Tri-Town News Datebook, March 31

• The Howell Alliance and the Howell Police Department are participating in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24 at the Howell Police Department, 300 Old Tavern Road. Residents may bring their unwanted, unused prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs to the anonymous drop-off, no questions asked. Batteries must be removed from vaping devices and e-cigarettes before drop-off, and needles and syringes cannot be accepted. Details: http://www.twp.howell.nj.us/53

• State Theatre New Jersey presents Movie Online Trivia Night on April 7 at 7 p.m., hosted by film critic Stephen Whitty. Proceeds raised support State Theatre’s Community Engagement programs. A minimum donation of $5 allows patrons to participate in the trivia challenge. To sign up for Trivia Night, go to STNJ.org/Trivia

• Join New Jersey Health Care Networking Group for an April 14 Zoom meeting from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The networking group is a free organization for anyone in the health care industry, including those who provide ancillary products and services. Bancroft NeuroRehab is in the V.I.P. member spotlight and is hosting the meeting. To register, email [email protected] and you will receive the Zoom code to join the April 14 meeting.  Meetings take place once a month.

• The Monmouth County Park System is hiring lifeguards, camp counselors, park and golf course maintenance workers, swim instructors and more for June, July and August. For more information, visit the park system’s Summer Job Fair, to be held from 1-4 p.m. April 3 at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, 2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls. A face covering is required. Prospective employees must be at least 16 years old and a Monmouth County resident. A full listing of summer job openings can be found at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. Details: 732-842-4000, ext. 4339 or ext. 4219.

• The Guild of Creative Art and the James T. Gary Foundation will award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating Monmouth County high school senior who plans to major in the visual arts in an accredited college or art school in Fall 2021. Full-time attendance is required. Media may be painting, sculpture or photography. The application deadline is April 15. For the application and fact sheet, call 732-741-1441.

• New Jersey Blood Services is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled: April 1, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; April 5, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m.; April 6, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; April 7, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; April 8, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; April 12, Howell Donor Center, 1-7 p.m.; April 13, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m.; April 13, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; April 14, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; and April 15, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m. To donate blood, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org

• New Jersey Blood Services, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers. Blood drive volunteers assist donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation. All training is provided. For additional information, call or text Sharon Zetts at 732-850-8906, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, visit https://www.nybc.org/support-us/volunteer-nybc/volunteer-application/

• The Moms Online Group is a peer-run group for mothers seeking mutual support, coping strategies, self-care tips and wellness resources. Meets weekly via Zoom at 8 p.m. on Wednesday or by call-in. Virtual participants use zoom./us/join and meeting ID 932 2282 2193. Phone-in participants call 929-205-6099. Offered by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County. Details: Email [email protected]

• “Creativity Unleashed” is a weekly online group; participants explore art as an outlet for expression and a means to enhance positive mood and emotions. No art skills required.  Meets at 2 p.m. on Sunday online or by call-in. Use this link zoom./us/join and meeting ID 933 5544 9291. Call-in option is 929-205-6099. Offered by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County. Details: Email [email protected]

• “Dealing with Depression” is a weekly support group for individuals who have dealt with depression and individuals living with depression; peers provide support, strategies and understanding. Meets at 7 p.m. on Monday via Zoom at zoom./us/join with meeting ID 989 0902 6160 or by call-in at 929-205-6099. Offered by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey – Ocean County. Details: Email [email protected]

• Embroiderers’ Guild of America – Monmouth Chapter is dedicated to teaching and sharing the joys of needlework. The organization welcomes 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

• 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.

Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.