• “Hallowed Ground – Putting the Civil War Dead to Rest” will be the topic of a presentation by author Martin Mosho at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Allentown Public Library, 16 S. Main St., Allentown. Mosho will explore how the federal and state governments, and groups of individuals, sought to rectify a situation in which which many casualties of the war were buried in trenches or not at all. Space is limited. Registration is required. Details: 609-259-7565.
• Green Leaf of Millstone, 23 Burnt Tavern Road, Millstone Township, will host a Doggie Halloween Costume Contest from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 19. There will be Spooktacular music, face painting, food, games and costume fun; $500 grand prize for the most original costume and $100 prizes for funniest, scariest, best owner and dog, and ugliest. Free admission; dog and kid friendly. Details: 609-259-1500.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present mill demonstrations on Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 from 1-4 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township. See a 19th century gristmill in action. This is a free event. Details: 732;842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present “Here Lies . . . Historical Headstone Carving” from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 26-27 at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township. Watch a craftsman carve a traditional slate headstone while sharing some early American social history about customs for passing from this life to the next. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Allentown Public Library will present a night with Psychic Treasures Unlimited, exploring the paranormal world, at 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Attendees will learn about paranormal investigation and gain insight into the spiritual world. Space is limited and registration is required. Register in person, online or call 609-259-7565.
• Marty’s Place, 118 Route 526, Upper Freehold Township, will host a Howl-o-Ween Family Fest to help raise funds for senior dogs who live at Marty’s Place. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 (rain date, Oct. 20). Highlights include the Ruff Mudder obstacle course for dogs ($10 entry fee), canine costume contests, hay rides, police dog demonstrations, food trucks and more. Adults, children and dogs are welcome to dress in costume. Admission is $5 for adults; children under 6 are free. Details: 609-259-1278.
• The Allentown Public Library, 16 S. Main St., Allentown, will host a presentation by Muriel J. Smith, a co-author of the book “Hidden History of Monmouth County,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 22. Smith is a member of several historical societies and the Monmouth County Historical Commission. Space is limited and registration is required. Register in person at the library or call 609-259-7565.
• The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County will present a candidates forum featuring candidates for Monmouth County freeholder and sheriff at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. Meet the candidates and hear discussion of the issues. Light refreshments will be served. Details: www.lwvnj.org
• A Classic Model Toy and Train Expo will be held at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27. There will be operating layouts, spare parts for vintage and newer train models, a Lionel Tech representative available for repairs and more. Tickets are $7 for adults. Children under 10 are free with an adult and/or parent. Details: 201-207-2522 or 732-845-5966.
• The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the Freehold Township Police Department will sponsor an active shooter emergency action development workshop on Oct. 31 at iPlay America, Freehold Township. There is no cost to attend the course. Participants will gain a better understanding of why certain information needs to be in an emergency action plan. The event is open to representatives of community organizations. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Registration is available at [email protected]. Details: Lt. Daniel Pasquinucci, 732-294-2117.
• The Deep Cut Orchid Society will hold its annual orchid show and sale from Feb. 6-9 in Dearborn Market’s 11,000-square-foot greenhouse, 2170 Route 35 South, Holmdel. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Visitors will view an array of orchids vying for American Orchid Society ribbons and trophies. There will be free guided tours, and educational and orchid-themed workshops for enthusiasts of all levels. Orchid experts will be on hand to answer questions. Admission and parking are free. Dearborn Market offers fresh food and deli selections for purchase.
• The New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, will present “Preserving the Pinelands: Albert Horner’s Portraits of a National Treasure,” opening Oct. 12. The exhibition features images by photographer Albert Horner which capture the quiet beauty and intimate landscapes of New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve. A number of artifacts and scientific specimens from the museum’s collections help tell some of the stories of the land, animals, people and industries that make this unique area a state and national treasure. “Preserving the Pinelands” will be on view through June 28, 2020. Details: www.statemuseum.nj.gov
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, 310 Mount’s Corner Drive, Freehold Township, will present a talk by Susan Addelston, “The Elite Eight Jewish Supreme Court Justices,” at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. Admission is $8 for museum members and $10 for non-members. To make a paid reservation (non-refundable), call 732-252-6990, or visit www.jhmomc.org
• A craft fair will be held at the Freehold Township Senior Center, 116 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold Township, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9. Vendor tables are available ($15 for a 6-foot table). A variety of craft and holiday items will be available for purchase. Details: 732-294-2029.
• The New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton, is presenting “Many Inspired Steps” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Currently on view through Nov. 10, the exhibition uses a variety of objects and images to examine the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, the pioneers of space travel and other state connections to the landing and the space program. Admission is free; donations requested. Details: 609-292-5420 or visit statemuseumnj.gov
• “New Jersey Baseball: From the Cradle to the Major Leagues” is on exhibit at the Morven Museum and Garden, Princeton, until Oct. 27. The exhibition tells the story of New Jersey’s role in the history of early organized baseball through artifacts, text, images and other visuals. There are interactives that offer educational opportunities, as well as demonstrations with hands-on experiences. Details: morven.org
• Samaritan Center, a joint ministry of St. Thomas More and Old Tennent Presbyterian churches, operates a food pantry to provide supplementary food for those in need in Manalapan, Marlboro, Englishtown and Millstone Township. For information, call 732-446-1142 and make an appointment. Pickup dates are Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-11:15 a.m. and Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Volunteers will gladly carry food to a client’s vehicle. Donations of funds and food are gratefully accepted to support the operation of the center. Volunteers are always welcome.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.