• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is holding an open guest night from 7:15-10 p.m. Feb. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St., Freehold. All are welcome to attend. Details: 732-446-9782.
• Children ages 9-11 may take part in Monmouth County’s Grow Team program and learn gardening basics through hands-on activities on the way toward becoming a certified Junior Master Gardener. The deadline to register Jan. 31. The program will be held on Saturdays in April, May and June in Freehold Township. There is a $30 registration fee and $25 registration fee for additional siblings. Contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service of Monmouth County at 732-431-7260.
• The Arcadian Chorale will host auditions from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan, 883 Route 34 at Franklin Street. Individuals who like to sing and are interested in becoming new members are invited to attend an audition. Membership in the group is free. Details: www.arcadianchorale.org. To arrange an audition in advance or for further information, call 732-583-4007.
• The Monmouth County Park System will host WinterFest on Jan. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at Thompson Park, Route 520, Lincroft. Family fun activities include cross-country skiing, hands-on activities, wagon rides, arts and crafts, photo opportunities, living history displays and more. Admission, parking and most activities are free. Details: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 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.
• The Gloria Saker Women’s Heart Program at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, will host its second annual “Paint to Your Heart’s Content” event, an evening of relaxation and creativity for women and their friends, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Participants can paint and personalize their own tote bag, and learn how small changes can make a big impact for a heart-healthy lifestyle. The cost is $35 per person. To register, call 732-308-0570 or visit livelifewellnj.com/events
• 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
• Embroiderers’ Guild of America-Monmouth Chapter welcomes stitchers of all levels. There are sit-and-stitch tables at each meeting, as well as special projects. Evening stitchers will meet Feb. 5 from 7-9 p.m. at the Colts Neck Library, 1 Winthrop Drive, Colts Neck. Day stitchers will meet Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Colts Neck Community Church, 25 Merchant Way, Colts Neck. There will be stitch-ins at the Colts Neck Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16. Details: Toni, 732-462-5540, or www.mcega.org
• The Manalapan-Englishtown Community Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will host a program on Feb. 15 at Manalapan High School, Church Lane, to mobilize a community-based effort to prevent alcohol and drug abuse. Refreshments at 6:30 p.m.; program at 7:15 p.m. All residents and business operators from Manalapan and Englishtown are invited. Teenagers may attend. There is no cost and no obligation. Details: David Richardson, 732-446-8345 or [email protected]
• The American Association of University Women Freehold Branch is accepting book donations for its 2018 book sale. With the exception of Reader’s Digest condensed books and textbooks, all books in good condition are appreciated. Books may be dropped off at the Freehold Savings Bank, 68 W. Main St., Freehold, on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and noon, or contact Joan at 732-431-2297 for drop-off instructions. Proceeds from the AAUW book sale support scholarships for women returning to college and monetary awards for graduating female seniors from the six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District.
• Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Monmouth County, Marlboro, will host a free PJ Library Character Breakfast and Pajama Party for children of all ages on Feb. 11 from 10-11:15 a.m. The program is free and open to the public. There will be games, a character parade and more. Children may wear their favorite pajamas. The PJ Library sends free Jewish children’s books to children and is funded by the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey. RSVP required to [email protected] or 732-431-5525.
• New Jersey Blood Services will conduct blood drive which is open to the public on the following date: Jan. 26, Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township, 2-8 p.m. To donate blood, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
• 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.
• 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 First Baptist Church of Freehold, 81 W. Main St., holds a prayer and meditation program from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. every Wednesday. The church will be open for quiet contemplation and soft music. There will be a 15-minute prayer service starting at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the free service. Details: 732-462-1105.
• St. Thomas More Parish, 186 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan, is offering a women’s bible study program. Registration in ongoing. The program aims to bring women to a closer relationship with Christ. Details: Email Christine Melilli at [email protected] or call 732-778-4933.
• The Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold is beginning its 29th year of community service to the area, with the focus on youth (scholarships, spelling bees, essay contests, fishing derbies, holiday gifts, helping out at the local soup kitchen and supporting Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer). New members are invited to join the club. Details: 732-431-3989 or email [email protected]
• 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.
• The Deep Cut Orchid Society meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls. There is a speaker, refreshments and a discussion of plants on the show table. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome.
• The Old Bridge Toastmasters Club meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Sayre Woods Bible Church, 2290 Route 9 South, Old Bridge. The club seeks to help individuals become better speakers and better leaders. There is no cost to attend a meeting and residents of all towns are welcome to attend. Details: 908-906-4926 or http://oldbridge.toastmastersclubs.org/
• A free yoga class is offered every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Morganville United Methodist Church, 215 Conover Road, Marlboro. All are welcome. Bring a mat or a large towel. Details: 732-946-4247 or 732-536-2031.
• 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.
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance will meet in the spiritual center of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, from 7:30-9 p.m. every Thursday. Details: 732-536-5826 or 732-320-0029.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to [email protected]. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.