• Jackson Mayor Mike Reina is asking residents who want to serve the community to submit a Citizen Leadership Form by Dec. 15. The form may be found at www.jacksontwpnj.net. The following advisory boards and committees currently exist: Veterans Commission, Rent Leveling Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Commission, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Private Residential Communities Advisory Board, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board, Jackson Pathfinders, Environmental Commission, Historical Commission and the Shade Tree Commission. Details: 732-928-1200, ext. 1211, or email [email protected]. Indicate area of interest, background and reasons for wanting to serve.
• The Monmouth County Archives Division’s exhibit, “New Jersey in Focus: Inventors and Innovators in Monmouth County,” is on display on the lower level of the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan. The exhibit highlights renowned and obscure inventions and their inventors. A catalog for the exhibit was created and is available for view and download at http://www.MonmouthCountyClerk.com/Archives
• Jackson Mayor Michael Reina will deliver letters to Santa from children in Jackson. In order to ensure that Santa has enough time to write back before Christmas, all letters must be received in the mayor’s office by Dec. 8. Letters should be addressed to Santa Claus c/o Mayor Michael Reina, 95 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ 08527. Include the child’s name, age and address.
• DeBows United Methodist Church, corner of Route 571 and Route 537, Jackson, will host a Christmas coffeehouse on Dec. 16 starting at 5 p.m. There will be musical performers, hot chocolate/cider, Christmas cookies, a soup/chili cookoff and singing of Christmas carols. All are welcome to attend the event. Details: www.debowsumc.org
• The Aldrich School PTO, Howell, will host a vendor fair from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Vendors are being sought now. The fee is $30 per space ($40 with a table provided). Proceeds will go toward children’s activities such as cultural arts. For a contract application, email [email protected]
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus is preparing holiday music for upcoming performances. Prospective members are welcome to attend a rehearsal at the Millstone Township Primary School, 18 Schoolhouse Road, Millstone Township, on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Details: 732-446-9782.
• 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.
• 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]
• 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.
• 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 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Jackson municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway. The community is invited to attend the event. Details: 732-833-0799.
• 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.