DATEBOOK

 Flutist Marjorie Koharski and guitarist Keith Calmes will perform holiday favorites at the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, at 7 p.m. Dec. 10. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. To register, call 732-928-4400, Option 4, or visit the website www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Restaurants to host weekend fundraiser

The Turning Point restaurants will host a fundraiser, “Eat, Drink and Be Caring … Serving the Mission of LADACIN Network,” on Nov. 15-16 at its locations in Manalapan, Long Branch, Little Silver, Holmdel, Brick Township, Marlton and Sea Girt.

Proceeds will benefit the LADACIN Network, which provides educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services for infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays.

Restaurant staff members raise awareness and rally support for LADACIN by promoting the fundraiser to patrons. In return for a donation of $20 or more to LADACIN, the Turning Point offers guests gift cards for free entrees on a future visit.

 The Jackson Memorial High School cheerleaders will hold a gift auction on Nov. 15 at the Amvets hall, 1290 Toms River Road, Jackson. The event is a fundraiser to help support the program.

Last year the team won the Large Varsity Division at the Americheer Internationals cheer competition in Orlando, Fla., and they hope to defend their title in March. The presale cost of tickets is $10. Tickets will be available at the door for $12. Coffee, tea and dessert area included in the ticket price. For tickets, call 201-424-5614 or 732-547-6928 after 4 p.m.

 Chess Night at the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 9. The event is for students in grades 6-12. Registration is suggested. Details: 732-928-4400.

 The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will hold a Red Cross blood drive at 10 a.m. Dec. 27. Visit www.redcrossblood.org for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Details: 732-928-4400.

 Wartime-era veterans from Jackson and surrounding areas are invited to join American Legion Post 504, an arm of the nation’s largest veterans organization. Those currently serving, along with honorably discharged veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War; in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama and the Gulf War; and in the war on terrorism are eligible to join. Details: 732-363-6477 or [email protected].

 The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, will offer Soup Blending Fun with Amy at 6 p.m. Dec. 30. Blended soups and a tasting bar will be offered. The event is open to those ages 12-18. Registration begins Dec. 8. Details: 732-928-4400.

 The Adelphia Fire Company, Route 524, Howell, will sponsor an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 7. The cost is $8 or $6 for age 8 and under.

 The Howell Library, 318 Old Tavern Road, Howell, will offer a LEGO book club at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 19. Read any book for this club, but “Star Wars: Who Saved the Galaxy?” by Catherine Saunders is suggested. Read, discuss and make a LEGO creation. Details: 732-938-2300.

 The Howell Library, 318 Old Tavern Road, Howell, will offer dog reading therapy at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19. Read to dogs P.J. and Styx to build reading confidence. Details: 732- 938-2300.

 Crafters and vendors are needed for a craft, bake and vendor show to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Oak Tree Park, Jackson. Spaces are $15 each. Details: Donna Mannes, 732-534-5526.

 “Celebration of Dogs and the People They Love,” a collection of portraits by professional photographer Michael Bagley, will be on display at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. Bagley has captured the heartwarming bond between caregiver canine therapy dogs and the elderly individuals they visit. There will also be an opportunity to meet some of the dogs. Details: 732-928-4400.

 The New Egypt High School Warrior Band and Drill Team is selling 24-inch live balsam wreaths for $17.95. Proceeds will support the band and the drill team. Wreaths will be delivered on Nov. 30. To purchase a wreath, email [email protected].

 Letters addressed to Santa and postmarked Nov. 24 through Dec. 12 will be forwarded to Santa by the township of Howell. Send letters to Township of Howell, c/o Santa, P.O. Box 580, 4567 Highway 9 North, Howell, NJ 07731. Include a return address. Details: 732-938-4500, ext. 2106.

 A fish fry sponsored by the New Egypt Elks will be held 6-8 p.m. Nov. 14 at 105 Lakewood Road, New Egypt. Prices are $10 for a three-piece fish dinner, $9 for a two-piece fish dinner, $9 for a three-piece chicken dinner, $8 for a two-piece chicken dinner and $5 for all children’s dinners. All dinners include salad, coleslaw, rolls, dessert and beverages. Details: 609-304- 8469.

 The Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, will offer Rhythm & Rhyme at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The event is open to ages 9-36 months. Register at 732-928-4400.

 The Writers Group of the Jackson Library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Published and unpublished writers welcome to share their work. Details: 732-928-4400.

 Crafters and vendors are needed for the Jackson Liberty Lions Band’s second annual craft and vendor show to be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Jackson Liberty High School, 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson. Spaces are $40. Set-up begins at 8 a.m. and vendors must bring their own table, which may not be larger than 6- feet long. Details: [email protected].

 Knit-Chat-Chain, a volunteer knitting and crochet group that crafts and donates items to local hospitals and charitable organizations, is in need of yarn. The group meets twice a month on Monday evenings at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, and makes caps for newborns; blankets for shut-ins; and hats, scarves and mittens for those without. Beginners to advanced-level knitters are welcome. Details: 732-928-4400.

Items for the Tri-Town News Datebook may be sent to [email protected].

 Ghost hunting will be discussed by L’Aura Hladik Hoffman of the New Jersey Ghost Hunters Society at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Jackson library, 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson. Hoffman will discuss the haunted hot spots of the Garden State and New York City, based on her America’s Haunted Road Trip series. Included in this presentation are Charlie Brown’s restaurant, the Hotel Belvidere, the Proprietary House, Snug Harbor, the Van Cortlandt Mansion and the Palace Theater.

The program is free and open to the public, but registration is requested by calling 732- 928-4400, option 4, or visiting www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

 Healing Streams Healing Room will host a “Day of Healing” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Freehold Township Senior Center, 116 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold Township. This nonprofit ministry is affiliated with the International Association of Healing Rooms. Healing Streams Healing Room provides a place for those who are sick to come, where male and female prayer ministers seek emotional, physical and spiritual comfort and healing through prayer. All are welcome. There is no charge for a prayer visit, but donations are appreciated for the continuance of the ministry in a permanent location in the future. Details: 732-863-0546.

 A free rabies clinic will be conducted by Plumsted Township from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the New Egypt firehouse, 59 Main St., New Egypt. For a three-year immunization, proof of previous rabies vaccination or a current license must be brought to the clinic. Dogs must be leashed, and cats must be in a carrier. Plumsted residency is not required for pets to receive a vaccination. Details: 609-758-2241.

 International concert violinist David Podles will perform at the Jackson library at 2 p.m. Dec. 6. Podles will take his audience on a musical tour of Europe, Russia and the United States, covering classical, folk and gypsy genres. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Details: 732-928-4400.

 Jackson Detachment 1369 of the Marine Corps League seeks members for its new detachment. The group will meet on the second Monday of each month at the Jackson VFW 4703, 54 Magnolia Drive, Jackson. Details: Richard Hyjack at 732- 202-8700.