• Residents interested in a career in the culinary or pastry arts are invited to a free open house at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at the Culinary Education Center, 101 Drury Lane, Asbury Park. The center is a collaboration between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Vocational School District. Attendees will be able to meet with faculty and tour the center’s professional-grade facilities. To RVSP or for more information, call Elizabeth Lehmann at 732-774-3782.
• The Allentown Lions Club will host an Easter Eggstravaganza Hunt on March 24 at 9 a.m. in Dr. Farmer’s Park on Lakeview Drive. There will be special prizes for gold and silver eggs. Age groups are: 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12. Meet the Easter Bunny. This is a free event and pre-registration is not required.
• The Allentown Lions Club will host the 12th annual Run With the Eagles 5K Run, 5K Walk, 5K Two-Person Relay and 1-mile Fun Run on April 7 at the Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Route 539, Upper Freehold. Proceeds benefit local and regional community organizations. There will be team and individual awards, refreshments and T-shirts available. Register online at Eagles5K.com. Walk-up registration at 8 a.m.; fun run at 9 a.m.; 5K events at 10 a.m.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is seeking women who like to sing. Women are invited to join the chorus at its open guest night on March 7 from 7:15-10 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St., Freehold. Details: 732-446-9782.
• Newspapers: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly<0x201D> will be the topic of the 2 p.m. March 11 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. Shamele Jordon will take her audience into the world of newspapers beyond obituaries to show what researchers can try when traditional records fall short. The public is invited to attend. Details: 732-747-0090.
• Allentown will host a rabies clinic from 9-11 a.m. March 24 at the municipal annex on Church Street. There is no cost to have a pet vaccinated and residents of all towns may bring their pet for a rabies vaccination. Allentown residents may register or renew their pet’s license at the same time. Cash or check payable to the Borough of Allentown will be accepted for license renewal.
• Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey will host its third annual Pink Power Party fundraiser at iPlay America, Freehold Township, on March 8. This “girls night out” will feature champagne and cocktails, shopping and vendors, and live entertainment. The event will benefit the organization’s mission to end breast cancer. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and may be purchased at tickets.iplayamerica.com
• The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County will present a program about container gardening at 7 p.m. March 6 at the Allentown Library, 16 S. Main St., Allentown. The master gardeners will discuss the proper planting and care of a container garden. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 609-259-7565.
• The New Egypt Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary of Plumsted will hold its annual chicken salad and bake sale on March 25. Residents of all communities are invited to place an order. Pre-orders for chicken salad must be placed by March 15. A pints costs $6.50 and a quart costs $13. Details: Debbie, 738-2241, or Sheila, 609-306-8831.
• Basket and Bag Bingo will be presented by the Cookstown Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary on April 14 at the New Egypt Elks Lodge, 105 Lakewood Road (Route 528), New Egypt. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bingo starts promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person. Call Karen Ivins at 609-668-2030 for tickets and more information.
• iPlay America, Freehold Township, will host Sonny the Bunny for a “Colossal Carrot Adventure!” from 10 a.m. to noon March 24. This event is free, but registration is required. Participants will collect Easter eggs filled with treats and prizes. There will be a VIB! (Very Important Bunny!) breakfast with Sonny the Bunny, $14.95 for children ages 2-12, and $24.95 for adults. Details: https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/colossal-carrot-adventure/
• 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 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]
• 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. Feb. 27 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.