• The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, is seeking yarn donations. The Knit-Chat-Chain volunteers make items with yarn to donate to individuals in need. Donations of four-ply worsted yarn may be dropped off at the Circulation Desk during the library’s hours of operation. Details: 732-928-4400.
• Center Players Dessert Theater will hold auditions for “Same Time, Next Year” by Bernard Slade at Center Playhouse, 35 South St., Freehold, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Performances will run the weekends of Feb. 14 through March 8. Those auditioning should bring a headshot and resume if possible; sides from the show will be provided. Non-union, no pay. Details: www.centerplayers.org
• A veterans benefit featuring Vinny Pastore’s Gangster Squad, Lance Larson and the Eddie Testa Band will be held at the Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, at 8 p.m. Nov. 9. The Wonder Bar now features Big Man’s Brew Hazy Groove IPA. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Details: www.wonderbarasburypark.com
• “Big Brother” stars Tommy Bracco and Christie Murphy of Season 21 will visit The Event Center at iPlay America, Freehold Township, on Dec. 27 to greet fans and answer questions. The event is open to all ages. Tickets are on sale now and include general admission, VIP and a Super VIP 21+ pre-show party. Door times will vary and all lines will form outside. The event will start at 8 p.m. Details: www.iPlayAmerica.com/BigBrother
• A Colts Neck collectibles show featuring sports cards, coins, stamps and currency will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 at Saint Mary’s Church, Route 34 and Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. There will be 40 dealer tables. Free appraisals and free admission. All are welcome to attend. Details: 904-910-3566.
• The B’nai B’rith Ketubah Unit (55+) will host its annual Hanukkah party from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 17 at Fred & Murry’s Kosher Deli, Freehold Township. The cost is $34 per person. There will be entertainment by Dan Yates, a Tricky Tray and a full kosher deli meat buffet. Prospective Jewish couples and singles are welcome to attend. RSVP to Elaine at 908-232-0062 no later than Nov. 11.
• Monmouth County Park System will present a fall craft show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Admission and parking are free. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will host the following events during November: “It’s Cranberry Time!” at 7 p.m. Nov. 13. Andrew Anderson of Double Trouble State Park will discuss the history of Ocean County’s cranberry industry, specifically the production of the fruit in Jackson. “Armchair Traveling Series: Ultimate China (Globe Trekker)” at 10 a.m. Nov. 14. Explore the world without leaving the library. Registration is required for these free events. To register, call 732-928-4400, ext. 3808.
• The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will present the following events:
“Prose & Ink Writers Group,” 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18. This writers’ group will help get your manuscript in shape whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran. All genres are welcome. Participants should bring three to five pages of a work in progress for constructive critique. Registration is not required.
“Estate Planning, Wills and Living Wills,” 2 p.m. Nov. 18. Durmeriss Cruver-Smith of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation will discuss wills, living wills and estate planning.
“Human Sex Trafficking 101: Overview and Prevention,” 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18. Dawne Lomangino-DiMauro, co-chair of the Anti-Trafficking Task Force, New Jersey, will
provide an overview of human trafficking in New Jersey, with a particular emphasis on
the commercial sexual exploitation of minors.
“Coloring for Adults,” 10 a.m. Nov. 19. Rediscover the joy of coloring. Coloring sheets and art supplies will be provided.
“Holiday Trimming Centerpieces,” 2 p.m. Dec. 9. Tracy from Whiting Flower Shoppe will help attendees create their own holiday flower arrangement.
Registration is required for these events unless otherwise noted. To register, call the
branch at 732-928-4400.
• 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, is presenting “Preserving the Pinelands: Albert Horner’s Portraits of a National Treasure.” 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
• Vendors are still being sought for the Jackson Liberty High School Lion Band’s seventh annual vendor and craft fair to be held at the high school, 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. The event will feature vendors, free admission, free parking, a mega 50/50 and refreshments. Details: [email protected]
• Jackson Rotary Club will sponsor a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, on Dec. 2 for the Christmas show. Cost of the trip is $65 and includes bus transportation, show ticket, buffet, $15 in slot play and gratuity for the bus driver. The bus will leave Jackson at 10:30 a.m. and return at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the trip will go to Rotary Club charities. Space is limited. Contact Tom Barchie at 732-207-4029 or 732-849-6309 for reservations.
• The Jackson Library will host several business-related programs presented in partnership with SCORE of Ocean County. “How to Launch a Successful Small Business,” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4, presented by Glenn Harris. Registration is required for these free programs. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• 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 Friends of the Howell Municipal Alliance meets 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.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.