• 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.
• The Howell Alliance will host a Healthy Community Think Tank on Jan. 6. Topics discussed at quarterly meetings include social media/technology use, vaping, underage drinking, marijuana use and mental health. Community members are welcome to share their ideas and perspective in an informal environment to enrich the community’s commitment to youth at-risk behavior prevention. No membership is necessary. The 2020 meeting dates are Jan. 6, April 6, July 6 and Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at Echo Lake Pavilion, 1225 Maxim-Southard Road, Howell. Details: 732-938-4500, ext. 4012, or [email protected]
• “Fine Feathered Friends: Birds as Mainstay and Muse” will open at the New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, on Jan. 4. The exhibition brings the fun of bird watching indoors through nearly 200 rarely seen artifacts and specimens exploring birds as an ecological mainstay and their role as a design-inspiring force, or muse, for New Jersey artisans. The exhibition will be on view through Sept. 13. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; closed on Mondays and state holidays. Details: www.statemuseum.nj.gov
• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 26 at
the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. Blood donors of all types are needed. Individuals with type O blood are especially needed. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• Ramtown Fire Company, 88 Ramtown-Greenville Road, Howell, will sponsor the following events: Dec. 15, Pancakes with Santa at the fire station from 8-11 a.m.; Dec. 21, annual Santa Ride through Ramtown. Santa will leave the fire station at 10 a.m. and travel through Ramtown to greet all his friends and neighbors. Santa will once again be collecting food for the Howell Food Pantry. Details: 732-458-0222.
• Knights of Columbus 11529 are selling Christmas trees for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other local charities. The Christmas tree lot is at Glory’s market, corner of Route 526 and Route 527, Jackson. Fraser Firs between 4 feet and 14 feet are available for purchase. Also available are decorated wreaths and grave blankets. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 1-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Details: Chris Althaver, 732-691-5461.
• Jews of India: The History and Practices of the Bene Israel, Cochin and Baghdadi Jews will have an opening reception from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township. Suggested donation is $15 per person, free for children and students. Details: 732-252-6990 or https://www.jhmomc.org
• The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will host the following programs in December: “Prose and Ink Writers’ Group” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 23 and 30.
Beginning and seasoned writers will work together to get their manuscripts in shape.
All genres are welcome. Participants should bring three to five pages of a work in
progress for constructive critique. No registration is required; “Armchair Traveling Series: Best American Treks (Global Trekker)” at 10 a.m. Dec. 12. Explore the world without leaving the library. This documentary will take guests on the most scenic routes in the United States; “Afternoon Film” at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Watch a movie on the big screen (free admission). Call 732-928-4400 for film information; “Brain Joggers” at 10 a.m. Dec. 16. Exercise your mind by playing games and working puzzles; “Winter Teddy Bear Building for Adults with Special Challenges” at 11 a.m. Dec. 19. Participants will make a winter-themed teddy bear with artist Debby Pease and are welcome to bring a bagged lunch. Caregivers must remain with the registered adult participant for the duration of the program; “Evening Film” at 6 p.m. Dec. 23. Watch a holiday movie on the big screen (free admission). Call 732-928-4400 for film information. Registration is required for these free programs unless otherwise noted. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• Christmas concerts will be presented at DeBows United Methodist Church, 509 Monmouth Road (Route 537), Jackson, during Advent. The concerts are free and all are welcome to attend. Concert dates are: Dec. 15 at 2 p.m., “The Season of the Nativity,” performed by the Libby Prison Minstrels. Any donations received will benefit the ministries of DeBows UMC. Details: www.debowsumc.org
• Enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas at Historic Longstreet Farm, Longstreet Road, Holmdel, from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 21-22. Children can visit with Santa, take a walk to the farmhouse and have a cup of cider. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000.
• A Wondrous Winter Walk will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 18 at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, meet in the Environmental Center parking lot. Tag along with a Monmouth County Park System naturalist and explore nature in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Sturdy footwear is recommended; trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000.
• Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 124 East Pleasant Grove Road, Jackson, will host a Christmas Eve service at 3 p.m. Dec. 24. All are welcome to attend and to bring family members and friends. Details: Email Denise Tiedemann, pastor, at [email protected]
• Jackson will host its annual Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony from 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Jackson municipal building, 95 Veterans Highway, Jackson. All community members are invited to attend. The event is sponsored by Bat Shalom Hadassah and Chabad. There will be music and refreshments inside, before the menorah lighting outside.
• Travis Zajac of the New Jersey Devils will make an appearance at The Event Center @iPA, Freehold Township, on Jan. 5 for an exclusive Q&A and meet and greet with fans. Zajac was selected by the Devils in 2004 as the 20th overall pick and has been with New Jersey his entire career. Doors will open at noon and the event will start at 1 p.m. VIP, photo opportunity and general admission tickets are available for purchase at www.iPlayAmerica.com/TravisZajac
• “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
• 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
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.