• The Father Cetkowski Council of the Knights of Columbus, Howell-Jackson, is sponsoring the annual basketball free throw contest. All boys and girls ages 9 through 14 are invited to participate. The competition will be held on Jan. 20 at the St. Veronica School gym, Route 9, Howell. Registration begins at 2 p.m. and the competition will begin at 2:15 p.m. Winners will advance to the district competition. All contestants on the local level will be recognized for their participation. Participants must provide proof of age (i.e., birth certificate) and written parental consent. For entry forms or more information, contact Brian Curran at 908-415-4720.
• The Fresh Air Fund is seeking area residents who would like to host a child this summer through the fund’s Friendly Towns Program. The children participate in activities with their host family during their stay. The Fresh Air Fund has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Children are boys and girls, ages 7 to 18. Details: Karen Medlin, 732-740-0449, or visit www.freshair.org
• The Jackson Library will host “Mindfulness Meditation: On Loving Awareness” at 2 p.m. Jan. 19. Learn to enhance awareness through loving presence. Practice involves guided meditation and sitting in silence. This program is open to novice and skilled levels. Comfortable clothes are required. Registration is required for this free event. To register, call 732-928-4400.
• The Jackson Library is starting “All About Autism,” a new support group for parents and caregivers of individuals on the autism spectrum. The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 22. Meetings will be held once a month. The group will explore how autism affects their lives via shared information, ideas and support. Details: 732-928- 4400, ext. 4.
• The Jackson Library will host a program for adults, “Warm Winter Soups,” at 2 p.m. Jan. 31. ShopRite’s Jennifer Klein will show how to prepare healthy soup recipes. Free event. Registration is required by calling 732-928-4400.
• The Shrewsbury Chorale welcomes singers (high school age and up) of all voice types to attend open rehearsals on 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 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.