• “Migration Patterns” will be the topic when the Monmouth County Genealogy Society meets at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. Mark White, the Monmouth County Genealogy Society president, will explain how people spread across the globe, where they came from and how today’s diverse world community came about. The program is free and the public is welcome to attend. Details: 732-747-0090.
• The Italian American Cultural Society of New Jersey invites the public to its dinner meeting on Jan. 11 at Basile’s Italian Restaurant, 536 Park Ave, Freehold. The restaurant is BYOB. The cost is $35 per person for society members and $45 for non-members. To reserve seating, call Rob DeSalvatore at 732 984-8482 or Lou Orrichio at 732 221-1790.
• CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center will host a free community health fair on Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be wellness screenings, fitness classes and demonstrations, family fun and more. All are invited to attend the event at the CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center, 901 W. Main St. (Route 537), Freehold Township. There will be healthy food and information displays provided by local businesses and vendors. Details: 732-845-9400 or centrastatefitness.com
• The 10th annual LADACIN Plunge will be held at Main Beach in Manasquan on Jan. 13. The event will support LADACIN’s services for more than 3,500 infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays living in Monmouth and Ocean counties. On-site registration will begin at Leggett’s Sand Bar and Restaurant at 10:30 a.m. The plunge into the Atlantic Ocean will take place at 12:30 p.m. Details about sponsorships, pre-event registration and donations may be found at www.ladacin.org or by calling Cathy Claps at 732-493-5900, ext. 263.
• The Mayor’s Traffic Ad Hoc Committee in Allentown is soliciting feedback and comments from residents regarding any vehicular issues they may have experienced (cars or trucks hitting a home or a parked car, cars or trucks breaking street pipes, speed concerns, pedestrian safety and decreasing home values). Two meetings will be held at the Allentown First Aid Squad, Waker Avenue, at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 and Feb. 1. Residents may bring photos, videos, insurance claims and police reports that document their traffic concerns.
• The Shrewsbury Chorale welcomes singers (high school age and up) of all voice types to attend open rehearsals on Jan. 16 and Jan. 23 from 7:45-10 p.m. The repertoire ranges from classical to lighter fare. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, 1475 West Front Street, Lincroft. Scores provided. Free. Call 732-747-1362 or visit www.shrewsburychorale.org. For auditions, call 609-686-9140.
• The Italian American Association of Monmouth County will host La Befana on Jan. 7 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Hall, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. The cost is $15 (ages 3-10) and $25 (adults) and includes a performance of the Legend of La Befana, buffet, coffee, tea, complimentary wine, baked goods and a goody bag for the children. Pranzo (lunch) will be served from 1-2:30 p.m. The play will start at 2:30 p.m. There will be an auction table, a 50/50 and Italian music. All are invited to attend. RSVP by Dec. 31. Download the form and information at www.iaaofmc.com. Details: Cheryl Scuorzo, 732-536-5832.
• Area residents interested in forming a Bridge playing group may contact Christy Kramer by text or phone at 732-492-7322, or email at [email protected]. The group would be open to all ages, males and females. The goal would be to meet once a week on a regular schedule. A possible location for the group to meet is in Millstone Township.
• Allentown Garden Club member Daru Sharp will share her expertise in journaling about home gardens and plants using electronic devices during a meeting on Jan. 11. Daru is a skilled gardener with knowledge of daylillies. Her gardening design skill informs her journaling. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Allentown Methodist Church, Church Street. All are welcome to attend. Details: www.AllentownGardenClub.org
• The Allentown Public Library has announced a date to view a display of the Allentown Clarkesburg Railroad display of classic toy trains. The Clarke family of Upper Freehold Township is hosting the open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at a location that is a five-minute drive from downtown Allentown. More than 700 feet of track includes six lines with bridges, tunnels and two mountains. Up to eight trains can run simultaneously. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the library, with a sign-up for a selected viewing time. To purchase tickets, stop by the library, 16 S. Main St. Details: 609-259-7565.
• 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
• 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 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]
• 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.
• 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.
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. xx 28 at the American Legion, 62 W. Main St. Freehold. Chapter members, DAV members-at-large who are seeking a chapter and veterans with disabilities who are seeking assistance and advice are welcome to attend the meeting. Dinner of pizza and subs is provided.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.