• The Howell-Farmingdale Lions will host its annual pancake breakfast at the Methodist Church, 8 Main St., Farmingdale, from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 18. A mini gift auction will follow. Donations will be accepted at the door. Details: 732-779-4199.
• The Church of Saint Monica, 679 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, will celebrate its 65th anniversary at weekend Masses on Nov. 18-19. Representatives of the church said the celebration expresses the congregation’s gratitude to God; appreciates parishioners and community for their dedication, diligence and hard work; and looks toward the future with optimism and hope.
• A meeting of the Monmouth County Retired Educators Association will be held on Dec. 12 at Shadowbrook, 1 Obre Place, Shrewsbury, at 11 a.m. Members are asked to bring a nonperishable donation for the food bank and an unwrapped book, toy or gift card for Bridges At The Shore. New members are welcome. For luncheon reservations, call Sue at 732-995-7754 before Dec. 1.
• New Jersey United Christian Academy, 73 Holmes Mill Road, Cream Ridge, will host a craft and vendor show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18. There will be crafters, vendors, food and more. All are welcome to attend. Free face painting and children’s tattoos.
• The Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2018 is seeking contestants age 60 and over. Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City will host the pageant on June 6. There are four judging categories: Evening Gown; Philosophy of Life; Talent; and Judges Interview. The winner will participate in the Ms. Senior America Pageant 2018. Individuals interested in becoming a contestant may contact Terry Meade at 609-443-3039, 908-216-8534 or via email at [email protected]
• The Elks National Foundation is offering scholarships to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Males and females compete separately and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The application is completed online and must be submitted by Nov. 27. Applications and details available at elks.org/scholars
• A choral concert will be presented at All Saints Episcopal Church, 213 Madison Ave., Lakewood, at 4 p.m. Dec. 2. The New Jersey Chamber Singers will perform traditional Christmas carols and new compositions. There will be a reception with light refreshments after and a free will offering will be taken. Free parking in the church parking lot and in two adjacent municipal lots off Second Street.
• Residents of all communities are welcome to attend a monthly all you can eat breakfast sponsored by Sons of American Legion Post 455, 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, and held on the first Sunday of every month from 7-11 a.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children (under 3 free). Breakfast features eggs, omelette station, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, pork roll, potatoes, coffee, tea, juice.
• Experience the gentle art of “forgiveness” and empathy through guided meditation exercises at the Jackson Library from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Nov. 30. The class is open to adult novice and skilled practitioners. Comfortable clothes required. Seating is limited. Register by calling 732-928-4400.
• “Coming to America: A Refugee’s Story” will be presented by author, poet and Iraqi refugee Faleeha Hassan from 2-3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Jackson Library. The free program is for adults. Register by calling 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Rotary Club will sponsor a Christmas show bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, on Dec. 11. The cost of $65 includes bus, beverages on bus, Christmas show ticket, dinner buffet, $15 in slot play and gratuity for the driver. Bus will leave Jackson at 10:30 a.m. and return at 7:45 p.m. All proceeds from the trip will go to the club’s charities. To make a reservation, call Tom Barchie, 732-207-4029 or 732-849-6309.
• Monmouth County college-bound art students are invited to apply for the 2018 Elaine Smith Memorial Art Scholarship. To apply, search online for Elaine Smith Memorial Art Scholarship and download the application. The application deadline is Jan. 31. Details: Merrill Tilker, Around the Corner Art Center, 732-308-4666.
• Jackson’s annual Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony sponsored by Bat Shalom Hadassah will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Jackson municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway. The community is invited to attend the event.
• Monmouth County has a backyard composting session scheduled at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown, on Nov. 18. The free 45-minute sessions begin at 10 a.m. and will explain the how to’s of reducing yard and household waste and improving soil. Advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, call 732-683-8686, ext. 6721.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus is seeking new members who love to sing and perform. Interested individuals are invited to attend a rehearsal. The chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Details: 732-446-9782.
• The Jackson Library’s knitting group, Knit-Chat-Chain, is seeking donations of yarn and wool. The members of the group create sweaters, hats, scarves and blankets to donate to charity. Yarn donations may be brought to the Circulation Desk during library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 732-928-4400.
• New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.