• No Stigma Network (NSN) offers free peer support meetings and social events for community members living with mental health challenges. Meetings take place in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus at the CentraState Health Complex, Freehold Township. NSN Young Adults (18-30) support group will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 in in the Health and Wellness Center. NSN Adults Over-30 support group will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17 in the Jack Aaronson Conference Center. NSN Parents support group will meet from 7-9 p.m. March 16 in the Jack Aaronson Conference Center. Details: Visit nostigmanetwork.com, email [email protected] or call Shrabanee, 732-533-7632, or Linda, 732-939-2092.
• The Monmouth County Park System is seeking people to join the Volunteer Trails Team. Visit the Thompson Park Visitor Center, 805 Newman Springs Road (Route 520), Lincroft, from 10 a.m. to noon March 10 for more information. Prospective volunteers (age 16 and up) are invited to the free training workshop. After attending the workshop, volunteers can assist during trail work sessions throughout the season. The park system is also seeking docents and individuals to assist with gardening and special park projects. Those interested in learning about these volunteer opportunities are invited to Find Your Path in Volunteering from 1-3 p.m. March 10 at the Thompson Park Visitor Center (age 14 and up). To register for either session, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4283, or email [email protected]
• “April in Paris” starring Doris Day, Ray Bolger and Calude Dauphin will be shown at the Allentown Public Library, 16 S. Main St., Allentown, at 10:30 a.m. April 25. Through a series of misunderstandings, a chorus girl travels to Paris to represent American theater and love ensues. Details: 609-259-7565.
• An annual Easter egg hunt hosted by the MOMS Club of Millstone Township will be held at 11 a.m. March 31 (rain or shine) at Wagner Farm Park, 4 Baird Road, Millstone Township. Hunt for eggs, prizes, children’s crafts, refreshments and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event is open to the public. Details: momsclubofmillstone.com
• The Villagers will meet on March 14 at the Allentown First Aid Squad, Waker Avenue. Members will share their collections. Lunch will be provided by the members. On March 28, the Villagers will visit the Mount Holly jail. New members are welcome. Details: Terri, 609-259-0393, or Anna, 609-758-3711.
• Allentown FFA Parents, Alumni and Friends (PAF) will host the 11th annual gift auction and spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. March 24 at the Hope Fire Company, 82 Route 526, Upper Freehold Township. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Allentown FFA PAF supports the Allentown High School FFA chapter throughout the year. Admission is $15. Seating is limited to the first 175 individuals (no seats will be saved). Details: 609-259‐7292, ext. 1440 or ext. 1443.
• The Manalapan Veterans Affairs Committee will host its third annual Lionel Train Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 at the Manalapan Community Center, 114 Route 33 West, Manalapan. Residents of all towns and all ages are welcome to attend. Donations will be accepted to assist veterans in the community. Details: http://www.manalapanveterans.com/
• 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.
• “Newspapers: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly” 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.
• 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. xxxx 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.