• The Monmouth County Park System will host its annual Creative Arts and Music Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 at Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. This juried arts festival features specially selected artists’ works of pottery, photography, jewelry, paintings and other mediums. The family friendly event includes free activities, artist demonstrations and live music. Admission and parking are free. Face masks are required inside buildings or when social distancing cannot be maintained. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.
• 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, Howell. Residents may bring their unwanted, unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs to the anonymous drop-off, no questions asked. Remove or black out names from prescription bottles. 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
• New Jersey Blood Services is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled in the near future: May 4, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell 1:30-8:30 p.m.; May 5, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; May 6, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; May 11, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; May 12, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; and May 13, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m. To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County will present “Kreplach and Dim Sum – Yes, There are Jews in China!” at 2 p.m. May 2. The event will be a Zoom talk by Robyn Helzner. Admission is free (donations are welcome). For reservations, call 732-252-6990, email [email protected] or visit www.jhmomc.org
• 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, Howell. Residents may bring their unwanted, unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs to the anonymous drop-off, no questions asked. Remove or black out names from prescription bottles. Batteries must be removed from vaping devices and e-cigarettes, and needles and syringes cannot be accepted. Details: Visit the Howell Alliance website at http://www.twp.howell.nj.us/53
• CentraState Medical Center is launching a new online grief support group led by licensed clinical social workers certified in grief counseling to assist individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The group is open for adult members of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The private groups will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to share their emotions and struggles. The group will meet via Zoom on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3 p.m. beginning May 6. To register, call 732-303-5170 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus (a chapter of Sweet Adelines International) is holding a virtual membership night on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. The chorus sings four-part a cappella harmony. Individuals who like to sing, love to learn, have fun and make new friends are invited to visit the chorus’ rehearsal. Send an email to [email protected] or call 732-446-9782 to receive a link to join the event.
• The Ramtown Fire Company of Howell will host its fifth annual golf outing on May 3 at the Pebble Creek Golf Club, Colts Neck. Registration at 7:30 a.m. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Hole sponsorships available. Cost is $130 per golfer. For tickets or sponsorship information, call 732-458-022 or email [email protected]
• The Art Society of Monmouth County will host the Ruth Crown Memorial Art Exhibit sponsored by the Crown family in memory of their mother, water colorist Ruth Crown, a founding member of the Monmouth Arts Gallery, the endowment from which funded the formation of the Art Society of Monmouth County. The exhibit will display a wide range of members’ artwork at https://www.artsocietyofmonmouthcounty.org/ beginning April 10. An awards reception will be held April 24 at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. To “attend” the Zoom presentation, emails with the Zoom link will be sent to those who have subscribed to the society’s e-newsletter from its website.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host the Casual Birder on April 27 at 9 a.m. at Shark River Park, Wall Township (meet in the parking lot). Join a park system naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk. Free. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or 732-842-4000.
• 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.