• The Monmouth County Park System has announced that at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch, daily guarded swimming began on June 13. Daily and seasonal park access passes are available. Visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. Daily park capacity will be limited to achieve mandated social distancing objectives (this applies to parking and walk-in visitors). Purchasing a season pass, or a daily access pass, does not guarantee visitors entry into the park if capacity is reached. Restrooms will be open, but are subject to periodic extended closings for cleanings throughout the day. Tony’s Place Playground and the Skateplex are currently closed.
• New Jersey Blood Services, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for volunteers whose tasks will include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Must have transportation. All training is provided. Details: Call or text Sharon Zetts at 732-850-8906, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Father Cetkowski Council of the Knights of Columbus (Howell-Jackson) will host a blood drive from 2-7 p.m. June 29 at the Columbian Club, 401 Bartley Road, Jackson.
The blood drive is being conducted with Vitalant. Donations will be by appointment only. All donors must wear a face covering. Schedule an appointment by going to https://donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/52527. Details: Brian Curran, 908-415-4720.
• Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, the eighth annual Howell-Farmingdale 5K Run and Race Walk scheduled for Aug. 26 at Howell High School has been postponed until Aug. 25, 2021, when it will be held as an evening road race. The event is sponsored by CONTACT of Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
• Residents struggling with substance use issues may call 1-844-ReachNJ to speak with counselors ready to offer assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ReachNJ is a free, confidential hotline that provides individuals with concerns about their own or a family member’s substance use immediate help and treatment referrals. The help line is always answered by a live specialist.
• The Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County has expanded community outreach with new wellness initiatives, group meetings and discussion groups related to mental health and recovery. The agency is providing support with a special focus on the pandemic. Interested participants can connect to a virtual group meeting using a cell phone or computer; video is optional, not required. Groups offered weekdays and weekends at various times. There is no cost to participate. Days and times of the virtual meetings can be found on Facebook, Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County; Instagram OceanMhanj; or by calling 732-244-0940.
• Monmouth County will hold backyard composting workshops for county residents. The free 45-minute workshop will teach residents how to reduce household waste, improve the soil for plants and reduce landfill waste. The workshops to be held at the Agriculture Building, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, on Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. and Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. Participants may purchase the Earth Machine backyard composting bin at the session for $35. Advance registration is required. Call 732-683-8686, ext. 8967.
• Monmouth County has scheduled paper shredding events for county residents. The shredding events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations: July 25, Memorial/Adelphia schools, 485 Adelphia Road, Howell. County residents may bring up to 100 pounds of documents to be shredded. Large binder clips must be removed from documents; staples and paper clips can remain. The service is free. Details: Visit the recycling section of www.visitmonmouth.com or call 732-683-8686, ext. 8967.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.