• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct blood drives which are open to the public. The following blood drives are scheduled: Oct. 22, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Oct. 23, Howell Donor Center, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Oct. 27, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Oct. 28, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Oct. 29, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Oct. 30, Howell Donor Center, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To donate blood or for information about how to organize a blood drive, call toll free:, 1-800-933-2566, or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct blood drives which are open to the public. The following blood drives are scheduled: Nov. 3, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Nov. 4, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Nov. 5, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Nov. 6, Howell Donor Center, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Nov. 10, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Nov. 11, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Nov. 12, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Nov. 13, Howell Donor Center, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To donate blood or for information about how to organize a blood drive, call toll free:, 1-800-933-2566, or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, will host a concert by New Jersey’s own “Libby Prison Minstrels” on Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. The Libby Prison Minstrels are known for 18th and 19th century Americana music. This is a free outdoor event; bring your own chairs; weather permitting. Details: www.debowsumc.org
• The Monmouth Civic Chorus will present a virtual performance of “Joy to the World: From Our Homes to Yours” at 4 p.m. Dec. 20. This is a free event. Email [email protected] with the subject line “Joy to the World” to register. The virtual chorus of more than 60 voices will be joined by celebrated baritone Kenneth Wasser.
• The Monmouth County Library is offering a weekly virtual bereavement meeting for all
those who have lost a loved one and are navigating the maze of emotions and trying to make decisions in a new way. The virtual meetings are led by Beth Stamp, a support facilitator, and provide an opportunity for people to share experiences, feelings and ideas.
Sessions are conducted on Webex and registration is possible on Eventkeeper in order to receive information on how to access the meetings, held Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m.
Details: Email [email protected]
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America – Monmouth Chapter is dedicated to teaching and sharing the joys of needlework. The organization welcome stitchers of all levels. Evening stitchers will meet via Zoom on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Day stitchers will meet via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or visit website:www.mcega.org
• The Monmouth County Park System will present The Casual Birder at 9 a.m. Oct. 27 at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell (meet in the Environmental Center parking lot). Join a naturalist for a laid back morning bird walk. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present a 19th century woodworking demonstration from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel.
Watch a carpenter use 19th century woodworking and carving tools during this demonstration. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.
• Families and individuals seeking help in autism-related matters may access a database through the Ocean County Library website. The OCL Autism Resources Center offers links to groups that help those on the autism spectrum and their caregivers. There are links to services available through New Jersey state government agencies, and local, statewide and national autism-related organizations devoted to education, employment training, housing assistance, therapy, medical practices, multiple services, information and referral, safety, and legal issues. Details: www.theoceancountylibrary.org/autism.
• Participating in yoga benefits physical and mental health and influences positive thought. It alleviates mental stress, develops better physicality and enhances emotional well-being. Yoga postures are a form of meditation in motion that help release tension and emotional stress. Honor Yoga is offering free classes at 8 a.m. Tuesdays and 6 p.m. Thursdays with instructor Michelle Gerdes. To register, visit http://honoryoga.com/yfew
• 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.
• 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.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.