Tri-Town News Datebook, Dec. 22

• The Monmouth County Park System will host a Yarn Bee on Jan. 8 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. All are welcome to attend and work on their own project. Knit or crochet at your own pace; farm staff will be on hand to assist those who need a little extra help. Bring your own supplies. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $5 per person; cash or check only. Details: 732-842-4000.

• The Monmouth County Park System will host Cutting, Splitting and Hewing on Jan. 9 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams. Open to adults. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.

• The Monmouth County Park System will host the Casual Birder on Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. Join a park system naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.

• The Monmouth County Park System will host Nature on the Move – Winter Days: Adaptations – How Do Animals Stay Warm in the Winter? on Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Township, meet in the shelter building parking area.
Look for the park system’s colorful Nature on the Move van and join a park system naturalist for a 45- to 60-minute hands-on interactive program. Keep warm with hot cocoa while exploring how nature survives the colder weather through fun games and activities. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.

• New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, is conducting blood drives on the following dates: Jan. 4, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell. 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 5, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Jan. 6, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 11, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 12, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Jan. 13, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 18, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 19, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Jan. 20, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 25, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 26, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Jan. 27, Howell Donor Center, 1:30-8:30 p.m. To donate blood, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org

• The Monmouth County Park System is seeking entries for its “The Silence of Winter” exhibit. The exhibit, to be held from Feb. 4 through March 26 at the Gallery in the Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft, will feature works inspired by the serenity and stillness of winter. This theme is open to any work that captures the energy of the season, whether through color use, aesthetic choice, or subject matter. Non-traditional and traditional renderings of winter are welcome. Entry deadline is Jan. 14. An entry form is available on The Gallery at Thompson Park page at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com

• New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, is hosting a blood drive that is open to the public on Jan. 6 at the Jackson Mills Fire Station, 465 North County Line Road, Jackson, from 1-7 p.m. To donate blood, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org

• New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled: Dec. 28, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 29, Howell Donor Center, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Dec. 30, Howell Donor Center, 12:45-7:45 p.m. To donate blood or for information about how to organize a blood drive, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org

• The Monmouth County Park System will present a Clear the House Stroll on Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown. Clear the house by sending family and guests on a stroll with a park system guide. This stroll takes place on even paths and at a slow pace. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.

• The Monmouth County Park System will present Nature on the Move: Winter Days on Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. at Holmdel Park, Holmdel, meet in the shelter building parking area.
Look for the park system’s colorful Nature on the Move van and join a park system naturalist for a 45- to 60-minute hands-on interactive program. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.

• For individuals who are dealing with depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety, there is support available that is free, confidential and led by a trained facilitator. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance meets on Wednesdays from 12:30-2 p.m. at Brighter Days Community Wellness Center, 268 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson. There are no physicians or therapists in the group, just individuals who live with a mental health condition. Members strive to support to each other and share their stories. Details: Valerie, 610-766-0658, or visit dbsalliance.org
• A new online support and discussion group for women in the workplace is being offered by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, which has an affiliate office in Ocean County. The focus is on women who have experienced emotional, physical or sexual intimidation or abuse on the job. The group, Life in Waves, is meeting online twice a month via Zoom. Through the group, members share resources and strategies to improve their mental health. Life in Waves meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. To receive a link, call 609-652-3800 or email [email protected]

• CentraState Medical Center has launched 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 provide a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to share their emotions and struggles. The group meets via Zoom on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3 p.m. To register, call 732-303-5170 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

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