• Jackson Township artists Sue Kolb and Robert Jenkin will return to the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch in January to stage an exhibit that will remain on display through March. Kolb developed her skills with the guidance of Hungarian artist Bella Schmidt, and also of Monmouth County’s Sandy Huston, Steven Assael and Scott Nickerson. Jenkin, a self-taught artist and former teacher, incorporated art and musicianship into his former role as owner of Knolltop Country Day Camp, East Brunswick. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Details: 732-928-4400 or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events
• New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, is looking for volunteers who will assist donors at area blood drives. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided, including precautions for the safety of the staff and blood donors. 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, go to https://www.nybc.org/support-us/volunteer-nybc/volunteer-application/
• 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. 6, Howell Donor Center, 4068 Route 9 South, Howell, 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
• 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.