• The Tri-County Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee will host an open meeting at 1:30 p.m. March 19 at the Allentown First Aid Squad, 70 Route 526, Allentown. David Emerson, an historical interpreter and storyteller, will tell colorful and ancient tales about Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall. Emerson’s presentation is free and open to the public. The presentation is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.
• The Monmouth County Audubon Society is seeking volunteers to join its board. New volunteers are needed to assist the organization with its newsletter, website, publicity, program planning, and/or assist with the organization’s scholarship program. Details:
www.monmouthaudubon.org or email [email protected]
• The Monmouth County Park System will celebrate Groundhog Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 2 at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township. Enjoy facts and folklore about groundhogs, historical winter fun, seasonal chores and signs of spring. This is a free event.
• 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 Allentown Lions Club will sponsor an art auction at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at the German American Society, 215 Uncle Pete’s Road, Trenton (Yardville). Tickets are $10 and include beer, wine, coffee, hors d’oeuvres and dessert. There will be more than 300 types of prints, sports memorabilia and originals for auction by Arin Ross Art (www.arinross.com). To purchase tickets in advance, call Doug Both at 609-915-6932.
• 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
• CentraState Healthcare Foundation will host its 57th annual Celebration Ball, “Through the Decades,” from 6-11 p.m. Feb. 2 at South Gate Manor, Freehold. Proceeds will support the Rutgers/RWJ Family Medicine Residency Program at CentraState in the new Freehold Family Health Center. The event will honor the VNA Health Group, Special Strides and Joseph Iantosca for their commitment to CentraState Healthcare System and the entire community. The event will include a silent auction, a live auction, and the winning ticket for the “A Year of Great Taste Dining Raffle” will be pulled. Details: 732-294-7030.
• Millstone Township residents who are interested in history, heritage, research and education are invited to apply for membership on the Millstone Township Historic Preservation Commission. Interested individuals may complete a talent bank application on the township’s website or in the municipal offices.
• 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.