at Christ Church, 71 Oak Glen Road, Howell. Tickets available to the public at the door ($20). Details: 732-534-4594 or [email protected]
• The Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant will be held at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City on June 5. The pageant seeks ladies, age 60 and over, who best exemplify the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. Judging categories are Evening Gown; Philosophy of Life; Talent; and Judges Interview. The winner will participate in the Ms. Senior America Pageant 2019. Women who are interested in becoming a contestant may contact Terry Meade at 609-443-3039, 908-216-8534, or by email at [email protected]. Details: www.newjerseysenioramerica.org
• The Fresh Air Fund is seeking area residents willing to volunteer to host a child from New York City this summer through the Friendly Towns Program. Children are boys and girls, ages 7-18. Details: Karen Medlin, 732-740-0449, or www.freshair.org
• The Lakewood BlueClaws will host a job fair at FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 19. Interviews for ushers, security, parking, food service, bat boys, merchandise, kids zone, clean team, ticket takers, production and promotions will take place. Anyone interested in a position for the 2019 season must attend the job fair. Applications may be filled out at the job fair. All positions are part-time and run from April through the team’s last home game. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by April 1. Each position pays $8.85 per hour. Details: Steve Woloshin, 732-901-7000, ext 120.
• New Jersey Blood Services will host a blood drive from 3:30-8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Howell Elks Club, 84 Ramtown‑Greenville Road, Howell. To donate blood, call toll free, 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• Singers who love choral music are invited to an open rehearsal of the Shrewsbury Chorale. Local singers of high school age and up (all voice parts) are invited to participate in open rehearsals on Jan. 22 from 7:45-10 p.m. The chorale is preparing for April and June concerts. Rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesday evenings at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, Lincroft. Scores will be provided and both events are free. Call 908-309-0602 to audition. Visit www.shrewsburychorale.org for more information.
• 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. 23 and Jan. 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: “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 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.