• New Jersey Blood Services is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled in the near future: May 18, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; May 19, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; May 20, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; May 20, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m.; May 23, Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Road, Aberdeen Township, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; May 24, North Centerville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, 372 Middle Road, Hazlet, 1-7 p.m.; May 25, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; May 26, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; May 27, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; May 28, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, 1-7 p.m.; and May 29, AOH/Knights of Columbus Middletown, 12 Route 36, Middletown 9 a.m. to 3 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 2021 Discussion Series will present “Managing the COVID Stressors!” as a ZOOM webinar at 6:30 p.m. May 25. The presenters will be Jeanne Koller, assistant professor, School of Social Work, Monmouth University, and Dr. Gail Reilly, a board-certified family physician. Topics include the impact of COVID 19 on people’s lives; potential challenges/potential opportunities; and various approaches to improve wellness. The series is sponsored by Kathy Lo Bue, managing director, Glen Eagle Advisors, LLC. Call 732-866-6660 for Zoom webinar registration information. The series is free, non-sectarian and open to the community.
• No Stigma Network Inc. is observing National Mental Health Awareness Month by promoting a virtual walk to raise funds to support NSN’s efforts for its survivors. NSN is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to eliminate bias and stigma related to mental health. The young adult members, or survivors as they are addressed, battle mental health challenges. NSN provides free support meetings and social, educational and cultural opportunities to empower its survivors to live a healthy, happy, productive, independent and stable life. Visit nostigmanetwork.org for sign up information. Details: David Jacobs, 732-259-1445.
• The Monmouth County Park System will present the Casual Birder on May 18 at 9 a.m. at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell (meet in the Visitor Center parking lot). Join a park system naturalist for a 90-minute bird walk. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Accordion Melodies of the 1890s on May 15 from 1-3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present a 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration on May 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See how a carpenter uses 19th century woodworking and carving tools during this demonstration. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Monmouth County Park System will present Historic Battery Lewis tours on May 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 30 from 1-3 p.m. at Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands (Rocky Point section). Tour the restored Historic Battery Lewis and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. Face mask required. This is a free event. Details: 732-842-4000 or www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present “Famous Jews You Never Heard Of,” a talk by Rabbi Michael Klein, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell, on May 23 at 2 p.m. Admission is free (donations are welcome). To make a reservation and receive the Zoom link, call 732-252-6990, email [email protected] or visit www.jhmomc.org
• New Jersey Blood Services is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled in the near future: May 13, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell, 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
• 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 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/
• 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.